I bought a SR400 in 1985 for $400, just a dollar per c.c. It was impossible to start but later on I found (after I got quite a work out) you have to put the choke in the middle of three steps and it would start right up. It was super economical and reliable. Had a very good time.
In 1978 I bought a used Yamaha 250 for $50. I loved that bike, it was so much fun to ride and kick starting was the only way to start it. The styling of this 400 is very similar. I like the old school look. I might have to save up a few bucks and get one of these.
Procedure can be a problem, when you have to kickstart at night in the dark. You do,nt see the silver indicator. It happend to me and I was lucky to have a keyholder with a smaal flashlite. When you,re more experienced, you can alsoget the " feeling" about the position of the cranck, but still it,s difficult to start in the dark
Well, one thing you missed. When you kick it down, even when it starts, keep your foot all the way down. When it's running you can lift up. Jabbing it as you do will one day get yourself kicked off the bike or worse a broken foot or leg. Now maybe it's not a big deal on the 400 but on a 500 you better be carefull. Yes, I owned a 77 tt500 and still have my 80 sr500.
Spin it a few times decompressed to get things moving or to clear it if flooded. Then find compression (TDC) and using the decompression lever move the piston with the kick start very slightly past TDC (compression), let the kick start return, then kick it. This works for a 78 500, I haven't used the window since the early 80s.
Thanks for that. I tried it on my SR400 and it's still taking me 3 to 5 kicks after the 'dead' kicks. There's gotta be a trick I haven't found yet. Not having a choke is throwing me off my game.
ok i love these thumpers understand,old or new,neat sound and so simple,IF on the other hand or more like WHEN you stall one in traffic,i could see one experiencing a bit of stress as some angry truck driver misses his light behind you as u search for the compression releasy thingie...my old kh400 was also kick only,but there was no fiddling at a ight,u just kicked it and it started
I understand the old-school charm of starting it that way, but it may be a safety-issue when for whatever reason you really just need to start it and GO.
I own an 84 that I bought while stationed in Japan. Tore the decompression lever off, not really needed. Easy bike to start, fun to ride, takes abuse. Buy one.
Great video! Thanks! I am thinking about buying this as my first motorcycle. Love the retro look and the performance seems to be exactly what I am looking for. Trying to find a good used one though, the price is a bit steep!
Thank you so much! the great explanation I wasn't aware that the piston had to be at the top for the kick to work. I brushed the arch of my foot, sometimes the kick locks up and i hate that. Any reason why that happens?
Good to know , but..to begin with this tutorial have the key in your hand. Put the key in and note that this bike is fuel injected. No choke, then turn the key, go to the ignition on and off switch on the handle bar. Video this. Explain the three positions then go to the kick start
Plz launch this same SR bike in India.... With SR150cc... Really Yamaha will get good response... Cuz here in India we still craze about vintage version Rx100 Yamaha... So this SR looks same like Rx
Good video - you say you have one maybe two chances to kick it over - can you explain why that is. Also this bike is nicely set up - Can you tell us or show us what you try when its not starting or at least not starting so easily?? thanks again
Yeah it's a good first bike. Light and easy to ride. Love the fuel injection too. I haven't seen any exhausts for this bike out yet to be honest. I didn't really find anything with a quick google search either.
Hi I have a 2015 yamaha currently in the shop kick starter oil seal leak from kick the wrong way. Hey both my shocks had to be replaced and spark plug rains alot in hawaii. I was keeping the compression level in while kicking light bub came on for me thks.
For $6k I would take anything else and I like the look it’s not that it’s the performance to price ratio for me. I would much rather have a striped down 650 or even a ninja 350 just anything would beat this.
@@rayo1371 it looks like there is a carburetor on it. Would be cool of it was carburated but they have to meet emissions. I'd buy one but it's probably too small for me so I'm just gonna buy something like a XR650L supermoto or DRZ400SM. I'd like a XR650R but they're difficult to find not beat up.
Giuseppe Simonetti haha, just got a 2015 today .. the 2014 and after definitely injected ..fun bike .. not a big guy’s bike ...those are excellent choices .. good luck !
Sorry but you do it all wrong. First you push the kick starter till it stops then you pull the decompress lever and push the kick starter slowly till you see the silver in the window. now with the ignition turned on you give it a good kick with out giving it any gas. It is impotent not to give any gas. that was the reason the engine did not start the first time. They start very easy if you do it right.
