How often do starters fail?

[thejean]

Hey guys, considering a bike without a kick start (SXF). I'm not too worried about dead batteries because buddies will have jumper cables. BUT, what if the starter goes, then what? At least a kicker you can home. Has anyone had their starter go?

Thanks JC

 

[Chadx]

I've not heard of a starter going on anything but a very old bile and that was just in the forums. Never known of a physical starter failure in person. As you noted, you are more likely to run into battery issues than a starter issues. And most battery issues you can overcome with a jump and at least ride out.

 

[Rush44]

Carry a nylon tow strap and have a buddy bump start you. Attach the strap to the front frame between the forks. No problem.

 

[powdermuncher]

Anything is possible if it is mechanical or electrical it can fail.

Also seen kick start gears striped you name it it all has happened before.

I like tho have a back up kicker and mostly use it for cold starts -- works

better than e start on most bikes when it is real cold.

That said I have not had a pull rope on any of my 4 Yamaha 4 stroke sleds

now for 7 years and besides the occasional boost in extreme cold never had

a problem.

 

[thejean]

I decided to go for a 2013 XCF. Call it peace of mind. And I found a good deal.

 

[Chadx]

I decided to go for a 2013 XCF. Call it peace of mind. And I found a good deal.

?

Like the SXF, the XCF doesn't have a kickstart either. Only XCW and EXC. Or am I misreading your above comment?

 

[thejean]

Yes, but in 2013 you have the option to add one. In 2014+, that option is gone.

 

[Chadx]

Roger that. I follow you now. I was only thinking stock.