Electric Start Dirt Bikes: Are They The Future?

Some dirt bikes have an electric start feature, but not all. Manufacturers are adding electric start features to dirt bikes for those who can't kick-start them. Some of the dirt bikes that have the electric start feature include Husaberg (all FE models, some FC models), KTM (all RFS series), Yamaha (all WRs, all TT-Rs), Suzuki (DRZs), and Kawasaki (some models). Honda and GasGas bikes are also available with retro-fitted electric starters.

Electric start dirt bikes are available from Husaberg, KTM, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki

Electric start is a convenient feature for those who find kick-starting a bike challenging or tiresome. It's particularly useful for riders with shorter legs or those who struggle with the kick-start mechanism on two-stroke engines. While some see it as an unnecessary addition, others appreciate the ease and convenience it offers, especially when starting a bike multiple times.

The availability of electric start on dirt bikes varies by manufacturer and model, with some brands offering it as standard across their range, while others make it optional or exclude it entirely. It's worth noting that electric start is not limited to newer bikes, as some older models can be retrofitted with electric starters.

When considering an electric start dirt bike, it's important to weigh the benefits of convenience against any potential drawbacks, such as added weight or complexity. Additionally, the availability and cost of replacement parts for the electric start system may be factors to consider over the bike's lifetime.

Some Honda dirt bikes have retro-fitted electric starters

Electric starters are not a standard feature on dirt bikes. Manufacturers are adding them for riders who are unable to start their bikes with kick levers. This includes those with spindly legs and older riders who are too lazy to kick-start their bikes.

Some other dirt bikes with electric start features include:

• Husaberg: all FE models, some FC models
• KTM: all RFS series
• Yamaha: all WRs, all TT-Rs (some optional, but available)
• Suzuki: DRZs
• Kaw: not sure
• GasGas: not sure if the 450 does or not
• Husky: all the TE models

Electric starters are not needed for most four-stroke engines

There are quite a few XR250R and XR400Rs out there with retro-fitted electric starters. Some dirt bikes that have the electric start feature available include: Husaberg - all FE models, some FC models; KTM - all RFS series; Yamaha - All WRs, all TT-Rs (some optional, but available); Suzuki - DRZs; Kaw - not sure; Honda - not sure; GasGas - not sure if the 450 does or not; Husky - I think all the TE models do.

Electric starters are useful for people who are unable to kick-start their bike

Electric starters are useful for people who are unable to kick-start their dirt bikes. Some manufacturers have started to include electric starters on their dirt bikes, which is great news for those who struggle with kick-starting.

Electric starters can be a real help for those with spindly legs who find it difficult to kick-start their bikes. They are also useful for older riders who might not have the strength or flexibility to kick-start a bike anymore.

If you're in the market for a dirt bike with an electric start, there are a few options available. Husaberg offers the feature on all FE models and some FC models, while KTM includes it on all RFS series bikes. Yamaha also offers electric start on all WRs and TT-Rs, although some models make it optional. Suzuki includes electric start on their DRZs, and Kaw may also offer it on some models.

If you're looking for a vintage Honda dirt bike with an electric start, you might want to consider retrofitting an XR250R or XR400R with an electric starter.

So, if you're someone who struggles with kick-starting your dirt bike, electric starters can be a real game-changer. They take the hassle out of starting your bike and ensure you can get riding without any frustration or strain.

Electric starters are also useful for people who have dropped their bike and killed the engine

Dirt bikes that have the electric start feature include:

• Husaberg: all FE models, some FC models
• KTM: all RFS series
• Yamaha: all WRs, all TT-Rs (some optional, but available)
• Suzuki: DRZs
• Kaw: not sure
• Honda: not sure
• GasGas: not sure if the 450 does or not
• Husky: all the TE models

If you are looking for a vintage Honda dirt bike with an electric start, there are quite a few XR250R and XR400Rs out there with retro-fitted electric starters.

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