A pull start, also known as a recoil starter or manual starter, is a mechanism commonly found on small engines, such as those used in some motorcycles, lawnmowers, or portable generators. Its purpose is to manually start the engine by pulling a rope or cord, which initiates the engine's combustion process.
The pull start mechanism works by engaging with the engine's flywheel or crankshaft. When the cord is pulled, it rotates the engine's crankshaft, which generates the necessary force to compress the air-fuel mixture and ignite it, starting the engine.
If a motorcycle has a pull start mechanism and it is not used, it means the motorcycle likely has an alternative starting method, such as an electric starter. Electric starters are commonly found on larger motorcycles and are more convenient as they require less physical effort to start the engine. Electric starters use a battery-powered motor to crank the engine, eliminating the need for manual pulling.
If a motorcycle has both a pull start and an electric starter, not using the pull start would simply mean that the rider is choosing to rely on the electric starter for engine ignition. However, it's always a good idea to have an alternative starting method available in case the electric starter fails or the battery is discharged. The pull start serves as a backup option for starting the engine manually when needed.