Kick starters

Foot starter in a scooter, motorcycle or quad?

A foot starter in a scooter, motorcycle or quad is a lever that is used to start the engine by pumping it manually. The foot starter is used as a backup in case the electric starter in the vehicle fails or the battery is discharged. It works by using a mechanical linkage to crank the engine and start it. Some older or more basic models of scooters, motorcycles or quads may not have an electric starter and rely solely on the foot starter to start the engine.

To use the foot starter, the motorcyclist must first make sure the vehicle is in neutral gear and the side or center stand is raised. He then places his foot on the lever and presses down firmly. This causes the engine to turn over and start. The motorcyclist may have to repeat this process several times for the engine to start. It is important to use the foot starter correctly and not abuse it, as this can cause wear and damage to the engine and starter mechanism.

In general, the foot starter is an important part of the vehicle's starting system and should only be used when necessary. If the foot starter is not working properly or is difficult to use, it should be checked to ensure that it is working properly and to prevent damage to the engine.

What should be done if the foot starter does not work properly?

If the kick starter is not working, there are several potential problems that could be causing the problem. Some common causes are a lack of compression in the engine, a faulty starter, a broken kickstarter lever or a problem with the transmission or gear system. It can also be caused by a problem with the kickstarter mechanism itself, such as a jammed gear or a worn starter clutch. In some cases, the problem may be related to a problem with the electrical system, such as a dead battery or a faulty ignition switch.
Here are some steps you can take:

Check the components of the foot starter system: Make sure the connection between the foot starter lever and the engine is not loose or damaged.
Check the starter mechanism: Make sure the starter mechanism is not damaged or worn out.
Check the motor: Make sure the motor is not seized or blocked, which may prevent the starter from engaging.
Check sensors: Make sure the neutral gear sensor or side base sensor is working properly.
Take the vehicle to a mechanic: If you are unable to determine why the starter is not working properly, take your vehicle to a mechanic who can diagnose the problem and fix it.

It is important to have the foot starter checked as soon as possible, as failure to start the engine can be a safety hazard and may prevent you from using your vehicle.

If the electric starter is operational, it is best to use it instead of the foot starter to avoid additional wear on the mechanism.

How to maintain a foot starter?

Here are some tips for maintaining the foot starter on your scooter, motorcycle or ATV:

Lubricate the starter shaft: Lubricate the shaft between the foot starter lever and the engine with light oil to help ensure smooth operation.
Check the shaft and lever: Check the starter lever regularly to make sure it is not loose or damaged. Tighten any loose screws or replace damaged parts.
Check the starter mechanism: Check the starter mechanism for wear or damage. Have it inspected and replaced if necessary.
Keep it clean: Keep the foot starter and the surrounding area clean to prevent dirt and debris from interfering with the starter.
Use it sparingly: Try to use the foot starter as infrequently as possible to minimize wear and damage.
Service it regularly: Have your foot starter inspected during regular maintenance to make sure it is working properly.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your foot starter and ensure that it is ready for use when you need it. Remember, if you encounter any problems, it's always best to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked and repaired.