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 faulty battery can be one of the reasons why your motorbike stops responding.

And unfortunately, many riders do not pay attention to their motorbike battery which will make the situation severe.

If you see signs like sluggish light, and problems in starting a motorbike, the faulty battery could be the reason. 

Generally, a motorbike battery goes down when there’s a problem with your stator or an electric charge-producing device, or you’ve installed devices beyond your motorbike battery capacity. 

Spark Plug: 

A bad spark plug is the second reason your motorbike stops responding to the kick and self-start buttons. 

A spark plug is a device that generates a spark causing your motorbike engine to ignite. 

The spark plug usually stops responding when its ceramic coating cracks, causing the charge to choose the least resistant path. And it prevents the spark plug from generating an electric charge. 

Experts recommend checking the spark plug when igniting the motorbike engine. If you see a small spark, then your spark plug works fine, and vice versa. 

Generally, the faulty spark plug is pretty standard when your motorbike is oil or if someone drops your spark plug before installing it in your motorbike. 

Blocked Air Filters: 

Air filter blocks dust particles from going inside your motorbike engine, if you do off-road riding a lot, then blocked air filters can be the main reason why your motorbike stops responding. 

If you see signs like a burning smell, not an appropriate air-fuel mixture, or wear of piston and cylinder, then a blocked air filter could be the main reason. 

Experts usually recommend checking your motorbike air filters every 3000 miles. 

Malfunctioned Starter:

Stator malfunctioning isn’t the typical reason, but still, we can’t ignore it. 

The stator is the device that produces an electric charge while you’re riding; the malfunctioned stator would not create an electric charge while riding. 

Although there’s no solid reason why sometimes stator malfunction, some experts consider installing too many electrical devices on the motorbike as the main reason. 

If you ever experience a whining sound while riding, or a motorbike battery stops charging while riding, or if you experience sluggish light, then a malfunctioning stator could be the main reason. 

Experts also recommend checking your motorbike’s electrical device every 10,000 miles. 

Dirty Carburetor: 

The carburetor is the motorbike device that helps the fuel and air to mix together for internal combustion. 

Dirt on the carburetor can be caused when you do off-road riding a lot or you don’t clean your internal motorbike parts.

Suppose you ever experience air-fuel mixture problems and your motorbike starts to overheat suddenly. In that case, a dirty carburetor could be the main reason behind it.  

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.