Why have kick starters gone extinct?

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Probably just a matter of economics and refinement. I had frequent starter button problems on the old bikes. Used the kicker fairly often. But that was then and this is now. The other thing is the average size motor back in the day was about half or less than what everyone is tooling around on now. Not sure I'd want to be kicking one over very often these days.

Memories include bruises and skinned shins and breaking a sweat before I ever got moving!

Interestingly enough, however, the new Yamaha 400cc is kick start only! Guess they saved a few bucks by going in the other direction.

I like that SR400. If I downsize I might get one. Clearly EFI will work with a kickstarter as it's EFI.

The compression ratios and horsepower of modern bikes would create a real danger of personal injury, and since electric starters are now so light and powerful, there is just no reason to consider a kick starter.

Kick starters can break bones and cause very serious injuries, especially with four-stroke engines.

Some bikes do have them; dirt bikes, dual sport, some retros.

Next thing you know someone will want to go back to using carburetors.