Hello,

I just picked up a new 420FM. The bike came with a recoil starter that dealership offered to install for $200. The question I have is that I will always keep bike hooked up to Battery Tender when not in use so what is the advantages of having recoil starter installed?
I am just wondering if I should shell out the cash to have it installed. If the battery is fully charged and bike will not start I would think that recoil start would not help me too much..
If it makes any difference I will be using bike in the cold winter months....but like I said battery will always be fully charged beforehand????

Thanks

 

You have more faith in Batteries,solenoids and Electric starters than I have,all of which must not fail to have electric start. The Rancher is a 5 speed and can be pushed started by another ATV though,, If it was me I would not bother buying a recoil.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

You have more faith in Batteries,solenoids and Electric starters than I have,all of which must not fail to have electric start. The Rancher is a 5 speed and can be pushed started by another ATV though,, If it was me I would not bother buying a recoil.</end quote></div>

Thanks for your reply. I have the starter as it came with bike but dealer wants $200 to install. I told them I would think it over.
Any other input is appreciated.

 

Its not just a easiy Job,side cover plate off and recoil starter on?

 

There have been problems with the Rancher 350 with grit getting into the recoil starter and breaking down the seals, and then water and dirt can get into the engine. Hope they learned their lesson, and fixed that on the 420.

My Recon and two Rancher 350's had recoil starters. In a dozen years riding those machines, never had to use them....not even once!!!

I don't plan to get one on my 420. If needed, I would just push start it.....

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

Its not just a easiy Job,side cover plate off and recoil starter on?</end quote></div>

That is what I thought as it came with instructions and I have service manual. Dealer told me it would be an absolute nightmare for me to install due to hard to reach bolts etc.
Might take a look at instructions and see if I can do it.....but don't want to bugger things up either.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: reconranger

There have been problems with the Rancher 350 with grit getting into the recoil starter and breaking down the seals, and then water and dirt can get into the engine. Hope they learned their lesson, and fixed that on the 420.



My Recon and two Rancher 350's had recoil starters. In a dozen years riding those machines, never had to use them....not even once!!!



I don't plan to get one on my 420. If needed, I would just push start it.....</end quote></div>

Thanks.....since it has the auto clutch (never dealt with one before) I am assuming that you keep key turned on while bike is in first and push/pull bike? No clutch to pop so I am a bit lost.

 

If its looks like a hassle I would do what Reconranger said and just forget about it and spend the $200 on hookers and beers or something else.

 

Put in in 3rd for push starting,lower gears will just lock the back wheels.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

Put in in 3rd for push starting,lower gears will just lock the back wheels.</end quote></div>

O.K. thanks might pay a little extra for a hooker that is willing to do some extra work next time I need a bump start. Beer well.....always on hand.

Cheers and thanks for your help.