DRZ400S/SM Kickstart Installation / HOWTO

[@Chris-de3vq]

thanks, I did my kickstart after seeing it was possible, only tools i didn't use were the clutch basket holder or the impact driver, but still able to get it all in and working, took about an hour and a half but it was time well spend after having the battery die while riding alone, definitely a must for the drz as insurance

[@TheFLBClub]

I've had battery issues in the past as well, and I've also had a burned out stator - I agree the kickstart is a 100% must have on a DRZ. Thanks for watching.

[@piarmira2546]

Kudos to you, dude. Thanks for doing the work and putting it on KZbin making this addition easier for me to do when it's my turn...which is coming right up. Getting into these things for the first time is always a puzzle but it's the only way to really learn. Paul in Vermont

[@TheFLBClub]

You bet! I'm glad you found it useful. Good luck on your install!

[@Bummer450]

Thanks for making the video it didn't look like a complicated task so I'm sure it will encourage other DRZ400S owners to go ahead and install a kick start on their bikes. Kudos to you sir ;-)

[@TheFLBClub]

+Bummer450 Thank you! I was surprised by the lack of videos for this install - the only other one I could find was in Italian. It was still good, and helped me a lot, though! Thanks for watching!

[@mitchbailey2226]

Hey, thanks for the info. Did about a 40 mile loop mostly off pavement yesterday...I think I'm going to love this bike. Thanks again for the part number....Can't imagine why these don't come from the factory with a kicker....

[@FRAGAFE]

You have inspired me... After taking a quick look I noticed that my KLR is old enough and has the plug for where the kick-start goes (if you bought anything newer than a '96... not so much). It would have been really nice when I lost the voltage regulator to the trail gremlins. I'll put it on the "someday projects I probably won't get to" list

[@TheFLBClub]

+FRAG-AFE Woot! Inspiration!

[@CyykaBlyat]

Good editing, good camera angles, and good commentary throughout. Thanks man, looks like I'll be doing this myself now rather than paying a stealership to do it.

[@thejunkman]

Good job, and good video as I know a lot of DRZ'ers would like their kick start back. This video is all inclusive on how to do that. I have contemplated doing it on my DR350 as the model used to have one so all I have to do is buy the parts for the earlier model years.

[@TheFLBClub]

+thejunkman Thanks man, that means a lot coming from you! I'm glad I finally did it - I've had to replace 3 DRZ stators over the years. This is something I've wanted to do for a while.

[@emfl4437]

Thanks for the video. Just picked up a drz400e, considering adding a Kickstarter. This was very helpful

[@Tankerman]

Very well done sir even though you missed the bucket with the anti-freeze but no one noticed haha. Stay safe

[@TheFLBClub]

+Tankerman Thank you! LOL yeah, I could have cut that out, but I like to show it how it really is :D

[@Tankerman]

The FLB Club Like I said in my last video that's why I like smaller channels. No editing means I see the real deal. stay safe

[@Wompy88]

Awesome thanks mate for making this video, has built my confidence with the kit I have just ordered. Champion!!

[@TheFLBClub]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Feel free to ask me any specific questions you have and I'll do my best to help.

[@Wompy88]

+The FLB Club thanks mate is the clutch basket wrench a necessity? Also I'm rebuilding my water pump at the same time, do you know if there is any tricks to knocking out the old mechanical seal and bearings?

[@TheFLBClub]

The special tool definitely isn't necessary, but it makes life easier. I found this page to be an invaluable resource when I was doing this job: www.drzparts.com/2010/03/dr-z400-kick-starter-install/ - in Step 5, they talk about other ways you can do it (that guy used an impact wrench.) I'm afraid I don't know of any tricks to get the seal and bearings out of there. I'm actually not super mechanical - the kick start install was pushing my limits.

[@louiewatson9389]

@@Wompy88 you can get a cheap seal puller and a bearing puller. Or you can use the grease method. Pack with grease and find something that fits the hole perfectly and hammer away. Make a hydraulic effect that pushes it out.

[@reaganturley2836]

You rock man. Thanks for this video. Aiming to get this done today.

[@TheFLBClub]

How did it go? I hope you got it working!

[@AeineralusCousin]

Reminds me of my old RM-250. Could be a c-bomb to kick start. Nice vid. Makes me want to strip my DRZ down and try this.

