Must Replace Your Motorcycle Kick in These Situations: A Complete Guide
The Kick on your motorcycle is one of the most basic yet crucial components, especially for bikes that don’t rely entirely on electric start systems. For many motorcyclists, kicking their bike into life is a routine part of the riding experience. However, just like any other component, the Kickstarter can wear out over time, and knowing when to replace it can save you from inconvenient breakdowns.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the situations where replacing your motorcycle kick is necessary and how to spot the early signs of failure.
Kick Starter Slips and Doesn’t Engage
One of the most obvious signs that your Kickstarter is failing is when it starts to slip. You press down on the kick lever, but instead of turning the engine over, the kick starter just slides down without catching. This usually happens when the ratchet mechanism inside the kick starter wears out or the gears have become stripped. When this occurs, replacing the Kickstarter is your best option.
Symptoms of a Slipping Kick Starter:
The kick lever goes down without resistance.
The engine doesn’t turn over even after multiple kicks.
You feel the kick lever "slip" instead of locking into place.
Kick Stiffness or Seizing
If your Kick becomes stiff or is difficult to press down, it may indicate internal damage. This stiffness could be due to dirt or debris in the Kickstarter’s gears, or it could be a sign that the internal parts are wearing out. If you feel the lever seizing up and it's harder than usual to kickstart the bike, it’s time to inspect the mechanism.
Over time, poor lubrication or rust can cause the internal components to seize, making it harder to start your bike. Replacing a seized or excessively stiff Kickstarter is essential to avoid more damage to your engine.
Signs of Kick Stiffness:
Difficulty pressing down the kick lever.
The lever feels stuck in place or moves with unusual resistance.
Odd grinding or scraping noises while kicking.
Unusual Noises While Kicking
Strange noises while using the kick are a clear indication that something isn’t right. You may hear a grinding sound or feel vibrations when pressing the kick lever. This is usually caused by worn-out gears or damaged internal components in the kick mechanism.
If the kick is making odd noises, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Ignoring these sounds can lead to the entire mechanism failing, leaving you with no way to start your bike.
Signs of Kick Lever Not Returning:
The kick lever stays down after use.
You have to manually pull the kick back up.
Weak or sluggish return to the top position.
Visible Wear and Tear on the Kick Lever
Over time, the kick lever itself can experience visible wear and tear. If the lever is bent, cracked, or rusted, it may not function as efficiently as it should. A damaged lever can also cause damage to the internal components of the kick mechanism. Replacing a bent or damaged kick lever before it breaks off completely will save you from bigger problems down the line.
Visible Signs to Watch For:
Bent or misaligned kick lever.
Rust or corrosion on the lever.
Cracks or signs of wear on the foot peg of the kick .
The Bike Won’t Start with the Kick
If you’ve ruled out fuel and electrical problems but your bike still refuses to start using the kick, the issue could lie within the starter mechanism itself. The internal gears or ratchet might have worn out, preventing the kick from engaging properly with the engine.
At this point, it’s essential to inspect the kick and replace it if needed to restore your bike’s ability to start up without hassle.
Signs Your Kick Starter Isn’t Working:
Multiple kicks required to get the engine to turn over.
The kick starter feels soft or doesn’t engage properly.
The engine doesn’t respond to kicking at all.
When Should You Replace the Kick Starter?
The kick starter on your motorcycle is subject to a lot of use, especially if you rely on it regularly instead of an electric starter. Any signs of slipping, stiffness, or unusual noises should prompt a quick inspection. Most kick starter issues can be resolved by replacing worn-out parts, but in severe cases, the entire mechanism might need replacing.
Replacing the kick starter before it completely fails is essential to avoid being stranded. As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s time to replace your kick starter.
Keep Your Kick in Top Shape
While the kick is a simple component, it’s essential for ensuring your bike starts reliably every time. Paying attention to the signs of wear and replacing it when needed will keep your bike running smoothly and prevent unexpected breakdowns. If you’re facing any of the issues mentioned above, it’s time to consider replacing your motorcycle kick.
For high-quality kick and other spare parts, visit www.crowneshop.com. We offer a wide range of genuine motorcycle parts with home delivery, so you can easily keep your bike in peak condition!