Kick start and no compression. - 2001 Enfield Bullet 500

Run a compression check. If it's low, solve that problem first.

I've never heard such a thing...

But you have to have a kick starter first and I don't recall 87's having one. Correct me if I'm wrong or if the trans has been changed out then yes you could have one. But I've never heard of Harley's starting on the second compression stroke. Plus the modern after market ignition systems used without kick start transmissions are the same ones used with custom scoots that have a modern trans with the old look of the kick starter... Although with these high compression engines, compression releases are common place because neither the starter or kick starter could crank one without...

If the valves "rock" at TDC, the piston is at TDC EXHAUST, not TDC COMPRESSION. Chances are the engine is flooded. Install a fresh spark plug and go easy on twisting the throttle when starting the bike. Be sure the battery is in good condition. Push the kick lever to just past TDC compression then give a strong kick. Don't try to kick start with the piston going upward on the compression stroke. Be sure the air cleaner is not dirty and you have good gas. Please rate my answer. Thanks!

kick it over till you feel the compression. Pull d comp lever and kick it maybee a quarter or eighth kick. just enough to get past top dead center on compression stroke. Then kick like you going to start it.

The starting procedure is... Kick it over slowely untill it stops, pull in the compression release lever and kick just a little more to get it past "Top dead center". (An inch or two) Then let the kick starter return all the way up, .... and give it a smooth firm kick. Not a ****.

Could be low compression due to head gasket leak, worn piston rings. Or bad spark due to dirty plug, wrong gap, plug breaking down, lead or cap breaking down, ignition fault. Choked air filter, fuel filter.
Try these in easiest order I.E. remove air filter and see if it starts easier, do a compression test, cahnge plug, lead cap. Check the fuel filter.
I am sure it's a simple solution.(high milage engines tend to be difficult to start so take this into account)

Does it feel like yhe kick is even engaging and turning the crankshaft? Are you full stroking/kicking it over or short stroking it? when cold, are you using the choke. I suggest taking a compression test when it feels as if it hs no compression It could be undersized piston, rings, or a simple. good luck

i dont know what your timing is relevant to flicking the compression switch and kicking, but get the engine to the compression stroke and then as you go to kick it hard, flick the switch at that moment. timing is everything. i had an old yamaha tt 500 that kicked back so hard my foot slipped off the kick start and kick lever came up and took the skin off my shin.. it took quit a bit of time to get the timing but once i did, it was easy.. hope this helps.

Hi crazy

Your bike has an automatic de-compression lever that helps when starting. This mechanism will make it feel like the bike has low compression. If it is maladjusted, it may be causing the problem

check here for adjustment procedures to be sure that it is set up correctly.

Other than that, low compression pretty much means top end rebuild.

regards
robotek