[@TheFLBClub]

+AeineralusCousin Thanks man! Yeah, it was very intimidating to me, but once I got over that, and dug in, it really wasn't *too* bad.

[@soheilrnr]

best feeling when you do mechanics yourself!! nice work man!! im the same with you here ;)

[@sdqsdq6274]

lol i have seen tons of video ,you the only dude smart enough to use two hands

[@coreyshortland2074]

Great video! Thanks 👍 I'll install a kick start when I replace my clutch eventually 👍 I'll revisit this video no doubt

[@Heartlanddualsport]

I know I shouldn't be laughing, But I have done the same thing with the antifreeze before. heheh. Glad to see its not just me. You did an excellent job on this video my friend, Thank you so much for sharing it with us, I would live to do this to my bike as well, it sure would take the worry of the battery dyeing out in the woods or way off the beaten path. I truly wonder why they don't just instal it from the factory with one, Never has made sense to me why they wouldn't just do that.? It would be a good time to replace the friction and steel plates if they are needed while you have your bike torn apart also. You did an excellent job on this video my friend, thanks for taking the time to share it all with us, Nicely done, love it. How awesome is that, Love it, Great job buddy.. you have to let your foot slide off and let that kick starter hit you in the back of the calf to make it official.. :)

[@TheFLBClub]

+Heartland Dual Sport Thank you for the kind words - I don't mind you laughing, that's what I'm here for :D I did replace the friction and steel plates very soon after this (I didn't realize how bad they were until I did this!) Thankfully the E-start still works, so no bad shin scars yet, but I'm glad I have it as a backup! Thanks for watching!

[@hansstoeel6233]

When reinstalling the case DO NOT press down hard if it feels like its not seating, it means the plastic water pump or oil pump gear is not meshing and it WILL break if you press hard, so make sure it meshes. nice video tho very helpful.

[@FBPrepping]

As a general advice, it´s better to tighten and loose screw NOT clockwise nor counterclockwise. First make a cardboard template with the positioning of every bolt and screw because they may have different lengths. Once you have loosen or tighten one, proceed with the one on the OPPOSITE side. This way you don´t bend the cover and prevent future leakages. Edit: saw the whole video, it´s mentioned at the end

[@k.zekeswaringen2122]

Good exercise bike !! It's great to have another way to start the bike as the stock batteries are small.

[@tonyrichengod9280]

Great video mate. Thank you

[@MrErikw26]

I'm surprised and disappointed that the instructions didn't include torque values for all the fasteners you have to remove to complete the job. side note: for someone who says they're a lousy mechanic, you seem to have done just fine, but you were smart about it, take your time, follow directions.

[@TheFLBClub]

Thank you! Yeah, I took a LONG time to get it done, but it seems to be solid. It's been nearly a year now, and it works great - and has saved my bacon a couple of times.

[@drscharfsinn]

Thanks a lot for this very helpful video. What make year is your DRZ? Do you by any chance know if the kick starter kit is also compatible with the 2018/2019/2020 DRZ400E/S/SM models? Not sure what changes Suzuki has made to the engine/gearbox in their latest DRZ update.

[@sailingaeolus]

Outstanding. Not sure why but both DRZs I've owned are very dicey to electric start after a crash (over on their side). Takes a lot of cranking. I would love just strip the electric start system.

[@zackk7501]

Do you have to oil the gasket when putting back together? And do you have to loctite the retainer bracket in?

[@TheFLBClub]

Hi Zahar. I'm probably not the best person to answer your question, but I can tell you what I did. I did use blue loctite on the retainer bracket screws. I did not oil the main gasket for the side cover. It's been in place for years, and I haven't had any problems. I don't see how it would hurt to oil it, though, if you want to be sure.

[@colegreenwoodcg]

Excellent video!

[@RustyRaceHorse]

Where did you buy it from? Can you post in the description ? I tried to read all the threads but i’m too adhd...

[@TheFLBClub]

This is the kit I installed: www.amazon.com/Suzuki-00-07-START-STARTER-26300-29815/dp/B005AWV3CW

[@azdesertdog]

Well done! The question is what kind of scotch was had afterward?

