"Can you define what is hard to start?" 

This question seems like a simple one at first, but considering all the variables it is tough to answer outright. "Is the bike hot?", "Is the bike cold?", "Has the bike been sitting for several weeks?", "Is it carbureted or fuel injected?", "Was it just tipped over?", or "Was the float bowl just drained?"

 In my opinion, each scenario I've questioned above invokes a slightly different answer. Combine this subjectivity with one's own personal starting routine and the ease of which the bike will fire up, the bottom line is it's going to be different for every rider.

As a rule of thumb, if my bike takes more than five kicks to fire up as time progresses I will begin investigating possible starting issues.

"What things might make a bike hard to start but not necessarily mean the engine needs to be torn apart?" 

On most bikes there are two or three things that adversely affect how well the bike will start. On carbureted bikes the pilot jet circuit controls fuel flow from idle to about 1/4 throttle. The pilot jet has a very small orifice and clogs pretty easily. Once clogged the pilot jet is ineffective in delivering the necessary fuel to the engine and starting the bike becomes extremely difficult.

Recently we launched our free Used Dirt Bike Buyer's Guide, which has been really popular with folks and we are so glad people are benefiting from the info. Due to the guide's popularity, I decided to create a DIY how-to video which goes through all the inspection points when looking at a used dirt bike. The video teaches you exactly what to look for when buying a used dirt bike as well as all the test ride checks you need to perform when looking a bike over. This is an awesome free resource if you're just getting into dirt biking or need a refresher when you are out to buy a used bike.

Grab your free guide if you don't have one by clicking the button below. Then follow along with the video to learn about specific points to inspect the next time you go shopping for a used dirt bike.

If you downloaded the guide you'll receive additional exclusive video tips that you can use to help avoid bad buys and find great used bikes. Good luck shopping for a used bike!

We're pretty excited up in the North that the lakes are frozen over. That means we can get the ice bikes out and start the winter riding season! We shot a short film over the holiday weekend detailing one of the two days we were out riding. I hope it makes you consider getting into the sport of ice riding or racing, because it's freaking awesome.