How is the kick starter supposed to 'feel'

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kwakarider
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Joined: 08:57 pm Apr 12 2017
Country: Australia

How is the kick starter supposed to 'feel'

Post by kwakarider »

I have recently fully rebuilt a 2000 kdx 200 and the kick starter doesn't feel right. Is it supposed to be a smooth kick or what? it feels like it gets stuck on something like it has too much compression. Any help is much appreciated.
John_S
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Re: How is the kick starter supposed to 'feel'

Post by John_S »

First take the spark plug out and "kick" it over slowly with your hand. That releases the compression and should feel smooth so you can see if something is wrong. If it's good there and not getting stuck go onto the next step.
With the spark plug in the feel changes as the piston moves. It goes from smooth to gradually harder, to a distinct kind of thunk as it reaches top dead center. It should go through that sequence once or twice with every full, slow kick.
kwakarider
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Joined: 08:57 pm Apr 12 2017
Country: Australia

Re: How is the kick starter supposed to 'feel'

Post by kwakarider »

Thanks John_S,
i have taken out the spark plug and kicked it over and runs smooth.its just with it in. it hasn't run yet as for the pick up coil doesn't work. Could it not running yet affect it?
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bufftester
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Re: How is the kick starter supposed to 'feel'

Post by bufftester »

If you have the plug in but no spark, the kick will get harder as it travels through the limit. IF the compression is good and you aren't used to kick starting a bike it may feel "Stuck". You should be able to kick it through the hard part. Then once it passes TDC it will get easier and then gradually harder as the piston travels up.
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