Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?

Hi, I have found a motorcycle engine, its a 250cc and its air colled. is there any way i can start it with the kickstar alone, without power to the spark plugs?, or how can i get it going to see if it works?. i dont have any of the bike parts, i just have the engine.

Thanks.Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?If it runs on points and not electronic ignition yes, it will start if the motor is in running condition...gas, carb, magneto etc...Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?If you want to get the engine running you need:

carburettors+ fuel

sparkplugs+coil(s)+points n condensor or CDI unit and a battery 6/12volts depending on igntion systems requirements



Another way to know if its a good engine is to do a compression check. remove the spark plug, screw in a motorcycle compression tester, hold the carbs open( if theyre on the engine) and kick it over to build up the pressure on the gauge.

crap is about 70psi and below.

Ok is about 90

good is about 120psi+



If its a multicylinder then the psi reading must be pretty even across the cylinders if one or more is very low, you need to find out why. i.e 90,125,125,126Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?You don't need any spark plugs. If conditions are right, the engine will start with just a kick like all diesels do.Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?Usually the kick-start turned over a gadget called the Magneto which then produced a spark at the sparkplug, this is more often superseded by a battery and starter motor on modern machines , the battery turning over a starter motor and a generator /alternator producing the spark at the plug.Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?If that doesn't work. Push it down a hill and get to about 5-10mph and drop in 1st gear. Depending on how long the bike has been sitting this may take a few tries.Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?sorry james but it seems you know little about engines ...you will need a spark plug ...allso a battery ..an exhaust system and a fuel tank ...if its a 4 stroke you will need an oil tank ..leave it where you found it ..Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?Funny how everyone seems to have read the question differently to me.



When you kick the engine over, it will generate power to the plug, unless:



1. it's the kind of engine that needs a battery as part of the ignition system;

2. there's something wrong with the generator/magneto/dynamo;

3. ditto plug lead(s);

4. ditto spark plug(s);

5. ditto contact breaker points or CDI unit.

6. any combination of the above.



So technically, the answer to your question is, no, you can't start it without power to the spark plugs.



To get it going, as well as having the above in working order, you'll need a fuel supply. In your case, with just an engine and no cycle parts, that can be rigged up by some kind of tank with a tap in it mounted above the motor (e.g. motor on floor, tank on bench or table) with the fuel line running to the carburettor(s). (Presumably your motor has the carburettors attached?!!)



Have a good look around the site below. Happy tinkering!Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?You'll need a battery and all necessary ignition components, ignore anyone who says you won't.Can a motorcycle engine start with the kick start alone or do you need power to the spark plugs?you definitely need spark plugs. The kickstart should turn the engine over and provide a little power to the sparkplug and fire it up. If it is a single cylinder it may not need a battery (Vespas don't have one). If you have sufficient mechanical knowledge you should be able to get it running. If you don't, you won't get it running