Hey, fellow motorcyclists! If you want your motorcycle to start smoothly at any time, you really need to do some research on the purchase of the starting system. Here’s a super practical buying guide for motorcycle starting systems.
I. Understand the Types of Starting Systems
Common motorcycle starting systems include kick-start and electric-start.
Kick-start means using your foot to push down on the kick-start lever to get the engine running. This method is quite traditional. Its advantage is that it has a simple structure. In some special situations, such as when the battery is dead, you can still start the bike by using your leg strength. It can be regarded as an emergency measure. However, it takes some effort to kick each time, and it’s relatively less convenient.
Electric-start is much easier. Just press the start button, and the electric motor will drive the engine to ignite and start. It starts quickly and is easy to operate. It is the starting method commonly used in most motorcycles nowadays. But electric-start relies on battery power supply. If there’s a problem with the battery, it may affect the starting.
II. Choose the Type According to Your Needs
If you often ride in the city and pursue a convenient and fast starting experience, then electric-start is definitely the first choice. Moreover, many electric-start systems nowadays are equipped with various intelligent functions, such as one-touch start, etc. It’s really great to use.
But if you like off-road riding or often go to some remote areas to ride, you might as well consider a motorcycle with a kick-start function. In case the battery is dead or there’s a malfunction, the kick-start can come in handy and prevent you from being stranded on the road.
III. Pay Attention to the Quality of the Starting Motor
For the electric-start system, the starting motor is a crucial component. You should choose a starting motor with good quality and appropriate power. Generally, big-brand motorcycles are more reliable in this regard. The starting motors they choose usually can work stably in various environments and output enough torque to drive the engine to start.
You can check the brand, parameters, and other information of the motor. For example, indicators such as the rated power and torque of the motor. The higher the values, the more powerful it is when starting the engine. But you also need to consider factors such as the engine displacement of the motorcycle itself to ensure compatibility.
IV. The Battery Should Not Be Ignored
Electric-start cannot do without the battery, so the purchase of the battery is also very important. You should choose a battery with an appropriate capacity and stable performance. If the battery capacity is too small, it may run out of power after just a few starts. If the capacity is too large, it may increase the weight of the motorcycle and may also put a burden on the charging system.
At the same time, pay attention to the brand and quality of the battery. A good battery has better charge and discharge performance, a longer service life, and better low-temperature starting performance, etc. For example, some well-known brand motorcycle-specific batteries are good choices.
V. Check the Starting Circuit and Switch
Whether it’s kick-start or electric-start, the quality of the starting circuit and switch also needs to be checked. The circuit should be firmly connected without any looseness or damage, etc. Otherwise, it may lead to starting failures.
The starting switch should have a good feel and be responsive. After being pressed, it can quickly transmit the starting signal. When purchasing a motorcycle, you can press the starting switch several times to feel whether its operation is smooth.
In conclusion, fellow motorcyclists, the purchase of the motorcycle starting system cannot be taken lightly. You need to consider factors such as your riding needs and the configuration of the motorcycle comprehensively. Only by choosing the right starting system can your beloved bike start easily every time and take you on a ride on the road!
