with my p150, I found that using the kickstarter was a headache,
but eventually discovered that it was more of an ergonomics issue.
see if this works for you:
1) in my case, i found that the bike needed the throttle cracked open
while the kick starter was invoked.
2) the kick starter was designed to be operated so that the downward
thrust was made ! -> perpendicular to the kick starter arm. this meant
that for me, standing 5'5", while I could manage the kick at 12 o'clock,
I could not reach forward to manipulate the throttle.....
...conversely, if I leaned forward to work the throttle, the thrust I provided
the throttle came more from 10 o'clock, which tremendously lessened the
thrust the kick starter needed to operate.
3) hmmm, said i, and came up with this trick. I dug around the garage and
came across one of those velcro straps used to secure power cords, etc.
it was about 8"long. i wrapped it around the throttle and front brake firmly.
then, I opened the throttle about 1/4. the velcro strap maintained this
setting whiile I.....
4) ...repositioned myself back to give the kick starter a firm, 12 o'clock thrust
while gripping the rear brake/handlebar...and right hand on rear of bike.
has started every (every) time when using this method for the past 1.5 yrs.
just be ready to lean forward and retard the throttle as it will have a tendancy
to race a scootch. the velcro strap is stored in the glove box for future use.
hope this technique works for someone else. life has become great once I
figured out this oddity
========
my first 2 batteries seemed to die prematurely. so I bought new one and it has
been working splendidly for a year. but, because i found a place on the Web
that sold them dry charged (empty, but with electrolyte in separte -pod
cluster), I bought one more, as the shelf life is measured in years, even if
unused. well, my new AGM technology battery has been so good the past
year that i've not had to go to my back up battery.
also, if you do happen to buy an AGM battery, DO NOT treat this like you
would a regular wet battery....do not top off with distilled water. ithe AGM
unit is designed to (A)bsorb the electrolyte into the lead plates and will
appear to be low on fluid. once the battery has been activated at birth,
it is designed not to be replenished with water.
