hard to start

I just bought a 87 honda cr500. It is killing my foot when I start it. Any tricks out there?

I have a KX500 - Don't use anything less than an MX riding boot to try start. Lightly push down on your kick starter multiple times until you find the sweet spot. You'll be able to tell because your kick starter will be at its highest point. Jump your entire body into the air and come down with a kick. Don't waste your time trying to start without finding the sweet spot first.(top of stroke) - You may have to adjust your kick lever forward one notch to get "high" point on your lever. - Hope I helped - Good Luck

kowabunga got some of it rite...try to cycle the kick starter till you feel max pressure on your foot...stop...release kicker back to the top....kick hard and all the way...dont be half assed...it will hurt you if you are...nuther thing...ride a cr480 ( got 2-82 and 83)....after proper jetting of the carb...kick back quit..tuning has a lot to do with the starting of any machine...you did not state if it was hard to start all the time or when cold or hot ...that would be helpful to know...good luck...B