A DIRT WHEELS FAN WRITES: “I have a 1984 Honda ATC200X that has the well known slipping kick starter issue. I was lucky enough to obtain one of the rare original Honda kick start repair kits consisting of the two starter gears & spring. Problem is after reassembly, the kickstarter has almost half its throw before the gears engage. Should I replace the kit with standard parts? Or is there something else that I need to do to make my 200X start easier?” – Ray Atchison, Rochester, MN.

OUR PRO ANSWER: First, Ray, you need to check your engine’s serial number to see if there is an “X” stamped on the case at the end of the stamped serial number. No “X”, then your ’84 never received the Honda recall fix. Next you should check the spring you installed from the NOS kit. Did it have a red line painted on it? If so, then it is the upgraded stronger spring. The main problem was the original installed spring was too weak and that was supposed to push the ratchet and gear together. If this doesn’t happen, then the ratchet will wear off the tips of the teeth on the ratchet and gear. Once wore they will allow slippage and require replacement. Assuming you had a complete kick-starter upgrade kit, the only thing I can think of was improper assembly and something inside the cases isn’t working as it should. Or the kickstart shaft is damaged somehow.

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