Kickstart slipping.
 

I've had this problem on and off for some time and never thought much of it but the more I think about it, the more I'm concerned. I've always pushed the piston past TDC before giving it a firm kick, but even then sometimes it feels like the kicker is slipping a tooth. I've had the cover off not too long ago and didn't see anything concerning which confuses me quite a bit. Any thoughts?

The mating teeth have worn (and it doesn't take much) and the spring could also be weak. Not a difficult repair, but you're in for a handful of parts and an hour or so to get it sorted.

If its been slipping for some time you'll need to replace the pinion and rachet, and consider the spring too.

The issue comes from the spring tension being too weak to engage the teeth fully, and slipping then allows the edges of the teeth to sheer. This isn't always visible with the naked eye, but does effect the engagement.

Some have had luck simply replacing the springs, others have stretched the stock spring a little.. but in most cases if the slipping has happened for a while its best to replace all 3 components.

ME25636006
ME120126004
ME250126002

Awesome. Simple repair and not too outrageous. Thanks.

If you get into it far enough to do the spring, do the ratchet gear. Once you have the new one in hand, the wear on the old will be more obvious. Did mine this year and no more slipping.

I also need to routinely remind myself that it really doesn't take much to start these bikes. Not kicking the hell out of it is better for you and the bike.

I intend on ordering all 3 parts, if only I could find them in stock.

If can not find a new one there is one on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-GasGas-...tV9yZo&vxp=mtr

Stretching the spring will increase its tension. Just grab both ends and pull till you make the spring roughly one and 1/2 times as long as it was. This little trick is often enough to make starter work normally even if there is some wear to the engagement gears.

I have all the parts you need in my classified ad on this site. Cheap fix!

I wasn't able to find the thread by looking in your post history, so I shot you a PM.