Kickstarter for the <em>Ant</em> scooter: a complete installation and tuning guide

Scooter Ant is a legend of the Soviet motorcycle industry, but even this reliable technology has weaknesses. One of them is the absence of a kickstarter in basic modifications, which makes it difficult to start the engine in cold weather or when the battery is dead. Installing a kickstarter solves this problem by turning Ant into more versatile and convenient transport.

In this article we will look at all stages of kickstarter installation — from the selection of components to the final setup. You will learn which parts are suitable for different models Ant, how to avoid common mistakes during installation and what to do if the mechanism does not work. The material will be useful to both beginners and experienced mechanics who want to upgrade their scooter.

Why is Kickstarter needed? Ant and what problems does it solve?

Basic equipment Ant (especially early releases) often did not include a kickstarter, relying only on the electric starter. This creates several critical problems:

• 🔋 Low battery: in cold weather or after a long period of inactivity, it is almost impossible to start the engine without a kickstarter.
• ❄️ Cold start: In winter, the electric starter requires more power and may not be able to cope with thick oil.
• ⚡ Wear and tear of electrical equipment: Frequent attempts to start with an electric starter reduce the life of the battery and starter.
• 🔧 Repairs in the field: If the electronics fail on the road, kickstarter will be the only way to get home.

Kickstarter not only makes it easier to start, but also extends battery life. For example, at temperatures below -10°C, the electric starter can consume up to 200-300 A, which is critical for an old battery. The Kickstarter mechanically cranks the crankshaft, independent of the network voltage.

⚠️ Attention: On Ants with engine SZD 2.115 (volume 175 cm³) installation of a kickstarter requires modification of the crankcase. Not all kits will fit this model - please check compatibility before purchasing!

What components will be needed for installation?

To mount the kickstarter on Ant you will need:

Kit/Part	Purpose	Approximate price (2026)	Where to buy
Kickstarter kit for Ant	Main mechanism with lever and gears	1 800–3 500 ₽	AliExpress, Motorcycle parts, Avito
Crankcase O-ring	Sealing after disassembly	50–150 ₽	Any motorcycle shop
Cotter pins and retaining rings	Fixing gears and levers	100–200 ₽	Construction hypermarket
Lubrication Litol-24 or CV joint-4	Lubrication of bearings and gears	150–300 ₽	Auto shop
Set of wrenches and sockets	Disassembly/assembly of crankcase	500–2 000 ₽	Tool store

When choosing a kickstarter kit, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Engine model: for SZD 1.372 (150 cm³) and SZD 2.115 (175 cm³) different kits are needed.
• 🔗 Complete set: A good kit should include gears, lever, spring and hardware.
• 📏 Lever size: standard length - 18–22 cm, but for convenience you can choose an extended version.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a kickstarter

The installation process will take 3–5 hours depending on experience. Follow the instructions strictly step by step to avoid mistakes.

1. Preparation and disassembly

First drain the engine oil and remove right crankcase cover. To do this:

1. Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the cover (the key is on 10).
2. Carefully pry off the cover with a screwdriver so as not to damage the seal.
3. Remove the rear wheel drive chain (if it interferes).

2. Installation of the kickstarter mechanism

The kickstarter kit should include drive gearwhich needs to be installed on the motor shaft:

1. Apply grease to the shaft bearing.
2. Install the gear so that it fits into the grooves on the shaft.
3. Secure it with a locking ring (use pliers).

Next mount kickstarter lever:

• 🔩 Insert the lever axis into the hole in the crankcase.
• 🔗 Secure the lever with a nut and secure with a cotter pin.
• 🔄 Check the movement of the lever - it should smoothly return to its original position.

3. Assembly and testing

After installing the mechanism:

1. Reinstall the crankcase cover, replacing the O-ring.
2. Tighten the bolts crosswise (torque - 10–12 Nm).
3. Fill with new oil (recommended 10W-40 for Ant).
4. Check the kickstarter operation: the lever should crank the engine without jamming.

⚠️ Attention: If after assembly kickstarter does not return to its original position, it means the spring is installed incorrectly or is skewed. Disassemble the mechanism and check its position!

Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced mechanics sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Retightening crankcase bolts: May cause cap deformation and oil leakage. Use a torque wrench!
• 🔗 Incorrect installation of the retaining ring: If the ring is not secured, the gear will come off when first started.
• 🛢️ Saving on lubrication: Without lubrication, kickstarter bearings will wear out quickly.
• 🔄 Lever misalignment: If the lever is installed crookedly, it will stick when pressed.

To avoid problems, follow these tips:

• 📸 Take pictures of the disassembly processso as not to confuse the parts during assembly.
• 🔍 Check kit compatibility with your model Ant (especially for engines SZD 2.115).
• 🛠️ Use new O-rings - old ones can leak oil.

What to do if the kickstarter cranks idle?

This means that the drive gear does not mesh with the flywheel ring. Reasons:

- Incorrect installation of the gear (skewed or not fully seated).

- Worn teeth on the flywheel (replacement required).

- Weak return spring (needs to be tightened or replaced).

To eliminate this, disassemble the mechanism and check all elements.

Setting up and adjusting the kickstarter after installation

After installation, the kickstarter may require additional configuration. Here's what to look for:

• 🔧 Lever travel: it should crank the engine at 1.5–2 turns crankshaft If less, check the gear clutch.
• 🔄 Return spring: the lever must return to its original position after 0.5–1 second. If it's slow, lubricate the spring.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds: A grinding or knocking noise indicates gear misalignment or lack of lubrication.

To adjust:

1. Loosen the lever securing nut.
2. Adjust the position so that the gear engages completely with the flywheel.
3. Tighten the nut and check the lever travel.

Kickstarter Maintenance: How to Extend Its Lifespan

Kickstarter is a simple mechanism, but requires care. To make it last for many years:

• 🛢️ Lubricate the mechanism every 5,000 km or once a season (use Litol-24).
• 🔧 Check the fastenings lever and gear after the first 1,000 km - they may weaken.
• 🔊 Listen to the sounds: extraneous noise when pressing the lever - a signal for diagnosis.
• ❄️ in winter Click on kickstarter before starting 2–3 times without ignition to distribute the oil.

If the kickstarter started fall through or don't come back, disassemble it and check:

• Condition return spring (may burst or stretch).
• Wear gear teeth and flywheel.
• Backlash lever axis (replace bushings if necessary).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install kickstarter on Ant with engine from sunrise?

Yes, but the crankcase will need to be modified, since the seats for the gear may not match. It is better to use a specialized kit for Antto avoid compatibility issues.

How much does it cost to install a kickstarter in the service?

In motorcycle services they charge from 2,000 to 4,000 ₽, depending on the region and complexity. However, if you have the tools and these instructions, you can do everything yourself.

Why doesn't the kickstarter crank the engine even though the lever moves?

The reasons may be the following:

• Drive gear does not engage flywheel (check installation).
• The teeth on the flywheel or gear are broken.
• The crankshaft is jammed (try turning it by hand).

Disassemble the mechanism and inspect the parts for wear.

What is the best oil to use for kickstarter lubrication?

Optimal options:

• Litol-24 - a universal choice for most conditions.
• CV joint-4 - holds up better under high loads.
• Molikot — for extreme temperatures (from –30°C).

Apply a thin layer of lubricant, avoiding excess.

Is it possible to drive without a crankcase cover while setting up the kickstarter?

Absolutely not! An open crankcase allows dirt to enter the engine and loss of oil. If you need to check the operation of the mechanism, temporarily cover the hole with a clean rag.