Can You Convert Kick Start to Self-Start?

Indeed a self-start mechanism is really cool, and even some riders want to try this feature in their kick-start mechanism motorbike too and that’s why the question arises, Can You Convert Kick Start to Self-Start? 

You can convert the kick-start mechanism to self-start, but your motorbike will require more power to ignite the motorbike engine, which is a challenging task. Even motorbike manufacturers don’t recommend doing this as it would destroy the motorbike ignition functioning. 

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing for this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about converting kick-start to self-start. 

Can You Convert Kick Start to Self-Start?

Indeed, self-start is the most convenient way of igniting the motorbike engine, which many riders want to try with their motorbike. Now the question arises, can you convert kick-start to self-start? 

You can convert the kick-start mechanism to self-start, but your motorbike will require more power to ignite the motorbike engine, which is a challenging task. Even motorbike manufacturers don’t recommend doing this as it would destroy the motorbike ignition functioning. 

And that’s why experts recommend avoiding these modifications to make your motorbike last longer for years. 

Which Is Better, Kickstarter or Self Start? 

So far, you understand that kick-start can be converted to self-start through a complex process. Now the question arises, which is better: Kickstarter or self-starter? 

Kick-start is considered safe and more reliable than self-start, especially when it rain or the motorbike battery is near to dying. However, the self-start is more reliable if you want your motorbike to ignite within a few seconds, especially in the middle of the rain. 

Overall, both methods to ignite the motorbike engine are equally good and have their own advantages and disadvantages. The best you can do is to go with the motorbike, which comes with both ignition methods. 

What if You Convert Kick Start to Self Start? 

Indeed both ignition methods are equally reliable and reasonable; now, what if you convert kick-start or self-start? 

Suppose you convert the kick-start to self-start, then your motorbike engine will likely be destroyed because of faultiness in the modifications. Your motorbike engine is expected to fail to ignite even after multiple tries, and not only this, your motorbike engine will likely void its warranty. 

So it’s better to stay away from the motorbike ignition system modifications and use the default setting which comes with the motorbike. 

Does Self Start Also Require Motorbike Battery? 

So far, you understand that you can destroy the motorbike ignition system if you convert kick-start to self-start. Now the question arises, does self-start also require a motorbike battery? 

Self-start also requires a motorbike battery to operate, unlike the kick-start, which can be operated even if the battery is near the end; the self-start can’t be operated if the battery is near dead. Not only this, self-start uses more power to serve than kick-start. 

It is better to use the kick-start if your motorbike battery is near dead. 

Why Does Kick-start Require a Battery? 

So far, you understand that you can start the motorbike with a kick-start without the motorbike battery. Now the question arises, why does Kickstarter require a battery? 

Kick-start doesn’t require a battery unless your motorbike ignition system is based on a transistor coil ignition system. The TCI system requires a motorbike battery to supply the current to the starter motor, and once the starter motor gets current, it will start the motion in the piston. 

And because of this piston motion, the engine makes the motorbike tires move and without the motorbike battery, your piston won’t move an inch away if its ignition system is based on TCI. 

Does a Motorcycle Require a Battery to Run Continuously? 

So far, you understand that a dead motorbike battery would make your motorbike not start. Now the question arises, do motorcycles require a battery to run continuously? 

Your motorbike doesn’t require a motorbike battery to keep running, as your motorbike battery doesn’t play any crucial role while your motorbike battery keeps running. However, you can remove your motorbike battery while running the motorbike only when the alternator malfunctions. 

If the alternator is fully capable of producing the current for your motorbike battery, it would be worthless to remove it. 

Can You Kick-start the High CC Motorbike Without Battery? 

Indeed it would be worthless to remove the motorbike battery if your motorbike is running continuously. Can you kick-start the high CC motorbike without a battery? 

Generally, the high CC motorbike comes with a TCI ignition system which requires a motorbike battery to ignite the motorbike ignition if you ever try to kick-start a motorbike. The CDI system, found in small motorbikes, doesn’t require a battery for a kick-start to ignite the motorbike engine. 

However, some small motorbikes are now coming with the TCI system, so you no longer can’t kick start the motorbike without the battery.

Can You Kick Start the Dirtbike Without Battery?  

Indeed you can kick start the motorbike battery without the battery; now the question arises, can you kick start the dirtbike without the battery? 

You can kick start the dirtbike without the battery, as most dirt bikes come with the CDI ignition system. This CDI ignition system will even work if your motorbike battery dies. And what better than starting the motorbike without the battery or with the dead battery and later charging it while riding it? 

With this technique, you can save your motorbike from any external charging method and its problems.

Motorcycle kickback is the common issue which riders with the kick start mechanism motorbike usually experienced and that’s why you need to know what’s motorbike kickback and why does it happens, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which is better, Kickstarter or self-start?

Kick-start is considered safe and more reliable than self-start, especially when it rain or the motorbike battery is near to dying. However, the self-start is more reliable if you want your motorbike to ignite within a few seconds, especially in the middle of the rain. 

What if you convert kick-start to self-start?

Suppose you convert the kick-start to self-start. In that case, your motorbike engine will likely be destroyed because of faultiness in the modifications. Your motorbike engine is expected to fail to ignite even after multiple tries. Not only this, your motorbike engine will likely void its warranty. 

Does self-start also require a motorbike battery?

Self-start also requires a motorbike battery to operate, unlike the kick-start, which can be operated even if the battery is near the end; the self-start can’t be operated if the battery is near dead. Not only this, self-start uses more power to serve than kick-start. 

Why does kick-start require a battery?

Kick-start doesn’t require a battery unless your motorbike ignition system is based on a transistor coil ignition system. The TCI system requires a motorbike battery to supply the current to the starter motor. And once the starter motor gets current, it will start the motion in the piston. 

Does a motorcycle require a battery to run continuously?

Your motorbike doesn’t require a motorbike battery to keep running, as your motorbike battery doesn’t play any crucial role while your motorbike battery keeps running. However, you can remove your motorbike battery while running the motorbike only when the alternator malfunctions. 

Final Verdict: 

Can you convert kick-start to self-start? You can convert the kick-start mechanism to self-start, but your motorbike will require more power to ignite the motorbike engine, which is a challenging task. Even motorbike manufacturers don’t recommend doing this as it would destroy the motorbike ignition functioning. 

Converting the kick-start to self-start requires a complex procedure that can likely malfunction the motorbike ignition system permanently, or worse, this can void your motorbike engine warranty.