[@TheFLBClub]

+azdesertdog After this, I rewarded myself with the Laphroaig 10. I saved the Lagavulin 16 until after the Rekluse was in as well!

[@rosarioroberto5823]

What a fantastic video 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 How much do you charge to install on a 2024 drz400s? Thank you so much for assisting me and keep producing more videos about the drz

[@Nicks_Shop]

Damn thanks for recording this!

[@camarotwofast]

hi great vid did you ever put the kick start in the right spot its supposed to lay in the groove in the heat shield ant the top fits right under the bottom of the tank!

[@TheFLBClub]

+camarotwofast I did end up putting it in the proper position, and it is MUCH better! Thanks for watching!

[@camarotwofast]

cool thanks for the vid I just got my kit impact screw driver and clutch tool im installing it soon

[@soundzrinmygarden3833]

Just fitted a kicker to my 2003 model drz400e. Looks like it has always been there. The instructions aren't the best. The kit is awesome though as all the parts fit perfectly into the bike. Great piece of mind knowing I can kick start it when riding in some pretty remote locations should I have any problems with the electric starter. Good video also.

[@TheFLBClub]

Thank you! Hopefully you found it somewhat useful! Yeah, I haven't really used my kickstart much, but its nice to have that peace of mind.

[@soundzrinmygarden3833]

Yes the video was good for checking the location of the washer and circlip that retains the gear on the kicker shaft. The instruction manual they sent with the kit just needs a little bit more detail and it would be perfect. I prefer to use the electric start also but the kicker is a must have for sure.

[@MofosRealReviews]

Yea right dude 😂 I’ll bump start it if I have to.

[@mltaclutch503sask6]

Good luck dude trying to bump start it, you better be fit. I have been stranded when the stator took down the battery. I just installed the kickstart, your video was a great help because it was hard to see the parts on the diagram supplied. Big thanks Bro

[@TheFLBClub]

I have a Rekluse clutch too, so it makes bump starting it extra difficult!

[@ridethroughlifertl]

0.0 You actually washed it?!? I'm impressed. Haha.

[@TheFLBClub]

+RideThroughLife It happens occasionally. Usually when I need it washed, I just leave it at Meeker Extreme's house until his OCD kicks in.

[@alvinw3622]

Super helpful vid! I installed the kickstart today on my DRZ400SM, and am running into the exact same problem you have at the very end of the video! Every time I try and kickstart it, it's close, and sounds semi close to starting, but doesn't start. Pretty much exactly the same sound your unsuccessful starts sound like! Any tips to solving this issue? I know the bike runs because the electric start works no probs! Thanks for the help!!!

[@TheFLBClub]

Sorry for the late reply! My issue was that I had mounted the kickstart in the wrong position, so I wasn't getting quite enough follow-through on the kick. Once I mounted it a bit "higher" on the spline, it starts up much easier.

[@wheatwatcher5813]

Great guide.

[@mitchbailey2226]

What is the part number on the clutch basket holder? There are several different ones on Amazon. Nicely done by the way. I am a new owner of a DRZ400 and it seems like it just barely wants to start every time.

[@TheFLBClub]

+mitch bailey This is the exact tool I bought on Amazon: www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-CT006-Clutch-Holding/dp/B0065WTIJ6 - worked perfectly, and I was happy with the cost. Sounds like you may need a new battery. If you put a new one in and it runs totally out, you may need to check your stator - I've lost three of them over the years. Thanks for watching.

[@martymcmannis8662]

Thanks for the video Now I know how to add a kick start. I have a 05 model and don't know if there is one for my bike. Thanks again

[@shannonhartnett]

Pretty sure If you buy the genuine Suzuki Kickstarter kit from Suzuki for drz400e it fits all 2000-2021 E models not sure on S/SM models though.

[@thiskid75o1]

Where did you buy this from? Bought a kick start for my s model but it was from a e and its very hard to kick I need a s/sm model so link to site? Or store name?

[@TheFLBClub]

Here's the kit I used: www.amazon.com/Suzuki-00-07-START-STARTER-26300-29815/dp/B005AWV3CW

[@confusedsay]

Well done!

[@James-qq2vq]

Great job!

