I'm currently going through the normal - what bike?
I think it's fair to say Kiwis have a tendency toward the trail style bikes probably because of our strong rural back ground.

Having owned a XR400 in the past, I've been more inclined to the Honda.
I like the idea of having a kick start as opposed to just electric.
the Ls only seem to have electric.
I see Baja design does a kit to ad a electric start to the XR650R , has anyone had any adverse experience with this?
It seems to me to be the best of both worlds.

From what I understand, the Baja e-start kit is not as successful as people hoped, and I heard (it may just be a rumour) that they are stopping selling it? It is pretty simple and straightforward (if a little ugly), but as it has no reduction gear you need to use the decompressor to start it, and you need a machine press to fit the ring gear etc. Not really DIY.

I've also heard the Joe Racer kit is not 100% - but again, this is only hearsay...

What I do know is that I have the Boechat kit on mine (they are a Swiss company, but distributed by XR Stuff in the UK) and that kit works very well - just like a regular electric start bike! I repositioned the battery on a custom mount above the left crankcase as I have the Acerbis safari tank fitted, and it tucks in there very nicely, and keeps the weight low.

Whatever you do, you will need a higher output stator/generator and a suitable (larger) regulator rectifier - the battery comes with the e-start kit.

Hope that helps,

JennyMo xxx

i have the baja designs e-start on my XR650R and it works great. i've heard that they are not reliable but also that they are very reliable. the bike i bought already had it on and it's always worked great.

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I am riding a XR400 and is searching high and low for a e-start kick for my bike. Saw the XR-stuff and Joe's kit. But I live in Singapore, any idea do these company do shipment oversea?

Hi Jenny, did you have to send your bike to XR stuff for them to fix the e-start kit for your XR400 or did you get it off the shaft and DIY or get your fav mechanics to do it for you? Don't mind me asking, how much did the whole project cost you?

Hope I can see some light in getting my XR400 a E-start

Hi Fishan - I'm sure XR Stuff in the UK will ship to you overseas, give John a call/email and ask the price...

He used to sell the Joe Racer kits, but had a few problems so now only recommends (and sells) the European made Boechat kit, which comes with everything you need, including comprehensive instructions for the XR400 kit (unlike the 650 kit, although I understand John is writing his own guide as we speak).

Even without the instructions it is resonably straightforward to fit yourself - you need a crank puller, and have to drill the flywheel to accept the starter clutch (precision required here), otherwise a few spanners and allen keys are all you need. I did it myself in a friends domestic garage with the requisite tools.

The starter kit is not cheap at around £1100, but that is everything you'll need including the battery, and most importantly, it works, and works well - infact just like a factory starter. You have to weight up how important it is to you - I've done without on my 400 (so far...), but for touring on the 650 with luggage (and a looming desert rallye this spring), it has certainly proved invaluable.

As for the rest of the prep to my bike, I daren't even count up the costs!

Hope that helps,

JennyMo xxx

Hi

Thanks! That is helpful. The cost is a big problem for me, with the strong pounds now, it would cost about S$3300 and that is the cost of my bike when I got it for 2nd hand!! haha

I really wanted e-start cos i use my XR400 for tropical jungle trail and when you are stuck on a muddy slippery slope, the last thing you want is to kickstart your bike

But anyway, I will consider and also looking around local market to see anyone selling 2nd hand DRZ400E