Can you start a BRP w/o boots?

[HomeMadeSin]

I've got a severe itch to get a dual sport bike. Being a die hard Honda fan, I'd love to get the XR650. The only thing it's missing, IMHO, is the button. You see, I'd like to take a quick ride up to the store w/o having to suit up.

I've got a 96 CR500, and although she starts with just a few kicks, you gotta kick it like you mean it...

The other bike I'm considering is the KTM 625 SXC....but it just isn't a Honda.

[qadsan]

I've started my XR650R with my arm once just to see if I could do it. I start it in tennis shoes in my back yard all the time without any issues.

[FlyByWire]

Ive started mine in flip-flops after I washed it.... No problem. Starts even easier now that it's uncorked.

[Carlisle1972]

not that I recommend it but flip flops also, easy bike to start, My old yzf426 was three times harder to start. Common you dont want a ktm 625 what if you need parts for it yea the exc mx and sx are common but the lc4's very tough to find parts unless you have a VERY good dealer

Call your dealer and ask for cables, shift levers, filters and see what they say

[Naru]

Whenever I'm working on the BRP, I usually start it with sandals, usually don't have a problem. However, one time the starter kicked back and impaled my sandal, and put a heck of a dent in my foot. Just a warning.

[J_T]

Tennis shoes, rubber sandels all the time with jetted and uncorked but after the Edelbrock QS it can be started barefooted. But a slippery food could mean foot peg in the shin so I don't condone it but just to give you an idea of whats required. I'm just telling you for reference on how hard to start, not whats required for riding.

Disclaimer: OK I'M a stick-in-the-mud I guess but keep in mind that boots aren't designed to help starting a motorcycle its safety equipment. We all have seen our share of injuries that would have been prevented with proper gear and those that would have been worse without it.

I guess it goes without saying, (but since I'm being a mother here I guess I'll continue) as far as safety equipment its always better to error to the side of caution.

The forum downer, JT

[jws]

Ive started mine in flip-flops after I washed it.... No problem. Starts even easier now that it's uncorked.

me too ?

jeff

[sunnymex]

Me three!!!

However...I am extremely careful as those razor sharp IMS footpegs are always eager to bite into my shin if my foot slips of the kicker. I usually put a thick rag on the peg just in case. Better to be safe than sorry.

[aussiexr]

G`Day

Yeh just come from the shed after replacing blinker globe

started the pig no shoes that was just lucky but never had any kickback in the 12 months of learning to start it.

[curtjeaz280]

Ive done it with flipp flopps numerous times and barefoot just because I could. It's not a big deal on the 650. It was much harder but possible on a YZ426. I talked my buddy into buying a 650 when he sold his CR500 and he will never go back to the two-stroke. I hear you on sticking with the honda. Every time I have gone away from the XR's to try something else, I have always come back. I have owned 3 XR600's 3 XR400's and two XR650R's. They are truly awesome bikes. ?

[JeffreyT]

If you want a push button start for the BRP, you can get a bolt on kit from Joe Racer Products for about a $1000 bucks if you are interested.

[Kritter]

easy in flip flops...watch the shin and back of calf when you slip though.

[PoorLilRich]

it can hurt lots if you slip or miss

theres a ffew things to take a piece of your leg on you

[HomeMadeSin]

Sorry, haven't checked back in a while. Sounds good. I want to ride both the 650 and 625 and make a judgement call. Having morphed into the Colorado culture, I do wear sandals often, but probably wouldn't wear to ride, even if just up to the store. I'm thinking I would ride the bike to a park 'n ride and carpool with others to work. It's about 30 miles to get to the p'nr and I could really use an 1hour (r/t) a day of extra saddle time. I just don't want to get decked out in MX gear. And the CR5 likes it rough..no flip flops on her. Plus firing up that beast in my "pass the sugar" neighborhood would be rough.

I know, I know, it'll be tough to consider something other than red. But damn the 625 looks like a good deal and more competitive than the BRP....what I would really donate a...er....{nevermind} for is fuel injection. I live at 6,200 feet and would like to ride up to 14,000 if needed w/o worrying about the damn jets. :cheers:Plus, I've seen BRP's advertised for $3,900 from a dealer....not bad.

[J_T]

I've heard of people using the Edelbrock QS at that Alt range w/out problems and it doesn't require jet changing.

Just a thought

[RidesRed]

Boots not required. My BRP starts awesome! I too, was concerned about the lack of electric start. But let me assure you of this..it starts as easily (sometimes easier) than my 02 xr100! You HAVE to learn and follow "the drill". But "the drill" is easy. For example, the most I have ever had to kick it to start was three times, mind you the temp was 15 degrees F and the bike had sat out overnight in minus 6 F! Don't fear the kickstarter. As for a dual sport bike, there is NOTHING that will do the job as well as that 650R. I consider mine to be the ultimate adventure-tourer (fully de-restricted engine, 6 gallon acerbis tank, baja designs dual sport kit, acerbis hand guards, HRC competition exhuast baffle, Dirt-bagz saddle bags). It also does very well for goin to the local mini mart, since 99 out of a hundred times it starts with ONE kick (remember "the drill"). Thats one kick, hot or cold. I always have total confidence my bike will start, and will start easily. Get the Honda. While KTM's are nice bikes, they still dont have Hondas build quality, refinement, parts availability, or aftermarket support.

[RidesRed]

Whenever I'm working on the BRP, I usually start it with sandals, usually don't have a problem. However, one time the starter kicked back and impaled my sandal, and put a heck of a dent in my foot. Just a warning.

OUCH!!!! That should NEVER happen...sounds like your auto-decompressor needs adjustment.