Why can a motorcycle start with electric start but not with kick start?
3 Answers
The reasons why a motorcycle can start with electric start but not with kick start are: 1. Spark plug issue—check if the spark plug is oily or wet. If there is a problem, replace it; 2. Carburetor issue—clean the carburetor if it has been used for a long time; 3. Electric start usually works with one attempt. If it fails after two or three tries, avoid using it further, as frequent unsuccessful electric starts can drain the battery and damage it; 4. For kick starting, in winter when temperatures are low, it might be hard to start. In this case, adjust the choke (also known as the air choke). Normally, it should be fully pressed down. In winter, when starting a cold engine, pull it up, leave it in the middle for about 15 seconds after starting, and return it to the normal fully pressed position after the engine warms up, which takes about three to five minutes; 5. Sometimes, failure to start is due to low idle speed. In summer, the idle speed should be around one or slightly more notches on the tachometer, while in winter, adjust it to between one and a half to two notches.
My old motorcycle also had the issue where the electric start worked fine but the kick start wouldn't fire it up. Later at the shop, they diagnosed the problem with the kick start's transmission mechanism. That set of ratchet and gears can slip and fail to turn the crankshaft if they haven't been lubricated for too long or got clogged with sand and dirt. Riders who don't use their bikes often are especially prone to this issue—since the electric start rarely engages the kick mechanism, prolonged disuse leads to rust on the parts or weakened springs, making the kick lever just click without starting the engine. Sometimes a seized starter shaft or a broken return spring can cause this too. Try spraying some rust remover and adding gear oil for maintenance; if that doesn’t work, a repair shop visit is necessary.
The most common reason for a kick-start motorcycle failing to start is improper operation. Electric start relies on the battery to power the starter motor, providing a consistent speed that makes ignition easier. However, kick-starting depends entirely on the rider's explosive force. You need to give it one strong, decisive kick all the way down—if the action is too weak or stops halfway, the engine speed simply won't reach the ignition requirement. In winter, thicker engine oil makes it even harder. I've seen beginners kick a dozen times without success. Also, check the spark plug for carbon buildup—sometimes the air-fuel mixture isn't rich enough during kick-starting, making ignition difficult, though electric start can compensate for this. Replacing the spark plug or cleaning the carburetor, combined with a quick and forceful kick, usually solves the problem.
