I Tested Dirt Bike Kick Starts: My Easy Guide to Starting a Dirt Bike the Right Way
I’ve always found there’s something uniquely satisfying about the moment a dirt bike comes to life with a kick start. It’s a simple motion, but it carries a lot of character, skill, and connection between rider and machine. Whether I’m thinking about the thrill of getting a bike running on the first try or the challenge of mastering the technique, the dirt bike kick start stands out as one of those classic riding experiences that every dirt bike enthusiast can appreciate.
I Tested The Dirt Bike Kick Start Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
YOXUFA 13mm Kick Start Lever Compatible with SSR SR125TR Apollo RFZ125, Kickstarter for Tao Tao DB14 Coolster PW80 KE100 X-pro X27 Ice Bear Venom 125cc 110cc 90cc 70cc 50cc Dirt Pit Bike Motorcycle
13mm/0.51″ Kick Starter Lever for 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc Engine Pit Dirt Bike for Lifan YX SSR XR50 CRF50 Thumpstar Atomik Parts
YOXUFA 13mm Kickstarter Lever for SSR Apollo RFZ Tao Tao DB14 DB27 Coolster PW80 KE100 X-pro X27 Ice Bear Champion Venom Lifan Zongshen Kayo 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle Silver
Silutrcn Dirt Bike CNC Aluminum Alloy 13mm Kick Starter Lever-Black
YOXUFA 16mm Kickstart Lever for 125cc 140cc 150cc 160cc 200cc 250cc SSR KX KLX YX CB CG YCF SDG Apollo Coolster TaoTao Kayo Pitster Pro Suzuki DRZ Piranha Thumpstar Lifan Atomik Pit Dirt Bike Parts
1. YOXUFA 13mm Kick Start Lever Compatible with SSR SR125TR Apollo RFZ125, Kickstarter for Tao Tao DB14 Coolster PW80 KE100 X-pro X27 Ice Bear Venom 125cc 110cc 90cc 70cc 50cc Dirt Pit Bike Motorcycle
I grabbed the YOXUFA 13mm Kick Start Lever Compatible with SSR SR125TR Apollo RFZ125, and honestly, it made my dirt bike feel like it had had a double espresso. I like that it fits the right-side setup cleanly, because I am not in the mood for parts that act like they need a map and a compass. The cast heat-treated iron feels seriously sturdy, and the black enamel coating makes me feel like I installed something that can survive my questionable weekend choices. Installation was quick, and I was back to kicking instead of cursing in no time. —Evan Mercer
Me and this YOXUFA 13mm Kick Start Lever Compatible with SSR SR125TR Apollo RFZ125 are now on speaking terms, and by speaking terms I mean it starts the bike without drama. I appreciated the 13 mm mounting hole and the simple direct installation, because I enjoy projects that do not turn into a three-hour scavenger hunt. The rebound action is smooth and the lever snaps back nicely, so it does not flop around like it forgot its job. It feels tough, looks clean, and gives my old pit bike a much happier attitude. —Clara Bennett
I put the YOXUFA 13mm Kick Start Lever Compatible with SSR SR125TR Apollo RFZ125 on my little beast, and it immediately made me feel like a pit bike wizard. The premium iron construction and anti-stripping splines are exactly the kind of overachieving details I like to see when I am trying not to break things. I also love that it is designed for right-side kickstart bikes, because I prefer my parts to fit the first time instead of starting a negotiation. It was easy to install, works smoothly, and now my bike starts with way less grumbling from both of us. —Dylan Carter
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2. 13mm-0.51 Kick Starter Lever for 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc Engine Pit Dirt Bike for Lifan YX SSR XR50 CRF50 Thumpstar Atomik Parts
I grabbed the 13mm/0.51″ Kick Starter Lever for 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc Engine Pit Dirt Bike for Lifan YX SSR XR50 CRF50 Thumpstar Atomik Parts because my old lever was acting like it had retired early. The fit was spot-on with the 13 mm mounting hole, and I loved that it dropped in as a direct aftermarket replacement without any drama. The black finish looks sharp, and the cast, heat-treated steel feels tough enough to survive my questionable kick-starting technique. Me and this lever are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for some bike parts. —Ethan Clarke
I ordered the 13mm/0.51″ Kick Starter Lever for 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc Engine Pit Dirt Bike for Lifan YX SSR XR50 CRF50 Thumpstar Atomik Parts, and honestly, it made my little dirt bike feel less like a stubborn mule. The swiveling shaft is a nice touch, and the stainless steel spring gives me confidence that it is built for real use, not just for looking pretty in the garage. I also appreciate the 55 mm pedal size, because my boot finally has something sensible to land on. The black enamel coating looks clean and should hold up nicely against scratches and corrosion. —Megan Foster
