From time to time I like to use the pull start on my 97 Kodiak 400. Talk about an ordeal. I usually use two hands and prop one foot up on the footpeg. I give a mightly tug and usually one the first try mis-pull. Then after 3 or 4 pulls manage to almost get it started. This is major work. My old 3 wheel Honda had some sort of lever to reduce the amount of force needed to start the engine. I never used it but heard all about it from someone. First off, why so tough a pull on my Kodiak and secondly is there a lever to turn similar to a Honda? BL

 

Mainly, you're talking about pull starting a big engine. This thing puts out over 20 hp, it's not going to be like starting your push mower. Many older machines came from the factory with a decompression lever to make pull starting easier. Between the extra costs, the low frequency of use, and probably a few other reasons, newer quads don't come with those anymore. It's designed as a backup for emergencies, not as a regularly used piece, so there probably wasn't a lot of thought put into designing the whole system. Many quads don't have any kind of backup starting at all.

 

You have to use the proper technique. You pull slowly until you feel the motor roll past the compression stroke, you then let the rope back down and give it a quick pull. It will then pull easy and should start. I had the same issue with my Grizzly until I read about the proper way of pull starting them.