Kickstarting a motorcycle.?

Question

I have 1974 Honda CB550. I bought it a week ago and the guy stated it up just fine with the electric starter. I went out to start it yesturday and the batterie was almost dead. After a couple attemps it would hardly even turn and then nothing.

I am new to motorcycles. I am aware of the choke, the fuel pettock, the clutch ec.

What is the proper way to kickstart it? A step-by-step would really help. I really don't think anythings wrong with the bike. I am just doing it wrong.

Thanks,

Ed

Answer 1

The Honda CB550 will not start with a flat battery. If the lights will come on at least some, it should be able to start.
To kick start that bike 1) turn on the fuel 2) pull the choke lever all the way up. 3) with the bike on the center stand, get on the bike. 4) Stand up on the pegs and put your foot on the kick arm. 5) Push the kick lever through, and at the same time open the throttle, but just a small amount. You should move both at the same rate, but only a 1/4 on the gas. 6) As soon as it starts open the choke 1/4, and a little more as the engine warms up.
You should not rely on the bikes generator to charge a low battery, if you can get it charged, this will keep from overloading the charging sys. Have fun, Dave

Answer 2

One guy says to turn the throttle twice, that's nonsense. There is no accellerator pump on this bike, so that doesn't do anything.

If the bike didn't start on the battery, which spins the engine much faster than the kick starter.
So, chances are that there is something else going on.
Common problems are that the kill switch is in the "off" postion.
And, that the fuel petcock isn't switched on to run, or reserve...depending on how much fuel is left in the tank. Is there gas in the tank? :-)

I had one of these bikes. They start extremely easy. If the bike has been sitting a long time, you will probably have to pull off the carbs and have someone take them apart and clean them. Not hard to do yourself, just take your time and do one at a time. Nuther question altogether.

Try this: get a can of spray "starter fluid". Find the air filter intake, usually under the seat... spray a short burst into the opening and try kick-starting the bike (if your battery is weak and won't run the starter).

Hint: After you kick the lever all the through, keep it in the full down position until the engine stops turning. At the bottom of the stroke, the kick starter dis-engages and prevents the engine from kicking back through it (in case of backfire).

Answer 3

Hey the bad seed,
He asked how to kick start, not bump start.

Kick start:
1) Twist the throttle twice. Open the choke.
2) Verify neutral is selected.
3) Grab both handlebars, lean a little to the left supporting the bike with your left leg firmly planted.
4) Put your right foot on the kickstarter and kick down forcefully and true. Repeat if necessary.
5) After it starts, close the choke.
6) Ride away.

Answer 4

I would first hook up a battery charger to the batttery, low voltage will add to the difficulty. Second,, I would pull each plug and assure that it is dry, you may have flooded the plugs. often, heating the plug contacts with a lighter or a small tooch will assist the start. After replacing the plugs, for kick starting,,, ALWAYS first , with the gas turned off and NOT touching the throttle, kick the bike four or five times. This stirs the oil in the crankcase, splashes up to the cylinder walls and provides for good compression. Then, turn the gas on and, again,, NOT touching the throttle, kick it through ONCE. Finally, turn on the ignition,,,do NOT touch he throttle, and kick for china!! It should fire, and when it does,, offer only the minutest throttle advance, cold motor will ALWAYS flood if too much gas is offerred. If you get a few fires and then no response,, turn off the gas,,,hold the throttle wide open and kick through several times untill it burps again,,,indicating that you have unflooded it,, then turn on gas,, again not touching the throttle, and kick for china again. You must be VERY frugle with gas supply to a cold engine.

Answer 5

Hi. You need to replace that weak battery first because that is your ignition source. Put the transmission in neutral, front brake on so you don't roll, choke if the engine is cold, extend the kick starter, kick firmly. The 550 is pretty smooth so it should be easy. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

if the battery is ran down it's probably not going to start anyway by kick starting it. only thing you will get is a worn out leg. usually on older honda's like that the battery is under the seat. take the seat off and replace the battery i think you will have better luck.

Answer 7

Like was said. Most of the older bikes need a good battery to even kick start it. Can't even push start one without a battery.

Answer 8

What Cirric said, but the key switch has to be in the "on" position and the engine run switch (if it has one) has to be in the "Run" position, when you try to kick start.

I had a Honda XL350, and I could kick start it when the battery was dead.

Remember -- your motorcycle MUST be in neutral. If you kick it when it's in gear, the motorcycle will jump forward then fall over. Happened to me, and impaled my left foot with the clutch lever. OUCH.

Answer 9

Just fully squeeze the throttle before you kickstart. your bike might be flooded. Dont worry it will run even without batteries you just cant use the electric start.

Answer 10

push it as fast as you can,
jump on as you pull it into 2ND gear..

if its cold choke the first few kicks with just a little throttle.
after that choke off very the throttle posisiton every bike is a little different