The Honda XR150 is a fantastic dual-sport motorcycle, known for its reliability and versatility. Whether you’re hitting the trails or commuting through the city, knowing how to start your bike in any situation is key. While the electric starter is your go-to, there are two other essential methods every XR150 owner should be familiar with: kick starting and bump starting.
Contents
The Convenience of Electric Start
This is the easiest and most common way to get your XR150 roaring.
How to Use it
Ensure Neutral: Make sure your bike is in neutral (the green ‘N’ light on your dashboard will illuminate). Attempting to start in gear with the clutch pulled in might work depending on the model year and safety interlocks, but neutral is always the safest bet.
Turn Key On: Insert your key and turn it to the “ON” position. You should see your dashboard lights come alive.
Fuel Petcock: If your XR150 has a manual fuel petcock, ensure it’s in the “ON” or “RES” (reserve) position. “ON” is with it pointed UP and “RES” is with it pointed down.
Choke (if cold): If the engine is cold, pull out the choke lever (usually located on the carburetor itself or a cable-operated lever on the handlebars). Push it back in once the engine warms up. We have a whole blog and video on that which you can watch.
Press the Starter Button: Locate the starter button on your right handlebar control cluster (it usually has an arrow pointing in a circle or a lightning bolt symbol). Press and hold it down. You usually only need to press for 2-3 secs. If longer than this, you may need to try the CHOKE.
Release When Started: As soon as the engine fires up, release the button.
When to Use it
Almost always! This is your primary starting method for everyday use.
The Reliable Kick Start
The kick starter is a lifesaver if your battery is dead or weak. It’s also a great skill to have, connecting you more intimately with your machine.
How to do it:
Ensure Neutral: Just like with electric start, make sure your bike is in neutral.
Turn Key On & Fuel Petcock: Key on, fuel petcock on.
Choke (if cold): Apply choke if the engine is cold.
Locate Kick Starter: Fold out the kick start lever, usually found on the right side of the bike, near the footpeg.
Find Top Dead Center (TDC): This is crucial. Slowly push the kick starter down with your foot until you feel significant resistance. This indicates the piston is at the top of its compression stroke. You might hear a slight “click” or feel it firm up.
Full, Strong Kick: Once you’ve found TDC, let the kick starter return to its highest position. Then, with a smooth, strong, and confident kick all the way through its travel, push the lever down. Don’t just jab at it; use your full body weight if needed.
Repeat if Necessary: If it doesn’t start on the first kick, repeat steps 5 and 6. Avoid multiple weak kicks. One good, deliberate kick is more effective.
Choke Off: Once the engine starts, push the choke back in as it warms up.
When to use it:
Dead battery, weak battery, or just to show off your old-school skills!
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This method is your last resort when both electric and kick starting fail, usually due to a severely dead battery or a starting system issue. It requires a bit of open space and some physical effort.
How to do it:
Turn Key On & Fuel Petcock: Key on, fuel petcock on.
Engage a Higher Gear: Shift into second or third gear. Don’t use first gear, as it will likely just lock up the rear wheel.
Choke (if cold): Apply choke if needed.
Get Rolling:
Option A (Solo): Find a slight downhill slope if possible. Hop on the bike, stand on the pegs, and start pushing the bike forward with your feet.
Option B (With Help): Have a friend push the bike from behind.
Pop the Clutch: Once you’ve built up a decent amount of speed (a brisk jogging pace), quickly release the clutch lever while simultaneously giving it a tiny bit of throttle. The momentum of the rear wheel will turn the engine over.
Alternative: You may like to get moving with the bike in Neutral and then pull the clutch, shift into 2 (UP) and then pop the clutch. Whatever works for you is correct.
Hold Clutch and Ride Away: As soon as the engine fires, immediately pull the clutch lever back in to prevent the bike from lurching and stalling. Gently give it some throttle to keep it running, and ride off.
Choke Off: Push the choke back in once running.
When to use it:
When your battery is completely flat and the kick starter isn’t working, or you suspect an electrical issue preventing normal starting.
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My battery seems dead. How do I know if it's just low or completely gone?
If your electric start doesn’t work, first check if the dashboard lights come on strongly when you turn the key. If they’re dim or don’t light up at all, your battery is likely very low or dead. If the lights are bright but the starter motor just clicks or groans weakly, the battery might still be low. If you can kick start the bike successfully, and then the lights brighten and everything works, it points to a battery issue. A completely dead battery often won’t even power the lights.
What's the "choke" for and when do I use it?
The choke enriches the fuel-air mixture, making it easier to start a cold engine. When your engine is cold, pull the choke lever out (or up, depending on its design). Once the engine starts and begins to warm up (usually within a minute or two), gradually push the choke back in. Leaving the choke on too long can cause the engine to run rough, waste fuel, and even foul the spark plug.
What kind of fuel should I use for my XR150?
Your Honda XR150 is designed to run on unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 92 RON or higher. In Vietnam, this is typically Petrol RON 92 or E5 RON 92 (which contains 5% ethanol, commonly used). Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most precise recommendation.
Can I Bump Start in 1st Gear?
It may be possible, but it is highly likely that the wheen will lock up and skid. If it does this it can be dangrous and also it means that the rear wheel will not turn the engine over. This means it will create no power to be able to start the engine. I find it is best to use 2nd gear.
What happens if I press the electric start continuously for a long time?
This will harm the engine. It can cause Battery drain and Starter Motor damage such as: overheating and solenoid damage.
Learn 3 Ways to Start Your Honda XR150L
Knowing these three starting methods will ensure you’re never stranded with your Honda XR150. Practice the kick start occasionally to stay proficient, and remember the bump start for those truly sticky situations. Happy riding!
