So.. My Big Bear 350, ´98 model or so, is extremely hard to start. As in physically hard. My partner, who is big and strong, can´t do it most of the time. I´m small and strong, and have an easier time (shorter arms, more explosive), but it´s still hard AF.
Compression too good?

Whenever I manage to turn it over, it starts on the first turnover.
But getting to that turnover without ripping muscles in my shoulder...

 

In my experience all Yams are almost impossible to pull start. The answer, press the start button on the handlebars, and let the electric starter do it.

 

Our 250 Timberwolf is the same way. When we first got it, it had a weak battery. I would have to hit the start button as an "assist" and pull the rope to get it to spin over and start. But it's almost impossible to pull the rope only and get it to start. A new battery solved that issue though, haven't touched the pull rope since

I've honestly never even tried to pull start our 350 Bruin...