How to Start a Dirt Bike Every Time (Kick, Push, Bump, Clutch)

Whether you are a beginner or experienced rider, getting your bike to start is one of the first things you want to nail down. Unfortunately, sometimes they can be a pan and give you trouble. No worries though; below are the exact steps to show you how to start a dirt bike every time… whether it’s flooded, cold, a four stroke or a two stroke.

How to Kickstart a Dirt Bike

Kicking over a dirt bike is the most common way of starting one. In fact, you only need to specify if you’re trying to start a bike any other way.

For the most part, all of the steps to kickstart a dirt bike are the same whether your 4 stroke dirt bike won’t start or a 2 stroke… they’re basically the same. Additionally, there are different steps for starting a cold, hot, or flooded bike that we’ll cover.

Kickstarting a Cold Dirt Bike

• Turn the fuel valve ON
• Make sure the transmission is in neutral
• If the temperature is 95°F (35°C) or less, use full choke.
  If the temperature is below 32°F (0°C), open the throttle two or three times. (This provides the engine a richer mixture for starting in cold weather.)
• With the throttle now closed, kick the kickstarter through to the bottom with a steady, continuous motion. (Do not open the throttle because excessive fuel in the engine makes kickstarting not work.)
• About 60 seconds after the engine starts, disengage the choke. (If idling is unstable, open the throttle slightly.)

Kickstarting a Hot Dirt Bike

• Turn the fuel valve ON
• Make sure the transmission is in neutral
• Activate the hot start
• Kickstart the engine (do not open the throttle)
• Release the hot start lever once engine is running

Kickstarting a Dirt Bike While Out Riding

• Make sure the transmission is in neutral
• Activate the hot start
• Kickstart the engine (do not open the throttle)
• Release the hot start lever once engine is running

Kickstarting a Flooded Dirt Bike

If you’ve been trying to start your bike for a while (and using the throttle correctly, as outlined above) and you  still aren’t able to get the bike started, it could just be flooded.

If you’re flooded dirt bike won’t start, try these (slightly THROTTLE different) steps:

1. Let the bike rest for 5-10 minutes
2. Make sure the choke is off
3. Make sure the ignition is on
4. Hold the throttle wide open
5. Kickstart the dirt bike to get it turning over
6. As soon as the engine starts release the throttle

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How to Push Start a Dirt Bike

Push starting a dirt bike is quite easy. Many times, due to laziness, I’ll actually (push) bump start my dirt bike while I’m out riding just because it’s easier than kicking it over.

Push Starting a Cold Dirt Bike

• Verify that the fuel valve ON
• Make sure the transmission is in neutral
• If the temperature is 95°F (35°C) or less, use full choke.
  If the temperature is below 32°F (0°C), open the throttle two or three times. (This provides the engine a richer mixture for starting in cold weather.)
• Activate the clutch (pull clutch lever) and shift into 3rd gear.
• Stand on the left-hand side of your bike and…
• Start pushing as fast as you can
• After 20ft or so (as long as momentum is up), jump on the bike
• With clutch still pulled in, and bike rolling at a decent pace, do a little “butt-bounce” onto the seat while simultaneously releasing the clutch and working the throttle as-needed (not much at all, if any at first)
• Once you hear your bike turn over and fire, re-activate the clutch and give it a couple revs
• About 60 seconds after the engine starts, disengage the choke. (If idling is unstable, open the throttle slightly.)

Push Starting a Flooded Dirt Bike

If after unsuccessfully trying to kickstart your dirt bike (and using the throttle correctly, as outlined above) and you still aren’t able to get the bike started, it may be flooded.

If you’ve flooded your dirt bike and it won’t start, try these this:

1. Let the bike rest for 5-10 minutes
2. Make sure the choke is off
3. Make sure the ignition is on
4. Hold in the clutch and shift into 3rd gear
5. With clutch pulled in and transmission in 3rd gear, it’s time to start pushing
6. Once you’ve built momentum, give the bike “butt-bounce” onto the seat while simultaneously releasing the clutch and working the throttle as-needed (not much at all, if any at first)
7. As soon as the engine starts release the throttle