Answering your search for a reliable dirt bike kick start lever, this guide compares top 13mm and 16mm mounting options that fit common 50cc to 250cc Chinese pit bikes and popular brands. Whether you’re rebuilding a trail bike, restoring an old XR or upgrading a throw-in spare, these levers are chosen for durability, compatibility, and ease of installation. The top picks below highlight who each lever is best for, from universal 13mm fits to broader 16mm options. A quick buyer’s table follows to help you compare key specs at a glance.
Buying quick-glance table
- 13mm Levers (common 50cc–125cc bikes): YOXUFA 13mm Kick Starter Lever (Black or Silver)
- 13mm Narrow Mount: 13mm/0.51″ Kick Starter Lever (sthus)
- 16mm Broad Mount: YOXUFA 16mm Kickstart Lever (125cc–250cc)
- 14–16mm Versatility: motoparty Kickstart Lever (Honda Z50 to XL70 range)
- 16mm Broad Mount, Durable: MFC·passion 16mm Kick Start Lever
YOXUFA 13mm Kick Starter Lever (13mm Mount)
This 13mm kick starter lever is designed for a wide range of small-displacement bikes, including 50cc to 125cc models from TaoTao, Coolster, Apollo, Lifan, Suzuki, Zongshen, and Kayo. The lever size fits most kickstart levers with a 13mm mounting hole and features a 55mm pedal and a total length of 220mm. Best for older and entry-level dirt bikes where a conventional 13mm lever is standard, or when replacing a worn unit on compact machines.
Best for: Riders with 13mm mounting holes on 50cc–125cc bikes and those seeking a direct replacement that maintains stock geometry. This lever supports multiple brands, making it a solid all-around choice for budget-friendly rebuilds.
Why selected: It provides universal compatibility for popular small bikes while preserving pedal feel and travel essential for reliable starts.
Caution: Confirm mounting hole size before purchase; some models may use a 16mm hole, which requires a different lever.
13mm/0.51″ Kick Starter Lever For 50cc–125cc
Designed as a direct aftermarket replacement, this 13mm lever fits a broad collection of Chinese pit bikes and popular brands such as Lifan, YX, SSR, GPX, and KAYO. It features a swiveling shaft and a robust 13mm mounting hole, with a finish that emphasizes durability. The steel construction ensures resistance to wear and long-term performance in rugged riding conditions.
Best for: Riders upgrading older or budget bikes that share common 13mm mounting standards and want a reliable, simple install with long service life.
Why selected: The inclusion of a swiveling shaft improves installation options and smooth operation, which reduces the effort needed during starts.
Caution: Check compatibility with your exact model’s mounting hardware to avoid interference with exhaust or frame components.
YOXUFA 16mm Kickstart Lever (125cc–250cc)
This 16mm kickstart lever is built for mid-to-large displacement dirt bikes, fitting models with 16mm mounting holes. It’s compatible with many 125cc–250cc bikes, including SSR, KX, KLX, YX, CB, CG, Apollo, Coolster, TaoTao, Lifan, and Zongshen variants. The lever is constructed from durable steel and finished in black for a clean, corrosion-resistant look. A good match for riders seeking a sturdy upgrade that fits a wide range of popular dirt bikes.
Best for: Riders who own 125cc–250cc machines and need a universal 16mm lever that won’t require modifications.
Why selected: Its broad compatibility reduces inventory needs for shops or riders with multiple bikes in 125–250cc classes.
Caution: The 16mm mounting hole is common but not universal; verify hole size before ordering.
motoparty Kickstart Lever For Honda Mini Trail And More
The motoparty lever targets classic Honda small-displacement bikes, including Z50 Mini Trail, C70, CT70, XL70, CT90, and S90/SST90 variants. It emphasizes high-quality materials and durability designed for regular use, with a focus on stable starting performance. The lever’s setup supports reliable starts across the vintage and light-off-road spectrum, making it a practical choice for restoration projects and modernized backups.
