How to Start a Dirt Bike: Kick Start and Electric Start
How to start a dirt bike? Turn the run switch on, open the fuel valve, use the choke if the engine is cold, put the bike in neutral, then either press the electric start button or fold out the kick starter and push it down in one firm, full stroke. Warm engines usually do not need the choke.
Below are the steps for kick start and electric start bikes, the difference between a cold and a warm start, and what to check when the bike will not fire. Riding in style? See our funny dirt bike shirts.
What to check before you start a dirt bike
Do a quick walk-around first: fuel in the tank, tires and chain look right, and the throttle snaps back when you let go. Our dirt bike pre ride checklist covers the full list. Always start the engine outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; wikiHow warns to start the bike "outside or in a well-ventilated area to avoid buildup of gas fumes." (wikiHow)
- Helmet and boots on before you kick: a kick starter can kick back.
- Bike on level ground, or on a stand if you are not sitting on it.
- Kids and beginners: an adult should check the bike and stay close.
How to start a dirt bike step by step (kick start)
- Run switch on. wikiHow says the button "will either say 'on/off,' 'run/off,' or just 'start'" and is "typically located on the right handlebar."
- Open the fuel valve. On many bikes it is a small dial on the left side behind the engine. wikiHow: "Make sure the dial is pointing down to open the fuel line."
- Choke on for a cold engine. Pull the choke lever or knob. If you have been riding that day and the engine is warm, skip it.
- Find neutral. Use the clutch and the shifter by your left foot. In neutral the bike rolls back and forth freely.
- Prime a 4-stroke (carbureted) engine. wikiHow suggests twisting the throttle and letting it snap back 3 times on a 4-stroke, and notes "You don't have to pull the throttle if you have a 2-stroke dirt bike." Fuel-injected bikes may differ, so follow your owner's manual.
- Fold out the kick starter and set the middle of your foot on it.
- Kick through the full stroke. Left foot on the ground, push down firmly all the way. A cold engine may take 3 or 4 kicks. wikiHow advises: "Avoid taking your foot off the starter to 'jump' on it."
- Fold the kick starter back, let the engine warm up for a moment, then ease the choke off.
How to start a dirt bike with an electric start
Many newer dirt bikes have a start button, usually on the right side of the handlebar. The steps before it are the same: run switch on, fuel on, choke if cold, neutral (some bikes also want the clutch pulled in). Press the button for a few seconds at a time instead of holding it down; if it does not fire, wait a moment and try again so you do not drain the battery.
Cold start vs warm start
| Cold start | Warm start | |
|---|---|---|
| When | First start of the day or after the bike has sat | Engine still warm from riding |
| Choke | On, then off once it warms up | Usually off |
| Kicks | Can take a few | Often one or two |
| Throttle | Follow your manual (prime a carbureted 4-stroke) | Little or no throttle |
wikiHow explains: "When you start your bike after not using it for awhile, it is considered a cold start. When your bike has been running and the engine is still warm, it is considered a warm start."
Why won't my dirt bike start?
- Run switch off or kill switch tripped. The most common miss.
- Fuel valve closed or old fuel. Fuel that has sat for months can make starting hard.
- Choke on a warm engine (or off on a cold one).
- Flooded engine. Too much choke or throttle; wait a few minutes before trying again.
- Half kicks. Short jabs do not spin the engine enough. Use the full stroke.
- Dead battery on an electric start bike.
wikiHow notes that if a bike that was just ridden "doesn't start right away" without the choke, "there may be an issue with your carburetor." If basic checks do not fix it, take the bike to a mechanic.
What to do right after the bike starts
Let it idle briefly, turn the choke off as it warms, pull the clutch in, click down into first gear and roll on the throttle gently as you let the clutch out. New to riding? Read what to wear dirt biking before your first ride, and how to corner on a dirt bike once you are moving.
Funny dirt bike jerseys for the start line
Our funny dirt bike shirts feature dinosaur riders with a custom name and number on the back. Styles listed on these designs include Long Sleeve UPF and Kids Long Sleeve UPF, in sizes S to 5XL; check each product page for current options and price.
FAQ
How do you start a dirt bike step by step?
Run switch on, fuel valve open, choke on if the engine is cold, shift to neutral, then press the start button or kick the kick starter through one full, firm stroke.
Where is the choke on a dirt bike?
It is usually a small lever or knob on the carburetor on the left side of the engine; some bikes put it on the handlebar. Check your owner's manual.
How do you get a dirt bike to start on the first kick?
Use the right choke setting for the engine temperature, find the point where the kick starter gets firm, and push through the whole stroke in one smooth kick.
Do you pull the clutch to start a dirt bike?
Start in neutral. Some electric start bikes also require the clutch lever pulled in; your owner's manual tells you which.
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