Hello from SoCal

[mrdomino]

Hi everyone, i joined this forum because of the wealth of knowlege that all the members have and share. I'm in a delima, i have a 1980 KDX 250 with only 550miles on it and im wondering how much its worth. Its in pretty good condition, the seat is nice :cool: , it has compression and spark. Ive cleaned out the carb/new spark plug, but overall my lack of experiance in motorcycles leads me to sell it because im just a noob who doesnt want to pay a dealer to get it to start :bang: , if anyone has an estimate i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks - Cory
(ps. i wish i could post some pictures, PM/email if you'd like some pics)

 

[dante]

with only 550 miles on it, I don't think a dealer would charge you too much to get it to run... I bet the carbarator had gas sit in it and gum up for 20 years or so... The carb is really easy to take off... Two hose clamps (front and back), then twist off the top... You'll be able to slide out the "slide" and needle... When you put it back, simply line up the groove, it's impossiable to mess it up, then screw it back on just like you took it off... That top thing (with the needle and slide) stays attached to the Throttle cable... You should then be able to have the carb in your hand... Take the carb to a shop and ask if they'd clean it out for you, if your afraid to do it... but it's easy also... Take out the four screws on the bottom... That thing that moves up and down is the float... The little bar that holds the float, should slide out easily... If not spray it with a little carb cleaner, it'll slide out... Then just spray the heck out of the underside of that carb... Spray it until it's so perfectly clean... Then spray it some more... Those little brass things, if your up to it, unscrew them, hold them up to the light, until you can see through them... Then spray them some more... Put it back together... it'll fire...

If you decide to bring the carb itself in the shop to have it cleaned... Chances are they won't even charge you to do it... Because they'll be able to tell, you don't really know that much about bikes, or whatever, and they'll help you out... Unless it's a harley shop... Just smile, be nice and thankful, and stuff like that...

Here's another thing, just put fresh gas in it... Mix the oil at 32 parts fuel to 1 part two stroke oil... Put it in second gear, and have a friend push you around the yard or down the street with it in gear... Eventually it will start, that thing will start... I've had street bikes, (four strokes) that sat for years, and I got them started with just putting fresh gas in...Pushing them, or towing them slowley behind a car, until they fire... Eventually they all do... Provided you bike ran good before it sat...

Sorry for the long post, but I like these type of questions... I hope you keep it and go ride... Good luck...

p.s. as far as resale value... You'll get twice the money if it runs well... a 26 year old bike that does'nt run, well it is what it is... Some people would rather buy a used race bike that's been maintained, than a cheaper bike that looks new and sat forever... All the rubber parts,could be dry rotted, seals, and things like that... Personally I would'nt buy it, but I'm pickey as hel*....

 

[Tony Eeds]

Try dante's suggestions. It will start unless the crank seals are shot or there is something really wrong.

Check out the SoCal Wrecking Crew forum for folks near you. I'm betting one of them might be willing to help a noob out.

Also, welcome to the site!! :cool:

 

[dante]

Mr. Domino

did it start?

 

[mrdomino]

Thanks for all the quick responses! i just got back in town (on spring break) and am going to try all the things you have said, thanks Dante.
ps: lots of the ruber is weathered and falls apart easy, how much does it cost to generaly replace most of the ruber/bushings/etc?, taking it to a dealer is sounding better :)