Motorcycle Repair: Kick starting a MX100, yamaha mx100, compression tester

Question
Hi, I recently aquired an old yamaha mx100 (1980's I think).  It's a kool little 2 stroke for fun.  I dont know much about 2 strokes so I got a manual for help.  But there is one question that I have and I cant find the answer in the manual.  

When kicking over the bike to start it's so easy that it feels like there is no compression or ?  The bike starts, but is it a normal thing for one to even kick start it with one hand w/o any problems?  Could it be the spring for the kick start the compression ratio or maybe even a leak on the engine (I dont hear the any air coming from no where while kicking).  Hope this is clear, just would like to know how to make the kick feel like it's really turning over.  It sometimes takes a lot of kicks to turn on but it turns on.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Alex.

Those little 100's are not known for loads of compression (try kicking over an old Harley some time (grin)).

If you are having trouble starting it, then there could be some compression loss.  Go over compression loss in the repair manual and it will give you a few things to check.  You will need a compression tester and the specs in the repair manual.  You could just need some work or adjustments to the valves, but if it is bad compression loss, then it could be a need for something more severe, like new pistons or rings.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON