KymcoForum.com

Scooters - 125 to 300 => People 150 => Topic started by: jaimeltx on October 05, 2009, 08:21:40 PM

Title: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: jaimeltx on October 05, 2009, 08:21:40 PM
I have been trying to kick start my people 150 all day without any progress. I am a small person and am wondering if there are any tips. The battery is completely dead so the kickstart is my only option.

I have been turning the key on, the switch on, holding the brake and attempting to slightly turn the throttle. I just can get the thing to start.  Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: Shaka on October 06, 2009, 05:06:25 AM
I'm not sure why you are having difficulties.  It sounds like you are doing it correctly.  You may have flooded the engine trying so many times.  Try it without holding the throttle.  Does it sound like it is trying to start?  You may want to pull the spark plug and see if it is soaked in fuel.  Also check to see if it is sparking.  I have had to use starter fluid when my scoot has acted up.  Check the obvious also, does it have fuel.  I got really frustrated trying to start mine one time and didn't realize that the float in my gas tank got stuck so it said I had a 1/2 tank when really I was out!
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: sw19 on January 15, 2010, 07:36:52 PM
In my opinion, the kick start is more for show than for function. I've gotten it to work once in a while. But, when its been very cold and the battery doesn't seem to have enough juice to turn over the electric start, a few kicks (that don't work) and the electric starter works. Go figure.
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: zombie on January 16, 2010, 01:30:36 AM
I imagine you have the auto choke! It will not work with a dead battery. You can kick all day as you stated, and not even get a puff. Try as shaka said, check for spark, and fuel. If you pull the air box you can cover the carb with a rag to simulate the choke. I would bet 2-3 kicks will do it. Easiest idea is to get a new battery as they pretty much suck anyway.
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: wordslinger on January 16, 2010, 09:41:16 PM
...i've been kicking my scoot for over a year...usually fires on the first kick...

..you gotta keep the internal mechanism greased a bit..that helps, just don't use a lot of grease..

..don't want it transferring to the cvt...

peace
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: juice on January 16, 2010, 11:22:32 PM
walmart is selling 5 lb batteries for $35.00 with trade in . Good luck .
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: zombie on January 17, 2010, 12:44:00 AM
If you look around the "net" you can find a #5 gell cell for the same $. I have left my key on overnight w/ a lead acid bat to find it dead in the morning. The gell will hold for 3 days. Been there done that.
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: waltermitty on March 15, 2010, 04:29:43 AM
with my p150, I found that using the kickstarter was a headache,
but eventually discovered that it was more of an ergonomics issue.
see if this works for you:

1) in my case, i found that the bike needed the throttle cracked open
while the kick starter was invoked.

2) the kick starter was designed to be operated so that the downward
thrust was made ! -> perpendicular to the kick starter arm.  this meant
that for me, standing 5'5", while I could manage the kick at 12 o'clock,
I could not reach forward to manipulate the throttle.....

...conversely, if I leaned forward to work the throttle, the thrust I provided
the throttle came more from 10 o'clock, which tremendously lessened the
thrust the kick starter needed to operate.

3) hmmm, said i, and came up with this trick.  I dug around the garage and
came across one of those velcro straps used to secure power cords, etc.
it was about 8"long.  i wrapped it around the throttle and front brake firmly.
then, I opened the throttle about 1/4.  the velcro strap maintained this
setting whiile I.....

4) ...repositioned myself back to give the kick starter a firm, 12 o'clock thrust
while gripping the rear brake/handlebar...and right hand on rear of bike.

has started every (every) time when using this method for the past 1.5 yrs.
just be ready to lean forward and retard the throttle as it will have a tendancy
to race a scootch.  the velcro strap is stored in the glove box for future use.

hope this technique works for someone else.  life has become great once I
figured out this oddity

========

my first 2 batteries seemed to die prematurely.  so I bought new one and it  has
been working splendidly for a year.  but, because i found a place on the Web
that sold them dry charged (empty, but with electrolyte in separte -pod
cluster), I bought one more, as the shelf life is measured in years, even if
unused.  well, my new AGM technology battery has been so good the past
year that i've not had to go to my back up battery.

also, if you do happen to buy an AGM battery, DO NOT treat this like you
would a regular wet battery....do not top off with distilled water.  ithe AGM
unit is designed to (A)bsorb the electrolyte into the lead plates and will
appear to be low on fluid.  once the battery has been activated at birth,
it is designed not to be replenished with water.
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: wordslinger on March 15, 2010, 05:10:50 PM
..I stand facing the rear of th scoot...

..turn handlebars fully to the right..

..hold right-hand brake lever (and throttle when needed) with left hand...

..actuate the kick-start with with my right foot, just smoothly, not with great force...

..works every (nearly) time...


peace
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: waltermitty on March 15, 2010, 05:34:57 PM
w-
my scooter has an interlock integral with the rear brake lever.  i haven't gotten around
to disconnecting it....but also, wasn't sure yet if I wanted to.  I did disconnect similar
switch on my 650cc bike....left it operating on the 1200cc bike.

anyhoo, that is why i was still needing to have both hands on both grips.   r-
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: wordslinger on March 15, 2010, 05:49:18 PM
w-
my scooter has an interlock integral with the rear brake lever.  i haven't gotten around
to disconnecting it....but also, wasn't sure yet if I wanted to.  I did disconnect similar
switch on my 650cc bike....left it operating on the 1200cc bike.

anyhoo, that is why i was still needing to have both hands on both grips.   r-


...aaahh...i see...   :o
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: juice on March 15, 2010, 06:19:34 PM
If it hasn't been started in the last 30 days you probably have a gummed up carburator and/or bad gas . Good luck .
Title: Re: Kick Start Tip/Helps
Post by: axy on March 16, 2010, 10:10:52 AM
If it hasn't been started in the last 30 days you probably have a gummed up carburator and/or bad gas . Good luck .

I think it should take more than one month for this to happen.