Dumb question

[ZKDX]

Here's a question: Why do you have to start the kdx (or at least mine anyway) in neutral. I see the safety reason, but what is the mechanical reason is there one? I can start my street bike in any gear, so long as clutch is pulled in, yet my buddy's f4i will only start in neutral and his clutch doesn't have to be pulled. i know they have switches on the clutch to all them to crank over. but my dirtbike doesn't. Can anyone enlighten me?

 

[wibby]

Mine will start in gear. Sounds like you need to adjust your clutch cable.
IMO

 

[wumember]

mine also starts in gear...

 

[ZKDX]

hmmmm...that's interesting...anyone have an 87..that will start in gear?

 

[Bricks88]

My 2001 220 starts in gear

 

[Glitch]

The reason you cant start yours in gear is probably because you're trying to do it while the bike hasn't been warmed up. Some people may be able to start their bikes in gear when not warmed up, but their bikes are probably just newer. Next time, ride the bike around till the engine is hot, then turn bike off and try to start in gear, it should. If it doesn't then you need to adjust/replace your clutch cable, but the most likely culprit is the clutch basket and hub, they are probably notched and need to either filed or replaced, if the notching is too much.

 

[mcoker]

my 88 starts in gear

 

[ZKDX]

hmmmm..i guess what i thought was going to be a lame question has turned out to be informative, and possibly worrysome for me!!

 

[Jackpiner57]

It is possible that you are running a trans oil that is too heavy. I run Spectro Clutch Saver 10w-30 and start mine in gear if it stalls.

 

[KDXKen]

My 88 is easy to start in gear

 

[ZKDX]

I run 20w-50 as my manual calls for

 

[adckdx]

I run 10W-30, starts in gear only if warm.
1990 KDX200

 

[Buckholz]

There were some early bikes (mostly euro) that wouldn't start in gear. Forget what they called it (primary something).....


All modern dirt bikes will start in gear, once they are warmed up.
WORCS races, hare scramble starts are usually dead engine.

I owned a kdx like yours, it should start in gear once warm, but it will require a heavier boot.....

 

[ZKDX]

well i'm going to investigate this tonight. as this is the first bike i've ever owned that wouldn't start in gear. But then again since i bought it i've found (and fixed) alot of things is wasn't doing or doing too much off whatever the case might have been!! :)

 

[canyncarvr]

Try pushing your bike in gear with the clutch pulled and you'll find there is considerably more drag than when in neutral.

Still, starting in gear shouldn't be a problem in most cases. Will take the 'heavier boot' thing......

 

[ZKDX]

well i found out this weekend, that my bike WILL start in gear, it just takes more leg. Guess i had never put much effort into it, since it starts so easy in neutral Thanks all