[@JustTex]

A really helpful video sir, thanks for sharing. I sent you a message but it probably will end up in the spam folder. Hopefully you can have a look. Cheers

[@frostyclown3292]

Will this work for a DRZ-400E?

[@TheFLBClub]

Yes! It even comes with a decompression lever for the E model - I just didn't need to install that on the S.

[@frostyclown3292]

Thank you very much. Cause I’m going to mod my DRZ400E

[@handyman7297]

Why did not start right away at the end ?

[@TheFLBClub]

I didn't have the kickstarter mounted in the correct position, so I wasn't getting a full kick.

[@pattosack54]

do you think it'll also work on a 2000 drz400e since it has the plug there?

[@TheFLBClub]

+pattosack54 Yes, I believe so - the only difference is that you'll need to install the decompression cable and lever, which aren't required (and are impossible to install) for the S and SM. In fact, the kit I used was made for the E model.

[@pattosack54]

ok thank you for respondng so quick and great video also

[@westschopp1366]

@@TheFLBClub how do you install the decompression lever and cable on it, and which kit did you buy

[@etyrnal]

Can you put a link to the kit in the description?

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

Just wondering if you used BLUE LOCTITE on all the treads so as they dont comeout ? Great job by the way

[@Sobek88]

How can I tell if I have an E or a S model, I was sold a 2001 so I could fully rebuild it but was told it was a 2006, what parts will fit my bike, I’ve already bought 2009 a bottom end from a.Sm but it wold of fit the 2006 but not sure if it will fit my 2001, I’m really angry at the seller as I paid the price of a 2006, can some DRZ lover please help me...

[@TheFLBClub]

I don't think the motor has changed since the introduction of the DRZ. I usually tell an E from an S just by seeing if the stock front blinkers are on it - they are on the S, but not on the E. Nearly all parts are interchangeable between the 2001 and later models (I owned a 2001, and currently own a 2012, and they are nearly identical) - there are a few differences, like the suspension, but not much. Check rocky mountain atv/mc for part numbers between the two years, if they are the same, then you're good to go.

[@Sobek88]

@@TheFLBClub cheers buddy...i over paid for the bike as the dude lied about the year, just glad i can completely rebuild it like new and it wont make a difference...

[@Willr47]

Which kit did you buy?

[@funguseater40]

Great video. Am looking into this install on my DRZ. At the moment, I have an oil leak coming from the large gasket under the clutch engine casing (the one with loads of bolts in !). Need a new gasket. Can you tell me, is there a Torque setting for these small bolts ? Also, is it a case of just using engine oil on the gasket or do you need sealant ? Cheers

[@TheFLBClub]

I just used oil on the gasket and have had zero issues. I'm sure there are torque settings on the bolts, but I just did it by feel - the 2 that hold the bracket inside the case I cranked down just about as tight as I could. You need to be more careful with the ones that hold the side cover on, because its really easy to rip off the bolt heads if you tighten them too much. I'd strongly recommend Googling it, or picking up the Clymer manual - it has a ton of useful info.

[@edwardyates]

Hey man! awesome video. you don't happen to know the part number for the kickstarter do you Im trying to get one for my KLX400R! Great video!!

[@TheFLBClub]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Suzuki Part # is : SU26300-29813 26300-29814 26300-29815

[@wittelarry1]

nice job

[@ridethroughlifertl]

If it's anything like my XR600 was, you'd want to turn the motor over slow until you hit the compression stroke, then hit it hard. That's the only way mine would ever start.

[@TheFLBClub]

+RideThroughLife I did slowly cycled through to find the sweet spot, but it didn't really seem to have any noticeable difference in where the kick lever "stopped."

[@ridethroughlifertl]

+The FLB Club Oh, weird. Mine was definitely noticeable.

[@msyafiqmghazali]

Im riding a drz400sm. So am i right to say i could buy the drz400 kick start kit and fix onto the bike?

[@mannygrieco71]

What year DRZ is that?

[@TheFLBClub]

It's a 2012, but they are all pretty much the same.

[@mannygrieco71]

So the Suzuki kicker kit that says it only fits up to a 2007E will fit newer years and different models?

[@TheFLBClub]

@@mannygrieco71 I'm pretty sure it will fit, yes. I don't think anything in that right side has changed in the last 20 years. I'm just some guy on KZbin though, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I'd suggest asking on a tech forum on Thumpertalk or Advrider to be sure.

