1990 KDX200 starting problems

[Ryan0190]

hi guys, this is my first post on the site. i just bought my first kdx and im having an issue. when i go to kickstart the bike it doesnt catch as high as it should, it hear a very faint click when i push it past where the top of the kick should be. and when i try to kick the bike over fast it doesnt catch at all most of the time, when i start a little slower it catches but to no avail. theres is a bit of play on the kickstarter and where you put your foot is bent backwards about 25 degrees which doesnt help, after probably 20 kicks the bike starts, could this be low compression? kickstarter spring? gears? i would really love the bike if it started a little easier. any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[KDXGarage]

Welcome to the forums. Search around, as this issue has come up several times. I can't remember what the cure was, whether spring or gear faces worn.

[bufftester]

To fix your kick starter from slipping you'll need these part #'s:

92081-122 spring ratchet
13078-1063 ratchet
59051-1041 kick starter gear spur

You might not need all three, I would start with the spring. A lot a times the starter mechanism just needs a little more pressure and a new spring will provide this. Also check the splines on the kickstart shaft (13066-1071) where they mate with the ratchet. Diagram here.

[Ryan0190]

Ok thank you bufftester I'll order a new spring and try that. I'll post the results when I install it