Kickstart lever (Kickstarter), DERBI

On Derbi motorcycles (especially those with the Derbi Senda frame and AM6 or D50B0 engines), the kickstart lever is one of the parts that takes the greatest mechanical load. If the lever "slips" on the shaft, has come loose or simply looks worn, it is time to replace it.

Important compatibility notes

Derbi scooters and motorcycles use different kickstart shafts, so when buying it is important to know whether your model has:

• The D50B0 engine (e.g. Derbi Senda, Aprilia RX/SX from 2006): This is the most popular modern engine. The lever must be made for this particular shaft (usually 15–16 mm in diameter with splines).

• An older Derbi engine (before 2006): May have a different shaft fitting.

• Derbi scooters (e.g. GP1, Atlantis): These use scooter-type levers, which differ from the Senda motorcycle levers.

Common faults and solutions

1. "Chewed" splines: This is the most common problem. The lever is loose on the shaft and slips when you kick it.

   • Tip: If the shaft splines are still "alive", try tightening the lever with a new, hard bolt. If that does not help, the lever must be replaced before it completely "chews up" the shaft. If the shaft splines are damaged, the repair becomes much more expensive (the crankcases have to be split).

2. Play ("wobbling"): If the lever "flops about" in the folding mechanism, replacing the spring or the detent ball may help (if the lever can be dismantled).

3. Material: Aftermarket levers (e.g. STR8, TNT, Stage6) are usually made from anodised aluminium. They look better but are more brittle than the original steel ones. If you are into "hard" enduro, a steel lever will always be more reliable.

Expert tips: Fitting

• Threadlocker: Always use medium-strength threadlocker on the lever's mounting bolt. Derbi engine vibration is enough to undo a loose bolt within a few days, and the lever will simply fall off on the road.

• Position: The lever must be fitted so that, when folded out, it does not rest against the body panels or the brake pedal, but sits low enough for you to make a full "kick".

• Maintenance: If the lever moves stiffly, remove it, clean the dirt out of the mechanism and lubricate it with general-purpose grease (e.g. lithium grease). This protects against rust and "seizing".

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Does the Derbi lever fit other models? Derbi Senda levers usually fit only Derbi and Aprilia models (with the same D50B0 engine). They are usually not compatible with Minarelli AM6 engines because of the different shaft thickness and angle.

What if the new lever still wobbles? The shaft may already be badly worn. Some mechanics use a "thin piece of sheet metal" (e.g. from a drinks can) as a shim between the lever and the shaft, but this is only a temporary fix. The only long-term solution is to replace the lever and, if necessary, the shaft.

The kickstart lever is the first part of your Derbi you use in the morning. Make sure it is firmly secured and you will avoid unnecessary trouble.