DT 300i Kick Start!

[Syl]

Why did I think the DT had a "kick start"? Yep, I was surprised that it doesn't. I guess since the S200 has one, I figured this automatically had one....Duh!

[jprestonian]

Pretty rare to see it on a scooter of 250cc or more, these days.
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[Whisper]

  Heh, on a 4-stroke a kick start is mostly there for show.  Or an opportunity to create stress cracks in the tranny cover/case.

  During Bike Week down here, you can always find someone trying to kickstart a large displacement Harley.  Just break out the popcorn and enjoy the entertainment.

  They actually work stupendously on 2 strokes.

[klaviator]

  Heh, on a 4-stroke a kick start is mostly there for show. 

I like having a way to start the scooter/ motorcycle if the battery dies.  I have a 350cc motorcycle with a kick starter.  It is not just for show since it has no electric starter and I never have to worry about a dead battery.  At least on a motorcycle you can put it in gear and bump start it.  You're going to have to jump start your scooter.  Do you carry jumper cables with you?

[NewKymcoFan]

On my old 06 Vino classic (4 stroke) i ran into a handful of situations where the kick start came in handy. When I was looking to buy my Kymco Super 8 I was also looking at the Piaggio Fly 150.  One of the deciding factors was the fact that the Fly 150 didn't have a kick start.  I like the sense of security provided by having a kick start and am sure it will come in handy at times.

[Syl]

"Jump Start"? what would one jump start with? I would think car batteries would be too strong?? If this isw so, I will carry some sort of jump cable's. thanks

[jprestonian]

"Jump Start"? what would one jump start with? I would think car batteries would be too strong?? If this isw so, I will carry some sort of jump cable's. thanks

You can definitely jump start off the car battery, as long as the car is not running. Your tiny demand on the car's battery will have no lasting effect (unless you spend all day trying to start the scooter), so no worries, there. However, jumping off an active car charging system is likely to cause your scooter a lot of woe.

And yes, I have done it. Vanderbilt University cop gave me a jump a few years ago, and was surprised that I asked her NOT to start the car!
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[klaviator]

"Jump Start"? what would one jump start with? I would think car batteries would be too strong?? If this isw so, I will carry some sort of jump cable's. thanks

I would guess that jump starting from a car might not be a good idea.  Another scooter or motorcycle should be OK.  If you do jump from a car, make sure it is not running.  I have jump started a bike from a car but it was much bigger than your 300. You would not need the heavy duty cables used for cars.  I think I saw motorcycle jumper cables somewhere but don't remember where.

[Agent Bob]

Jump starting from a car should be no problem, it's still 12 volts no matter what. Engine off of course. I jump started someone once car to car with my engine running and had to replace my alternator.

[jprestonian]

You would not need the heavy duty cables used for cars.  I think I saw motorcycle jumper cables somewhere but don't remember where.

The Grand Vista comes with a set!  I dunno why none of the other do.
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[Syl]

"J", are we talking about a smaller cable vs a normal jumper set? I have 3 in the garage but too cumbersome to use any in the scooter. Would say, Sear's carry something a bit more pliable and easy to store?

[jprestonian]

I doubt Sears would carry... maybe an online motorcycle shop would. I can get the Kymco part number for you next week, if you want to try to get a set of the ones that come with the Grand Vista. Otherwise, I'd just go get some big honkin' alligator clips and some multistrand 12- or 10-gauge wire, and make my own set.

Car jumpers will work just fine, but you'd be counting on the car to provide them, since they're so big and bulky.
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[Syl]

Ok on the part number, will wait for that, thank's. If I made one, I would be looking for copper and good clamp's so cost wise maybe best to order what you have.

[jprestonian]

Just sayin'... it'd likely be cheaper to buy 20' of multistrand 12- or 10-gauge wire and four honkin' clips.  ;)
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[klaviator]

Jump starting from a car should be no problem, it's still 12 volts no matter what. Engine off of course. I jump started someone once car to car with my engine running and had to replace my alternator.

The voltage of a car battery may be the same 12 volts as your scooters battery, but the current it is capable of providing is far greater.  It is most likely greater than what your scooters electrical system was designed for.  You may not damage your scooters electrical system but you are taking that chance.  If you must jump from a car, do it from a small car rather than a big truck or SUV which will have an even bigger battery. 

As for jumping car to car with the engine running, thats the way I have always done it with no problems.