Can a motorcycle be kick-started if the electric start doesn't work?
4 Answers
Motorcycle can be kick-started if the electric start doesn't work. Here is some knowledge about motorcycle starting: 1. Reasons why the electric start doesn't work: It may be due to insufficient battery power, which can be measured with a voltmeter; or the spark plug gap may be too large, excessive carbon buildup, or a faulty high-voltage cap connected to the spark plug. 2. Solutions: If the starter motor can turn the engine but the engine doesn't fire up during electric start, check the spark plug, high-voltage electricity, carburetor, air filter, exhaust pipe, cylinder pressure, valve timing, intake pipe, etc. There are many possibilities, each requiring professional inspection and repair by a qualified technician. It is recommended to take the motorcycle to an authorized service center or a motorcycle repair shop for proper handling.
Last month, my old motorcycle had the same issue—the electric start wouldn't work no matter what, but kicking it a couple of times got it going. Actually, most motorcycles are designed with a kick start as a backup for such situations. Especially in older models, a kick starter is pretty much standard. The principle is simple: kicking it mechanically turns the crankshaft directly, bypassing the electrical system. Electric starts, on the other hand, rely on the battery powering the starter motor—if the battery's dead or the starter relay is faulty, you're out of luck. So, if your electric start fails, don’t panic—try kicking it, and chances are it’ll save the day. However, some newer high-displacement bikes have ditched the kick start altogether, leaving you with no choice but to call a tow truck.
With over a decade of motorcycle repair experience, I often encounter this type of malfunction. When the electric start fails, bikes with kick pedals can usually be started because the two systems operate independently. The kick pedal relies purely on mechanical force, directly rotating the engine via the starter shaft. The electric start, however, involves four components: battery-fuse-switch-motor. A failure in any of these can cause no response. In such cases, I recommend first checking the instrument panel's battery level display. If the battery is low, decisively use the kick pedal. When kicking, apply full force until you hear a 'click' sound, indicating the ratchet has engaged. Two or three quick, consecutive kicks should start the engine. However, this method won't work on scooters without a kick pedal rod.
This issue depends on the model. Traditional cross-type motorcycles generally have a backup kick pedal - my 125cc bike's kick pedal has saved me several times in emergencies. In principle, kick starting completely bypasses the electrical system, directly physically driving the crankshaft to rotate. Whereas electric starting requires current coordination throughout the entire process - for example, insufficient voltage from an aging battery or poor contact with the start button can both cause no response. Therefore, bikes equipped with kick pedals can absolutely be started this way in emergencies. However, note that many modern cruisers and large street bikes have removed the kick pedal rod for aesthetic reasons - these can only be rescued by calling for assistance. Finally, remember to promptly check for electrical faults when discovering abnormal electric starting.
