Starting a CT-90
When starting a CT-90 or CT-110, you should know a couple of things. First, this is a carbureted engine, and second, it has an automatic clutch. Most well-maintained CTs are quite easy to start -- my 110 often starts on the first or second kick after being stored without fuel all winter. My old 1970 CT-90 was so gentle it could be started with your hand. However, some CTs can require a little more effort.
First, the choke. The "up" position (lever pointing toward the back of the bike on the 1969-on machines) is "choked." Flip it up. Make sure the "altitude compensator" is not pulled out if the bike is equipped with it. You may not need the choke at all on a day where the air is 75 degrees or higher.
Turn the ignition on. You should see a green neutral light on the speedometer face. If not, step on the front of the gear lever until you get to neutral. Remember that the green light might be burned out. CTs can be started without a good battery, but it'll be harder than if the battery has a good charge. If you can't beep the horn with the key on, consider charging the battery.
If you're on the bike, take it off the stand (center or side). Push the kick start down slowly a couple of times to charge up the fuel/air mix and to build up a little compression. Then, kick sharply. If the bike tries to push forward, kick it down in neutral (for real this time).
If you're next to the bike, stand to the right side and kick it from the right side. You can, if you want, kick it with your left foot. Sometimes this is a good way to get a bruise when your foot slips off the kick starter.
If the bike starts, take it easy, and don't try to rev it right up. Let it warm up a little bit and get some oil into the head.
Once it has warmed up enough, drop the choke lever back down and let the bike breathe. At this time, you can run the RPMs up a little. If it stumbles or sounds like it's struggling, put the choke halfway back on.
A CT can be push-started. However, due to the gearing, you may find it's hard to do in first gear without skidding the rear tire. A better idea is to get a running start (or find a hill) and put the bike quickly into second gear. Once the engine starts to spin over, diddle with the throttle and choke until it starts to catch.
Last updated:
08/04/2001