Mastering the Motorcycle Kickstart: A UK Rider's Guide

For many motorcycle enthusiasts, the satisfying thud and roar of a kickstarted engine is an iconic experience, a connection to the raw mechanics of their machine that modern electric starters often bypass. While electric starters offer convenience, understanding and mastering the kickstart remains a vital skill, particularly for older bikes, off-road machines, or as a reliable backup. This guide will take you through the intricacies of kickstarting your motorcycle, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to get your engine purring with confidence, even when the battery decides to call it a day.

The Enduring Appeal of the Kickstart

In an age dominated by push-button convenience, why does the kickstart persist, and why should every rider understand it? Beyond the nostalgic charm, kickstarting provides a direct, mechanical way to turn your engine over, independent of your battery's charge. It's a fundamental skill that connects you more intimately with your motorcycle's mechanics. For classic bikes, dirt bikes, or even as a contingency for modern machines with a failing electrical system, the kickstart can be your ticket home. It requires a blend of technique, patience, and understanding, turning what might seem like a chore into a rewarding part of your riding experience.

Understanding the Kickstart Mechanism

Before you even think about kicking, it helps to understand what's happening beneath the surface. The kickstart lever, typically located on the right side of the motorcycle, is connected via a shaft and gears to the crankshaft. When you depress the lever, it engages a ratchet mechanism, turning the crankshaft. This movement cycles the piston, drawing in fuel and air, compressing it, and if all conditions are met (spark, correct fuel mixture), igniting it to start the engine. Different bikes have different compression ratios and lever placements, influencing the feel and effort required for a successful kick.

The Art of the Kickstart: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kickstarting isn't just about brute force; it's about technique. Following these steps will significantly increase your chances of a successful start.

Step 1: Preparation is Key

• Fuel Check: Ensure you have enough fuel in the tank and the fuel petcock (if present) is turned to the 'ON' or 'RUN' position.
• Ignition On: Turn the ignition switch to the 'ON' position. Don't forget this crucial step!
• Choke Activation: If the engine is cold, engage the choke. The choke enriches the fuel-air mixture, making a cold start easier. As the engine warms, you'll gradually disengage it.
• Gear Selection: Ensure the bike is in neutral. Attempting to kickstart in gear can be dangerous and difficult.
• Decompression Lever (if applicable): Some higher-compression bikes, especially older thumpers, have a manual decompression lever. Engage it to make the initial kick easier, then release it for the actual starting stroke.

Step 2: Finding Top Dead Centre (TDC)

This is arguably the most critical step for many bikes, especially single-cylinder four-strokes. Kicking from the very top of the stroke can lead to painful kickback. Instead, you want to kick just past the compression stroke's peak.

• Gently push the kickstart lever down with your foot until you feel significant resistance.
• Once you hit this resistance (the compression stroke), ease the lever slightly past it. You're looking for that sweet spot where the piston is just starting its downward power stroke. This position allows for a full, unhindered kick through the entire stroke.

Step 3: Positioning for Power and Safety

Proper body positioning enhances leverage and reduces the risk of injury.

• Foot Placement: Place the ball of your foot firmly on the kickstart lever. Avoid using your arch or heel, as this can lead to slipping or insufficient force.
• Body Stance: Stand next to the bike, or if you're seated, stand slightly on the footpeg opposite the kickstart lever. Use your body weight, not just your leg muscles. Your knee should be bent, ready to extend fully.
• Balance: Maintain good balance. You might lean slightly over the bike to help distribute your weight.

Step 4: The Kick

When you are in the correct spot, kickstarting the bike should be a breeze. Always kick down firmly, but avoid excessive force because you don’t want to break the kickstart lever or injure yourself from kickback. Follow through on each kickstart stroke.

• Firm and Fluid: With a smooth, decisive motion, kick the lever down through its full range of travel. Use your entire body weight, driving your leg downwards.
• Follow Through: Don't stop halfway. Let your leg follow through all the way to the bottom of the stroke. This ensures maximum crankshaft rotation and engagement.
• Avoid Excessive Force: While firmness is key, don't stomp on the lever with uncontrolled power. This can damage the mechanism or, worse, cause the bike to kick back forcefully, potentially injuring your leg.
• Multiple Kicks: If it doesn't start on the first kick, repeat the process. Sometimes it takes a few attempts, especially with a cold engine.