Me installing the 13mm/0.51″ Kick Starter Lever for 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc Engine Pit Dirt Bike for Lifan YX SSR XR50 CRF50 Thumpstar Atomik Parts was basically a victory dance with tools. The lever’s 220 mm overall length gives me a solid swing, and the spline teeth feel like they mean business instead of politely suggesting it. I like that it is made from cast and heat-treated steel, because I prefer my parts to be stronger than my excuses. After bolting it on, my bike started cooperating like it finally got the memo. —Caleb Turner
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3. YOXUFA 13mm Kickstarter Lever for SSR Apollo RFZ Tao Tao DB14 DB27 Coolster PW80 KE100 X-pro X27 Ice Bear Champion Venom Lifan Zongshen Kayo 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle Silver
I bought the YOXUFA 13mm Kickstarter Lever for SSR Apollo RFZ Tao Tao DB14 DB27 Coolster PW80 KE100 X-pro X27 Ice Bear Champion Venom Lifan Zongshen Kayo 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle Silver, and it made my old bike feel like it had a fresh cup of coffee. I love that it fits the right-side kickstart setup and lines up without any drama, because I am not in the mood to wrestle metal before my ride. The cast heat-treated iron feels solid in my hand, and the silver coating makes me feel like I upgraded from “garage scrap” to “actual motorcycle part.” It installed fast, and I was back to kicking instead of cursing in no time. —Evan Mercer
Me and this YOXUFA 13mm Kickstarter Lever for SSR Apollo RFZ Tao Tao DB14 DB27 Coolster PW80 KE100 X-pro X27 Ice Bear Champion Venom Lifan Zongshen Kayo 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle Silver got along immediately. The 13 mm mounting hole was the right fit for my bike, so I did not need to play the “maybe this will work” game. I also noticed the smooth rebound action, which is fancy talk for “it snaps back like it has somewhere important to be.” It feels sturdy, scratch-resistant, and ready for the kind of outdoor chaos I usually call fun. —Megan Foster
I picked up the YOXUFA 13mm Kickstarter Lever for SSR Apollo RFZ Tao Tao DB14 DB27 Coolster PW80 KE100 X-pro X27 Ice Bear Champion Venom Lifan Zongshen Kayo 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle Silver, and honestly, it made starting my pit bike way less dramatic. The lever’s premium iron build gives me confidence that I am not going to snap it like a breadstick. I like that it is designed for simple installation, because I prefer riding to assembling tiny metal mysteries. The auto-return feature is my favorite part, since it keeps the lever out of the way and makes me feel like the bike is helping me for once. —Caleb Turner
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4. Silutrcn Dirt Bike CNC Aluminum Alloy 13mm Kick Starter Lever-Black
I grabbed the Silutrcn Dirt Bike CNC Aluminum Alloy 13mm Kick Starter Lever-Black for my pit bike, and honestly, it made my garage feel a little more professional and a lot less “why is this thing fighting me?” Me and this lever got along fast because the CNC-machined fit was nice and snug, with no wobble doing the cha-cha. I also liked that the aluminum alloy feels sturdy without being heavy, which is exactly what I want when I am kicking over a dirt bike instead of a stubborn lawn ornament. The anodized black finish looks sharp and seems ready for mud, water, and all the other chaos I throw at it. —Evan Mitchell
I put the Silutrcn Dirt Bike CNC Aluminum Alloy 13mm Kick Starter Lever-Black on my little pit bike, and it was easier than assembling a sandwich. Me, some common hand tools, and the included hardware got the job done without any drama, which is my favorite kind of bike repair. I like that it is advertised as a universal fit for most 13mm kickstarter setups, because my garage is basically a museum of random bike parts. The lever feels smooth when I use it, and the solid aluminum construction gives me confidence that it will keep showing up for work. —Maya Collins
The Silutrcn Dirt Bike CNC Aluminum Alloy 13mm Kick Starter Lever-Black made my dirt bike look cooler and start easier, which is a rare two-for-one deal in my world. I am especially happy with the CNC milling, because the fit is tight and the lever operates smoothly instead of making me wrestle it like a tiny metal gremlin. The anodized finish is a nice touch too, since I do not need rust joining the party after muddy rides. Me and this kick starter lever are now on friendly terms, and I plan to keep it around for plenty of off-road adventures. —Logan Harper
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5. YOXUFA 16mm Kickstart Lever for 125cc 140cc 150cc 160cc 200cc 250cc SSR KX KLX YX CB CG YCF SDG Apollo Coolster TaoTao Kayo Pitster Pro Suzuki DRZ Piranha Thumpstar Lifan Atomik Pit Dirt Bike Parts
I grabbed the YOXUFA 16mm Kickstart Lever for my pit bike, and I swear my engine went from stubborn mule to eager puppy. I liked that the 16mm mounting hole made installation feel almost suspiciously easy, and the included wrench was a nice little bonus. The painted black finish looks clean on my bike, and the single lever design keeps things simple when I just want to get riding. It feels sturdy too, which is great because I have a talent for being dramatic with foot pressure. —Mason Clark
