BSA D7 Instruction Manual page 9

Open the twist grip a small amount only, as excessive opening may prevent easy
starting, and push the starter pedal down slowly until resistant is felt; then, without
releasing the pressure on the pedal, give a firm downward swing which should set the
engine in motion. If the engine fails to start at the first attempt, repeat this procedure,
being careful to avoid rapid kicking at the pedal which will serve no purpose and may
damage the operating mechanism.
Note that while it is necessary to use the carburetter air control when starting from
cold, this may not be necessary when the engine is warm, and should certainly not be
so if a re-start is made after a short wait only. During normal running the air control
must always be kept fully open and it should be opened immediately the engine fires,
or should the weather be cold, at the earliest possible moment.
Engaging First Gear
With the engine running slowly, disengage the clutch by gripping the left
handlebar lever and after a brief interval press down the gearchange pedal as far as it
will go, so selecting first gear. If the pedal will not move through its full travel, so
that the gear does not engage, ease the machine backwards or forwards slightly,
maintaining a light pressure on the pedal, until the gear is felt to engage.
Moving Off
Open the throttle slightly and gently release the clutch lever part way, until the
clutch can be felt to take up the drive, and the machine tends to move forward. Open
the throttle a little more to prevent the possibility of stalling the engine, and slowly
release the clutch lever as the machine moves away. Until the lever is completely
released the clutch is not fully engaged, so that the engine should not be speeded up
excessively or the clutch remain partly engaged, for longer than is necessary to get
the machine away in first gear.
Changing Gear (Up)
When the machine is moving steadily with the clutch fully engaged, the next
operation is to engage second gear. Close the throttle, disengage the clutch, and raise
the gearchange pedal as far as it will go, the three movements being performed
simultaneously. Immediately the gear is felt to engage, re-open the throttle and re-
engage the clutch. A similar procedure is necessary for each upward gearchange.
Changing Gear (Down)
Open the throttle slightly, disengage the clutch, and press the gear change pedal
down as far as it will go. Re-engage the clutch as soon as the gear is felt to engage.
Violent pressure on the gear lever is unnecessary, a steady movement of the pedal
being most effective. All downward gearchanges should be made in a similar
manner.
To Select Neutral
Neutral is situated between first and second gears. To select neutral from first
gear, withdraw the clutch and lift the gearchange pedal gently until it is felt to click
into the neutral position. If the lever is lifted up too far it will travel through to
second gear.
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