[@Trenscendent]

Did this actually take you 9hours?! Got a link to the kit you bought?

[@georgemagarakis2081]

did it work ? i thought that kick starter are only for drz e

[@TheFLBClub]

Oh yeah, it works great! And it's saved my bacon a couple of times when I had a dead battery!

[@shannonhartnett]

Can you provide a link to where you got the EBC clutch tool

[@timweller4008]

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0065WTIJ6?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

[@5184rob]

Did you install de compression

[@TheFLBClub]

No, that is only required on the E model. The part on the S model isn't machined to even attach it.

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Isn't there a decompression gizmo built into the cam?

[@TheFLBClub]

IRQ1Conflict I think so. I was reading online researching it, and somewhere I read that the S and SM had "auto-decompression." My understanding is that the decompression lever is only needed for the E model.

[@HowToGotLost]

What drz do you have. The one by suzuki is only for drz 400 e 2000-2007.

[@TheFLBClub]

Its a 2012 DRZ400S, and the kit worked fine.

[@HowToGotLost]

@@TheFLBClub you used the suzuki oem kit?

[@TheFLBClub]

@@HowToGotLost Yep! I linked the exact kit I got in one of my other replies.

[@HowToGotLost]

@@TheFLBClub thanks.

[@michaelschmidt4618]

For best results on kick starting a drz please remember that wearing the right foot gear like mockisons is the most fun way to go so DON'T Wear motorcycle boots, if you do wear motorcycle boots your bike won't start ever

[@CyykaBlyat]

If you're gonna rip on somebody, make sure you know how to spell moccasins first.

[@louiewatson9389]

Where did you get the kit from and how much did it cost?

[@TheFLBClub]

I bought it off of Amazon from a 3rd party seller here: www.amazon.com/Suzuki-00-07-START-STARTER-26300-29815/dp/B005AWV3CW - I think it's actually slightly cheaper now at $208 than when I bought it 3 years ago (I think I paid around $215.)

[@handyman7297]

Where did you get the parts from ?

[@MrErikw26]

Harbor Freight sells a snap ring plier set for about $10

[@TheFLBClub]

I think I ended up running to AutoZone or O'Reilley because they are both close to my house. I never even knew such a thing existed until I googled a bit about how to get that dang thing on.

[@MrErikw26]

You got it done, and saved the cash instead of paying someone else to do it for you. Well done.

[@djpageyboi]

You left us hanging there buddy! Did it eventually start up? :)

[@TheFLBClub]

It starts from a kick at around 20:05 in this video. It works a lot better now that I have correctly positioned the kickstart lever. Thanks for watching!

[@E2Moto]

Did that seriously take 9 hours to install? Just asking because I'm thinking about installing one on my 3x3 mod rejetted DRZ400SM in her next oil change.

[@TheFLBClub]

It did for me, but bear in mind that I'm a terrible mechanic, and also had to run to the store a number of times to buy tools. for someone who knows what they are doung, it would go much quicker.

[@CHEVYK10]

easy on the kicking.. always set kick starter then kick..don't kick wildly..

[@TheFLBClub]

Yeah man, I got it down to a science now. I hadn't kick started a bike in 20 years before this. Moving the kickstart lever a little higher into the correct position helped a lot, too. Thanks for watching!

[@handyman7297]

Use sun light instead that yellow light next time bro, thanks for sharing

[@deliverance3767]

That will set you back about R300-dollers.If you are as thick as a plank another 120-dollers towards the mechanic

[@samskeen1899]

You flooded it at the end

[@Yoda8945]

How many Phillips screws are on Japanese Motorcycles??? Answer: NONE. They look like Phillips but are JIS and you will bugger them up using a Phillips screwdriver. I bought a #3 JIS bit from Vessel and did not have to resort to the impact driver. Otherwise - great job.

[@jorgearraiol6350]

you are kicking it like a 2 stroke ...it's diferent to kick a 4stroke you have to put it in TDC

[@Александр-м4в1ы]

Кто так заводит с кик стартера?))) Нужно сначала поймать натяг рычага, а потом резко дернуть....

[@user-pr8vw8nl8i]

Свечу поменяй!))