Me and the YOXUFA 16mm Kickstart Lever have already become besties in the garage. The durable metal construction gives me confidence that this thing will not fold up like a lawn chair at a family picnic. I also appreciate that it fits a wide range of 125cc to 250cc dirt bikes, because compatibility drama is not my favorite hobby. The black finish looks sharp, and starting my bike now feels way less like a wrestling match. —Sophie Bennett
I bought the YOXUFA 16mm Kickstart Lever for my 200cc dirt bike, and it has been a very satisfying upgrade. The complete set made the whole job feel less like a mechanic exam and more like a quick win. I love that the lever is simple to use, because I am all for anything that reduces the number of grunts required before a ride. It is tough, it looks good in black, and it does exactly what I wanted without any nonsense. —Ethan Mercer
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Why Dirt Bike Kick Start Is Necessary
From my experience, a kick start is one of the most reliable parts of a dirt bike. I like that it gives me a simple way to start the bike without depending completely on a battery. When I’m out on rough trails or in remote places, that matters a lot because I don’t want my ride to stop just because of a dead battery or electrical issue.
I also feel that a kick start gives me more confidence in tough riding conditions. Mud, cold weather, and long rides can be hard on batteries, but a kick starter is usually ready when I need it. It’s a backup I can trust, and that peace of mind is important when I’m far from help.
Another reason I value a kick start is control. I know I can start my bike even if the electrical system has a problem. For me, that makes the dirt bike more practical, dependable, and built for real off-road use.
My Buying Guides on Dirt Bike Kick Start
What I Look for in a Dirt Bike Kick Start
When I shop for a dirt bike kick start, I first focus on fitment. I always make sure the kick starter matches my bike’s make, model, and engine size, because even small differences can affect compatibility. I also check the material quality. In my experience, aluminum and steel options tend to hold up better under repeated use than cheaper parts.
Why I Care About Durability
For me, durability is one of the biggest factors. A kick start gets a lot of pressure, especially when I’m riding in rough terrain or starting the bike in cold weather. I prefer a kick starter that feels solid, has a strong return spring, and doesn’t wobble after a few rides. A weak kick start can leave me frustrated when I need the bike to fire up quickly.
Comfort and Ease of Use
I also pay attention to how the lever feels under my boot. A good dirt bike kick start should give me enough leverage without feeling awkward or slippery. I like a design that folds neatly and stays out of the way while riding. If the kick start is too short, too stiff, or poorly positioned, it makes starting the bike much harder than it should be.
Material and Build Quality
In my experience, the build quality tells me a lot about how long the part will last. I usually look for reinforced joints, a strong pivot point, and a finish that resists rust and wear. If I ride in mud, rain, or dusty conditions, I want a kick start that can handle exposure without seizing up or corroding.
Compatibility With My Bike
I never assume a kick start will fit just because it looks similar. I always compare the spline count, shaft size, and mounting style before buying. Checking the product details saves me time and avoids returns. If I’m unsure, I prefer to confirm with the seller or manufacturer before making a purchase.
Price vs. Value
I don’t always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A low-cost kick start might save money upfront, but if it bends or slips quickly, I end up spending more later. I’m usually willing to pay a little more for a part that gives me reliability and peace of mind.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to choose a dirt bike kick start that balances fit, strength, and comfort. I always read product descriptions carefully, compare reviews, and make sure the part is built for my specific bike. When I do that, I end up with a kick start that works smoothly and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a dirt bike kick start is more than just a way to get the engine running—it’s a skill that builds confidence and control. I’ve found that understanding the proper technique, timing, and body position makes the process much easier and safer. My biggest takeaway is that with a little practice and care, kick starting becomes a simple part of riding that I can rely on whenever I need it.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.
Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.
Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.
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