tecnique for starting a 501fc 1999

Using the kick start lever, get it up on the compression stroke, pull in the manual compression release lever and get the piston just past TDC, let the kick lever return to the top, and give it a solid, firm kick - but don't try to "slap" the lever like you would do with a 2 stroke. The bike should have the kick lever actuated compression release but it may be out of adjustment, but even if it is working, the above proceedure makes it real easy. On my '96 FE501 I did the above but without using the manual compression release lever - I'd get the piston up on compression, let the lever return to the top of the stroke, and then give it a firm kick relying on the kick lever actuated compression release to get the piston over the top. BTW, I weighed about 140 lbs. when I bought my 501 and never had any trouble starting it. I've used the same proceedure on the 650 I used to own and on my current '05 FE550 when the battery gets weak.

+1 what he said

I have a 2005 fs650e and I could'nt kickstart it. they key for me was finding the compression stroke, once I found that it starts first kick.( ps I do have an electric start but I don't like using it)

One other thing to consider is the valve adjustment. I have noticed that my 99’ FE 600 is harder to start if the valves are just slightly outside the “ideal” position. When I have to kick more than three times to start the bike I know it is about time to adjust the valves again. :bounce3: