I just bought the 2003 Honda 450F, I´m about 5´6 and 165lbs. I softened the rear a bit and dropped the forks to the bars and can now start it on level ground (barely:). 1-3 kicks every time, even after dropping it. Just don´t touch the gas and all is good. If you flood it (on it´s side for awile or use the gas like I said not to) the hot start lever starts it in 1-4 kicks. Never used hot start any other time.