What street motorcycles (NOT dirtbikes) use kickstarters these days? Recent past? Is a Yamaha SRX600 a good bike? Will I have a heart attack trying to start a motorcycle with a kickstarter (I am 48 years old)?
2007-11-06 11:54:29 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Do you know what "kickback" is? Well, the first time that happens with that 600 and when your ankle heals up you will put that electric starter back on.
2007-11-06 12:30:31 · answer #1 · answered by barry m 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry man, don't know of any bikes that still have them. As far as the Yamaha goes, a lot of libraries carry old bike mags, perhaps you could find a test on one there.
When I first heard that all of the main motorcycle manufacturers were removing kickstarters from street bikes, I was enraged! Anyone that has had to push a motorcycle a mile or more in sub-freezing temps because the cold-induced limp battery wouldn't spin the engine fast enough for it to start, and didn't have the kickstart option would agree. Bump starting is no option either if the road is slick. Those kickstarters come in handy when you get caught, as one often does, with a previously hot battery loosing power in the fall season. Electric starters are just fine, WHEN they work.
2007-11-07 09:10:20 · answer #2 · answered by B K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you owned kickstart bikes in the past?
If you've had kickstart dirt bikes, most street bikes kick about as easy as a two stroke 250cc single, but usually start more quickly because of the multiple cylinders.
This should give you an idea of how much effort it'll take for a relatively experienced rider.
If you've never owned a kickstart bike before ----- well, when they start first or second kick it's fine. But there's nothing 'cool' about kicking, kicking, kicking, kicking with your helmet and all your gear on in 85+ degree heat.
The SRX600 is a very cool bike. I always liked them. A little low tech and underpowered compared to most modern stuff, but the cool factor is definitely there!
2007-11-06 12:10:07 · answer #3 · answered by ducatisti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not aware of any street bike made in the last 15+ years that has a kick start. You'd have to go back to the 80s - the aforementioned SRX600 (a great bike) and GB500.
Kickstarts are cool in this era of electric start. I always got a look of amusement and respect when I started my brother's Honda GB500 (1989) when he loaned it to me. It had electric start to for those days when I just wanted to go and, truth be told, I probably used electric start 98% of the time. So while it's novel, I'd probably choose my motorcycle based on other more critical criteria - how it handles, brakes, etc...
2007-11-06 15:03:48 · answer #4 · answered by johnmflores 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, Kickstarts are obsolete on anybike with more than one cylinder and maybe 250cc capacity, the compression of most modern road bikes is a lot to kick over on one leg.
Even trial and trail bikes with kickstart normal have a de-compressor arrangement (slightly opening the valves) to make it possible.
Most starter motors kick out over a horspower, so unless you have a pony in your pocket to stamp that horrible piece of metal don't bother!
2007-11-06 12:30:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 50 and on my second SR500. I love my kick starter. It's so "Muy macho". The SRX600 is a sweet handling machine. It dosen't make the hp of "modern" machines but what is there is all useable. Tons of torque right there in the mid-range. The 600's motor is the next generation of my good 'ol SR500's motor. Once you get the drill down, starting is (usually!) no problem. Both bikes have a compression release. Get it just over TDC and give'er a kick!
2007-11-07 03:51:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A KICKSTART ! ..Are you crazy Man ?, Im hoping in five years when Im 48 I can walk in my garage and say "Motorcycle Start" and be on my way down the road /
2007-11-06 13:48:45 · answer #7 · answered by Thunderoadvtx1300 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if yor building a panhead or shovelhead or iron sportster you go kickstart. I ride a kick only panhead and it starts first kick every time because I upgraded to electronic ignition. BUT on a cold morning it SUCKS!!!! I have kicked and kicked untill it finally fired up. One time it didnt engage and slipped out from under me bout broke my knee! But kickstarts are cool and I wont have electric styart ever.
2007-11-06 16:34:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Royal Enfield has a kick starter, Many scooters have kick starters. Nah! I know people 90 years old riding that kick start a motorcycle!
2007-11-07 11:08:11 · answer #9 · answered by Jim! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every rider should own a kick start bike at least once in their life.
It will make them soooo appreciate that electric starter.
But you know what? It is kinda cool when I kick over my '77 FLH.
And it kinda sucks when it kicks back...
I think the Enfield Bullet still has a kick start.
2007-11-06 17:38:17 · answer #10 · answered by Bye for now... 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