Step 5: Post-Start Actions

Once the engine fires:

• Choke Adjustment: Gradually push the choke off as the engine warms up and idles smoothly. Leaving the choke on too long can foul spark plugs and waste fuel.
• Idle Check: Ensure the bike idles correctly. Adjust the idle screw if necessary once fully warm.

Why Won’t My Motorcycle Kickstart? Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with perfect technique, sometimes a bike simply refuses to fire up. Here’s a troubleshooting guide for common kickstart problems:

Detailed Troubleshooting Points:

• No Spark: Remove the spark plug, reattach the cap, ground the plug against a metal part of the engine, and kick. Do you see a spark? If not, check the plug itself (clean or replace), the spark plug cap, the ignition coil, and wiring. Even with a kickstart, some ignition systems require a minimal battery voltage to operate.
• No Fuel: Is the fuel tap on? Is there fuel in the tank? Is the fuel line clear? Are the carburettor float bowl and jets clean? Sometimes old fuel can clog jets.
• Flooding: This happens when too much fuel enters the cylinder, making it difficult to ignite. If you suspect flooding, turn off the fuel tap, hold the throttle wide open, and kick several times to clear the excess fuel. You might see a puff of black smoke when it finally starts.
• Lack of Compression: If the kickstart lever feels unusually easy to push down, your bike might have low compression. This could be due to worn piston rings, worn cylinder walls, or improperly adjusted valves. A compression test can confirm this.
• Timing Issues: Incorrect ignition timing can prevent a bike from starting or cause severe kickback. This is usually a job for an experienced mechanic.

Kickstart vs. Electric Start: A Comparison

While the focus here is on kickstarting, it's useful to understand the differences between the two primary starting methods.

Safety First: Avoiding Kickback and Injury

Kickback can be a painful and potentially serious issue. It occurs when the engine ignites prematurely or stalls against the compression stroke, forcing the kickstart lever rapidly upwards. Here’s how to minimise the risk:

• Proper Footwear: Always wear sturdy boots with good ankle support. Trainers or soft shoes offer no protection.
• Correct Technique: As described earlier, finding TDC and kicking firmly through the stroke is paramount. A slow, tentative kick is more likely to result in kickback.
• Gloves: While not directly preventing kickback, gloves can protect your hands if you lose balance or need to grab the bike.
• Clear Surroundings: Ensure there's nothing around you that you could hit if the bike lurches or you lose balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kickstarting

Can you kickstart a motorcycle with a flat battery?

It depends on the motorcycle. Older bikes with magneto ignition systems often can, as they generate their own spark. However, most modern bikes, even those with a kickstart, have a CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) or TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition) system that requires at least a minimal amount of battery voltage to operate the ignition coil and provide a spark. If your battery is completely dead, it might not kickstart.

Is kickstarting bad for the engine?

No, when done correctly, kickstarting is not bad for the engine. In fact, it's often gentler on the starter motor and battery. However, improper technique, such as repeatedly stomping on the lever or experiencing severe kickback, can put undue stress on the kickstart mechanism, crankshaft, and your leg!

How do I know if my motorcycle is flooded?

Signs of a flooded engine include a strong smell of petrol, wet spark plugs, and the engine cranking but refusing to catch. Sometimes, an engine will give a weak, spluttering attempt to start but then die. If you suspect flooding, follow the procedure of turning off the fuel, holding the throttle wide open, and kicking several times to clear the cylinders.

What is kickback?

Kickback is when the kickstart lever suddenly and forcefully snaps upwards, often due to premature ignition or the engine stalling against compression. It can be quite painful and cause injury to your leg or ankle if you're not careful. It's often a sign of incorrect starting technique or an ignition timing issue.

Do all motorcycles have a kickstart?

No, most modern road motorcycles are equipped solely with an electric start. Kickstarts are more commonly found on older models, off-road or dirt bikes, and some retro-styled motorcycles that embrace the classic aesthetic and functionality.

Conclusion

Mastering the motorcycle kickstart is more than just a party trick; it's a valuable skill that offers independence and a deeper connection to your machine. By understanding the mechanics, practising the correct technique, and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues, you'll be able to confidently bring your motorcycle to life, whether it's a classic thumper or a modern dual-sport. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with a bit of patience, you'll soon be enjoying the satisfying ritual of kickstarting your ride and hitting the open road with unparalleled confidence.

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