Kick start

Kick start mechanisms were almost universally a part of motorcycle engines before the mid-1970s, and were phased out of production over the next twenty years or so as electric starters became standard equipment.

Today, dedicated off-road motorcycles and many ATVs use kick start systems, to avoid the weight of electric starters.

The majority of the inexpensive two-wheelers and sometimes three-wheelers in developing countries, also use kick start systems.

On some large displacement twins or singles, 'kickback' can occur if the fuel ignites before the piston reaches top dead center.

This causes the crank to spin backwards and can be painful for the rider as the lever kicks back on their foot.