Which is Better: Self Start or Kick Start?

Self-start and kick-start are both mediums through which you can ignite your motorbike ignition. Now the question arises, which is better: self-start or kick-start? 

Kick and self-start are both two mechanisms that are equally effective but depend on your usage. For example: if you want your motorbike ignition system to be user-friendly, then self-start is better for you. The kick-start mechanism is better if you wish your motorbike to have a vintage look. 

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 self-start or kick-start and which is better for you. 

Which is Better: Self Start or Kick Start?

Kick-start and self-start are two mechanisms through which you can ignite your motorbike engine. Now the question arises, which is better: self-start or kick-start? 

Kick and self-start are both two mechanisms that are equally effective but depend on your usage. For example: if you want your motorbike ignition system to user friendly, then self-start is better for you. The kick-start mechanism is better if you wish for your motorbike to have a vintage look. 

A self-start mechanism is also best for you if you want your motorbike engine to ignite within seconds or if you’re in the middle of a race. 

Self Start or Kick Start: Which One Should You Choose?

So far, you understand which mechanism is better; now the question arises, self-start or kick-start? Which one should you choose? 

If you’re a racing freak and want your motorbike engine to be ignited within a few seconds, then you should go with the self-start. And if you don’t want to compromise on a vintage look, you should go with the kick-start. Nowadays, manufacturers are making both mechanisms equally effective. 

Both methods are equally effective, so there’s no question about which is more effective and which isn’t. 

However, if you’re an average city rider who frequently gets stuck in traffic jams, you should go with a motorbike with a self-start. It’s because self-start will help you ignite the motorbike engine in seconds, while the kick-start mechanism takes some more seconds. 

Does Self Start Require More Maintenance? 

Indeed you should go with the self-start mechanism if you want your motorbike ignition system to be fast enough. Now the question arises, does the self start to require more maintenance? 

Self-start requires more maintenance to be effective as a kick-start mechanism. It’s because complicated wires and fuses come into the role of the self-start mechanism, thus it requires more maintenance than the kick-start mechanism. 

Because dust or water can fuse the wires together, making the self-start ineffective. However, new manufacturers are making the self-start mechanism which doesn’t require much maintenance. 

Does Kickstart Require a Battery? 

The motorbike ignition system is complex, and you may see some riders starting their motorbike without the battery. Now the question arises, does kick-start require a battery? 

If your motorbike comes with a capacitor discharge ignition system, then your motorbike won’t require any battery to start. Even the kick-start is entirely independent of the battery. It will begin to the motorbike even if your motorbike is dead. While if your motorbike comes with transistor coil ignition, then your motorbike will require a battery to start. 

However, only a few motorbikes available on the market come with CDI. 

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

Does Dead Battery Make Motorbike Kick Start Not Working? 

So far, you understand that kick start doesn’t require a motorbike if it comes with CDI. Now the question arises, does a dead motorbike battery make the motorbike kick start not work?  

If your motorbike kick-start isn’t working, then a dead motorbike battery is likely the reason. Still, it is not necessarily that your motorbike battery is the main culprit behind it. It could be possible that your motorbike ignition fuse wires are disconnected or fused together. 

It would be best if you closely inspect your motorbike ignition system if your motorbike kick-start isn’t working. 

Why Don’t New Motorbikes Come with a Kick-start? 

So far, you understand why self-start requires more maintenance. Now, why don’t new motorbikes come with a kick-start? 

New motorbikes, mainly including new motorbikes, are not coming with the kick-start mechanism because of user-friendly design and racing design. Because of less time taking design, manufacturers don’t want to add a mechanism that takes time to start the motorbike. 

Also, manufacturers are adding better self-start mechanisms that don’t require much maintenance and last for years without significant problems.

Can You Use Self Start if the Battery is Dead? 

Indeed because of less time taking, new manufacturers aren’t adding kick-start mechanisms in the new racing motorbikes. Now the question arises, can you use self-start if the battery is dead? 

You can use the electric start mechanism if your motorbike battery is dead because the electric start uses battery power or current to ignite the motorbike engine. Without a charged battery, the self-start won’t be able to generate the spark which is much needed to ignite the motorbike engine. 

Fortunately, some motorbikes with kick-start mechanisms give you the independence to ignite your motorbike engine without a charged battery. 

Is it Better to Have a Motorbike with Both Systems? 

So far, you understand that you can’t use the self-start mechanism with a dead battery. Now the question arises, is it better to have a motorbike with both systems? 

Experts always recommend having the motorbike with both systems, including self-start and kick-start. It’s because having both systems gives you a secure feeling that your motorbike engine will ignite regardless of its condition. Also, having both systems prevents your motorbike from going to a risky state where you cannot start the motorbike. 

With both systems, you’ll be able to start your motorbike if one of the two mechanisms stops working. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Which is Better: Self Start or Kick Start? Kick and self-start are both two mechanisms that are equally effective but depend on your usage. 

For example: if you want your motorbike ignition system to user friendly, then self-start is better for you. The kick-start mechanism is better if you wish for your motorbike to have a vintage look. 

It would be best if you have a motorbike with both systems: a kick-start and self-start mechanism to avoid the risk of entering a situation where your motorbike doesn’t ignite.