Best for: Owners of Honda 50cc–90cc models or similar-bodied bikes seeking a durable, OEM-like replacement that maintains original feel.
Why selected: Compatibility with a broad Honda lineage makes it a dependable option for riders who value plug-and-play installation and consistent starting performance.
Caution: Availability of exact Honda-model fit can vary; confirm your bike’s header or frame clearance to avoid rubbing on the pedal during pedaling.
16mm Kick Start Lever For 140cc–250cc Pit Bikes (MFC·passion)
This 16mm lever targets a broad range of mid-to-large displacement Chinese pit bikes, including Zongshen, Lifan, Loncin, Jetmoto, Kayo, and more. It features a 16mm mounting hole, a 55mm pedal length, and an overall length of 220mm. Made from durable metal with a robust finish, it aims to deliver reliable performance across various engine sizes from 140cc to 250cc.
Best for: Riders with 140cc–250cc models seeking a sturdy, versatile replacement that fits many brands and reduces the number of separate spare parts needed.
Why selected: The broad compatibility and solid metal construction make it a practical upgrade for a mixed fleet of pit bikes and scramblers.
Caution: Ensure your bike’s mounting hole is exactly 16mm to avoid a loose fit or misalignment during use.
HOLATO 16mm Kick Starter Pedal Lever
The HOLATO lever is designed for 125cc–250cc Chinese pit bikes with a 16mm mounting hole. It lists common matches like SSR 140/160, TaoTao DB-Z40 Max, Hawk 250, SSR variants, and various Lifan and Kayo models. The 16mm hole, combined with the robust build, makes it suitable for frequent off-road riding where reliability matters.
Best for: Riders with mid-sized dirt bikes seeking a dependable replacement that fits a wide list of engines and brands.
Why selected: The common 16mm standard across many popular models makes it a flexible choice for shop inventories and multi-bike owners.
Caution: Model-specific fit can vary; verify exact mounting dimensions and any frame interference before installation.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Dirt Bike Kick Start Levers
- Mounting hole size: Common sizes are 13mm and 16mm. Measure your current lever or fork mounting area to choose the correct diameter.
- Bike displacement: 50cc–125cc machines often use 13mm levers; 125cc–250cc machines frequently use 16mm levers. Match the lever to your engine size for best fit and leverage.
- Brand compatibility: Some levers offer broad universal fit across multiple brands, while others target specific models. If you own more than one bike, a 16mm universal lever can simplify maintenance.
- Material and durability: Look for steel construction with corrosion-resistant finishes for off-road use. Consider stainless or heat-treated parts for longer life under grit and mud.
- Installation and clearance: Check that the lever does not rub against the frame, exhaust, or brake components when pedaled. Some models include swiveling shafts to ease alignment.
- Grip and safety: A serrated or textured footpeg edge improves grip on wet or muddy pedals, reducing slip and improving control during hill climbs or muddy sections.
FAQ
- What mounting hole size should I choose? Choose 13mm if your bike uses a 13mm hole; select 16mm for 16mm hole compatibility. Some bikes may use a non-standard size, so measure first.
- Are these levers universal for all dirt bikes? Not all are universal. Some are designed for specific brands or models, while others advertise broader compatibility across 50cc–250cc classes.
- Is a 16mm lever better for larger engines? Generally yes, as it aligns with the mounting standard for many mid-to-large displacement bikes; it also may offer better leverage for heavier riders.
- Can I install a kick start lever myself? Yes, most options are designed for straightforward installation with standard wrenches and basic mechanical knowledge. Always verify mounting hole size and alignment before tightening.
- What should I avoid when choosing a lever? Avoid levers with mismatched mounting holes, poor corrosion resistance, or unclear compatibility with your exact model. These can lead to poor performance or failure in rough terrain.
- Do these levers affect starting performance? A correctly sized and installed lever maintains proper leverage and stroke, contributing to reliable starts, especially after engine warm-up or in cold conditions.