Kick Start Grief

[Motocross83]

Last time I took my 04 YZ 450 out she was fantastic, no problems what so ever.

Today I gave it a wash but when I went to start her up (after the wash) the kick start lever gave me serious grief. It would go halfway down and then lock up completely solid, then after a load more pushing, it would suddenly kick through just as normal.

It's almost like the decompression lever isn't working but it appears fine.

Ive tried adjusting it but to no avail. The kick start lever itself also appears to be totally fine. It's weird. After 10 years of riding this is the first time Iv'e had this problem. Could it be somthing internal?

Any help, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I'm utterly stuck here.

Cheers.

[757]

valves hitting the piston?

[Motocross83]

I sure hope not! lol That's my prime concern too.

The only thing I can think of apart from that, is maybe the decompression cable has snapped. Thats what it feels like, it feels as if it won't kick over because the cylinder in compressed.

I'm going to remove the spark plug later and see if that will cause the cylinder to decompress. Atleast that way I'll no if it's related to compression or not. Wish me luck.

Thanks man.