What is the Difference Between Electric Start and Self Start?

The motorbike ignition system is a complex mechanism that can be operated in multiple ways. Electric and kick-start are two; now the question arises, What is the Difference Between Electric Start and Self Start?

Electric and self-start are both terms used for the exact mechanism. Some people call self-start an electric start or vice versa. Electric start mechanisms use the motorbike battery current to ignite the engine, which is why the term electric start is used. 

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

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know about some differences between electric and self-start. 

What is the Difference Between Electric Start and Self Start? 

There are two ways to operate the ignition system, and both are equally effective. And that’s why the question arises, what is the difference between electric start and self-start, or are they the same? 

Electric and self-start are both terms used for the exact mechanism. Some people call self-start an electric start or vice versa. Electric start mechanisms use the motorbike battery current to ignite the engine, which is why the term electric start is used. 

Next time, don’t let manufacturers confuse you if they use the term electric start. 

Why Do Manufacturers Use Self Start Terms? 

So far, you understand that self-start and electric start is the same thing that the manufacturer uses. Now the question arises, why do manufacturers use self-start terms? 

Manufacturers are starting to use self-start terms even more than the electric start to market their motorbikes with newly added features. Through this marketing strategy, people tend to think they are getting new features, causing these manufacturers to make great money. 

Overall, it’s a market strategy to fool people who don’t know much about motorbikes.

Which is Better; Kick-start or Electric Start?

So far, you understand that manufacturers use the electric and self-start terms for marketing purposes. Now the question arises, which is better; kick-start or electric start? 

Kick-start and electric start are the two mechanisms to ignite the motorbike engine; however, there are some differences. The Kick-start mechanism is a traditional mechanism to start the motorbike, which isn’t very user-friendly. While the electric start mechanism is much more user-friendly and uses a battery current to ignite the motorbike engine. 

Kick-start motorbikes are generally heavier than electric motorbikes because of additional motorbike parts responsible for igniting the motorbike engine. 

Are Self-Start Motorbikes Better than Kickstart Motorbikes?

Indeed, a kick-start motorbike is heavier than a self-start motorbike. Now The question arises, is a self-start motorbike better than a kick-start motorbike? 

Kick-start or self-start doesn’t make the motorbike tremendous or better; it’s just a way to ignite the motorbike engine. One is traditional, while the other is user-friendly and can ignite the motorbike engine in seconds. Self-start motorbikes tend to start quickly with just a single press making the motorbike user-friendly and saving time. 

The kick-start mechanism is the traditional ignition system giving the motorbike a more vintage look.

Also, read my previous post where I discussed more about whether kickstart requires a battery or not, CLICK HERE to read.

Why Are New Motorbikes Missing a Kick-start Mechanism? 

So far, you understand that the electric start mechanism makes the motorbike more user-friendly. Now the question arises, why are new motorbikes missing a kick-start mechanism? 

Manufacturers are not making the motorbike with the kick-start mechanism because they want to make their motorbikes a more user-friendly option. They are adding a self-start mechanism that is smart enough to ignite the motorbike engine within a fraction of a second and doesn’t demand additional space to work out. 

Additionally, manufacturers are adding a self-start mechanism that doesn’t require much more maintenance and lasts for years. 

Does Kickstart Use a Motorbike Battery? 

Indeed new motorbike models likely won’t come with the kick-start mechanism. Now the question arises, does kick-start use a motorbike battery like the electric start? 

Kick-start mechanisms also use the motorbike battery to ignite the motorbike engine. Unless we’re not talking about the capacitive discharge ignition system, which doesn’t require a motorbike battery to ignite the engine. You can even start the motorbike, which comes with a capacitive discharge system motorbike with a dead battery. 

What is more excellent than starting the motorbike with the dead motorbike battery and letting your motorbike alternator charge your motorbike battery? 

Is Electric Start Mechanism Reliable? 

So far, you understand that kick-start also requires a motorbike battery to ignite the engine. Now the question arises, is electric start mechanics reliable? 

The electric start mechanism, which comes with most motorbikes, is reliable and will last for years, and doesn’t require much maintenance to work correctly unless the kick-start mechanism. You can totally rely on your motorbike self to start to ignite the motorbike engine within seconds without any failure. 

However, it would be best to protect your self-start mechanism, including a switch, from moisture as it causes internal wires to fuse together, which further makes the motorbike ignition system worthless. 

Why Motorcycle Won’t Start: 

Although there are many reasons why your motorbike stops responding, here I’m going to discuss some most commonly found reasons. 

Don’t worry, in the later section I’ve mentioned some solutions for problems. 

Faulty Battery: 

A defective battery can cause your motorbike to become unresponsive, and it is often an overlooked aspect for many riders, leading to potentially severe consequences. Symptoms such as dim or sluggish lights and difficulties starting the motorbike often indicate a faulty battery.

Typically, a motorbike battery loses its functionality when there are issues with the stator, the device responsible for producing an electric charge, or other electric charge-producing components. Another possible cause is the installation of devices that exceed the capacity of the motorbike battery.

Spark Plug: 

A faulty spark plug is another common reason for motorbike unresponsiveness when using the kick and self-start buttons. The spark plug serves the important function of generating a spark to ignite the motorbike’s engine. When the ceramic coating of the spark plug cracks, it disrupts the flow of the electric charge, leading it to take the path of least resistance.

As a result, the spark plug fails to generate the necessary spark. Experts recommend inspecting the spark plug during engine ignition, observing whether a small spark is present as an indicator of proper functionality.

A malfunctioning spark plug is often encountered when the motorbike is exposed to oil or if the spark plug is mishandled before installation.

Blocked Air Filters: 

The air filter plays a critical role in preventing dust particles from entering your motorbike’s engine. For those who frequently engage in off-road riding, blocked air filters are a primary cause of motorbike unresponsiveness.

If you notice indications such as a burning smell, an improper air-fuel mixture, or wear on the piston and cylinder, a blocked air filter could be the primary culprit. To maintain optimal performance, experts generally recommend checking and cleaning your motorbike’s air filters every 3000 miles.

Malfunctioned Starter:

Stator malfunctioning, although not a common occurrence, should not be disregarded. The stator is responsible for generating the electric charge while riding, and a malfunctioning stator fails to produce the necessary charge. The exact reasons behind stator malfunctions are not well-established, but some experts attribute it to the installation of excessive electrical devices on the motorbike.

If you encounter symptoms such as a whining sound while riding, the motorbike battery ceasing to charge during rides or dim and sluggish lights, a malfunctioning stator could be the primary cause. Experts also recommend periodically checking your motorbike’s electrical system every 10,000 miles to ensure its proper functioning.

Dirty Carburetor: 

The carburetor is an essential motorbike component that facilitates the mixing of fuel and air for internal combustion. If you frequently engage in off-road riding or neglect to clean your motorbike’s internal parts, dirt can accumulate on the carburetor. When a dirty carburetor is present, problems may arise with the air-fuel mixture, leading to sudden motorbike overheating.

It is important to recognize that a dirty carburetor could be the primary cause if you experience issues related to the air-fuel mixture and sudden overheating of the motorbike. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the carburetor are recommended to ensure optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict:

What is the Difference Between Electric Start and Self Start? Electric and self-start are both terms used for the exact mechanism. Some people call self-start an electric start or vice versa. 

Electric start mechanisms use the motorbike battery current to ignite the engine, which is why the term electric start is used. 

An electric start mechanism is a reliable option that can last for years and ignite the motorbike engine in seconds.