Honda 2004 CRF450r Starting Difficulty

[Howard Burns]

I just purchased a used CRF 450R. When I inspected the bike, the previous owner started it for me (with no apparent difficulty). I thought that if he could start it, so could I (wrong). First, I think if I gained another 100 pounds, I may be able to get the kick starter down without jumping into the air (it is very difficult to kick even with the 200 lbs I have now). There are times, however, when it (the kick starter) glides easily to the bottom. I was able to get it started once, but I have forgotten exactly which way my head was turned (I did not do anything that I had not tried previously). Once started, the bike runs like a top.

I have done the following:
Made sure the gas is on.
changed the spark plug
tried it with choke on and off
disconnected the kill switch
gave it a little gas
started the kick at the very top of its rotation, 3/4 of its rotation, etc.
listened and tried to feel any indication of starting from TDC (I may be looking for the wrong thing here)

[mgdavis]

I've not got a dirt bike, nor a bike with a kick starter, but isn't there a means of releasing compression via a switch on the handlebar?

[Howard Burns]

there is, but I believe it is for hot starts. but, i have tried it when cold and after the one time I did get it started, to no avail. thanks for your response. My next step is along thos lines, checking the decompression screw. but would like to triy any other ideas before I pull the head.

[BuzZz]

You're doing everything right, you just need to be aware of where the piston is in it's stroke when you start your big kick from the top of the stroke.

You need to roll the engine over with the kickstarter until the piston is just over TDC on the intake stroke (use the decomp lever). Then stop moving the piston, take the kickstarter to the top of it's stroke, release the decomp lever, and kick it like you mean it. You'll get the feel for it......

[Howard Burns]

You're doing everything right, you just need to be aware of where the piston is in it's stroke when you start your big kick from the top of the stroke.

You need to roll the engine over with the kickstarter until the piston is just over TDC on the intake stroke (use the decomp lever). Then stop moving the piston, take the kickstarter to the top of it's stroke, release the decomp lever, and kick it like you mean it. You'll get the feel for it......

Thank you, makes sense, but how do I know when the piston is at top dead center? I think I can feel it when its on the compression stroke, but not real sure when I am at TDC (is it when the crank is the easiest to push??)