Press the start button on the handlebars. Turn the fuel line dial to the on position. Lift the choke valve near the front of the engine if you’re cold-starting the bike. Shift the bike into neutral. Turn the throttle 3 times if you have a 4-stroke dirt bike. Skip this step if you have a 2-stroke bike. Extend the kick starter lever (the kicker) on the side of the bike. Put your foot on the kicker and press down firmly. Repeat this as needed until the engine starts up. Lift the kicker back against the body of the bike with your foot.
Your electric start bike may also have a kicker as a secondary starter—just in case you have an electrical problem that affects the normal startup process. Check out the section of this article on kick starting a bike.
It’s easy to find dirt bike enthusiasts on each side of this debate. If you can’t decide which way to go, consider buying an electric start bike that also has a kicker as a secondary startup option.
Other potential causes include, but are certainly not limited to, problems with the following: spark plug; stator; coil pack; kill switch; fuel pump; fuel injector; fuel filter; fuel/air ratio; fuel float.
Shift the bike into first or second gear. Second gear is usually preferred for bump starting. Engage the clutch and hold it. Get the bike moving, either by pushing it or (preferably) by coasting downhill. You need to get up to a speed of at least 5 mi (8. 0 km) per hour. Stand up in your seat and then drop down firmly just as you let off the clutch. [6] X Research source Once the engine starts, engage the clutch again and rev the engine 2 or 3 times. Shift into the appropriate gear for your speed and ride off as normal.
Bump starting also carries an injury risk—it’s not easy to start a moving bike, especially when you’re alone!
Most portable jump starters intended for cars and trucks also work with dirt bikes and other motorcycles. However, the clamps are larger and more difficult to put on a smaller bike battery without accidentally touching surrounding metal and causing potentially dangerous sparking. It’s best to use a jumper that’s specifically meant for motorcycles.
Once your bike starts, remove the clamps in reverse order. Do not start up the car’s engine at any time during the process.
In rare cases, the kill switch may malfunction and cause a continuous electrical short that keeps the engine shut down. In this case, disconnecting the wiring of the kill switch is needed in order to start your bike. But it’s important to get the kill switch fixed as soon as you can. Kill switches are usually required by law. Disconnecting your kill switch may void your insurance policy and open you to legal liability if you’re in an accident.
