MY2016 350 xcf - Kickstart Concerns

[Jonny5]

It appears the new MY2016 KTM 350XCF will not have a kickstarter.

As I am considering this bike, I am looking for a little feedback on the lack of. I understand this is not a new issue, so I am looking for update from those that have run without one. Any issues? Do you carry booster cables or an extra battery or ....???

I would plan to run a Rekluse(no easy bump start), and for winter riding I would have an LED light bar and heated grips.

Thoughts, concerns, ideas??

[cerealkiller]

My 2012 has a kickstarter, but I had the bike for two years before I ever used it. When I did use it, it was because my battery was getting weak. I had plenty of warning, but continued to run the weak battery until my back-ordered replacement came in the mail several weeks later. Also, my understanding is that a rekluse wouldn't prevent you from bump starting. It would just make it awkward and time-consuming if you had to bust out the allen keys to make it function like a normal clutch.

So in my opinion, the concern is over-blown. That said, I'm the type of fellow who trail rides with nothing but a multi-tool.

P.s. That new 350 looks awesome. Nice choice.

[trailguy]

I've run a 13,14 and 15 XCF with no kickstarter. I have not had a single starting issue hot or cold, and thats running the same Shori battery for all 3 seasons. I did pick up a Micro Anti-gravity charger, but have never needed it. These come with mini jumper cables and are about the size of a pac of cigarettes and very light weight, easily carried in a camel back or tool pack. A couple of things you can do to help the bike start easily is run a tank sock and replace and/or clean the inline cone fuel filter - it takes about 1 minute to service it. The 2016 XCF's should be killer.

[AJRJ]

I've got a 450 xcf, and the stock stator has less than 10 watts to spare, before any accessories. 350 (<2015 anyway) has a lot more than that.

Similar to TG, I've never had a starting issue, ever. Even bushwalking, with the fan running constantly my big shorai will spin it every time. I do have the rekluse clutch as well, and an adjustable slave. I just carry the Allan key so I could bump start if I ever wanted to.

I saw a funny line on another forum, which said " I wonder if there was this much controversy when they took the cranks off the front of cars?"

[RJHenry]

I spent the cash on the optional kicker on my bergs and never upgraded to the lithium ion battery. Probably the wrong choice.... I was mostly concerned about starting in the winter, at which my 450x and 2013 Berg both sucked. My '14 berg fired on the second kick at -15 last year, and I felt vindicated - but that's almost the only moment.

Erniebearskin rides a lot in the winter with electric only - I would ask him!

[Braap791]

I watched Erniebearskin fire up his bike at -10ish last year with no issues. For added insurance he did lean the bike up close to the exhaust of his running truck while he got ready.

[erniebearskin]

This is true, I haven't personally had an issue yet. I also always have booster cables for the morning start during winter rides, if it doesn't fire up on the first couple tries, I start it off the truck. Again, I've never had an issue after its fired up, knock on wood.

But 350 four strokes suck Jon, might I suggest the new Husqvarna TE125......

[RJHenry]

But 350 four strokes suck Jon, might I suggest the new Husqvarna TE125......

Good point! No question about how to start it.

[dirtyboy]

I've bump started my bike with the Rekluse. It's a bit of a pain but it works. I don't think you can bump start without some voltage available to pump the fuel however.

Now that my defective battery has been replaced, it's solid. The engine needs to be warmed a bit to start in the winter. Might be a good excuse to get that enclosed trailer and furnace setup that you've been wanting.

[Jonny5]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time.

I am glad to hear that no issues exist and back up solutions are easy.

Now I only have convince myself to let go of my 2T.