KTM probs

[steveB]

I have a 99 KTM 125 exc that runs fine over flat ground but is bogging over bumps plus fuel is leaking from the float bowl when the bike is on the sidestand. I'd recently been messing about with the jetting on the bike and changed the float height (which obviously seems to be the problem here) but what I find strange is that I set the float to sit perfectly parallel with the carb, I used the blow down the fuel line technique. So my question is should the float level be set lower at an angle rather than parallel or is it just a case of experimenting to see what works best.

My other question concerns the seal where the kickstart shaft goes into the crankcase. This seal seems shot and blows back a small amount of oil. It's not a serious amount but is this normal on KTM's? Can I replace it easily and what effect on performance would this leaky seal have? I'm going to trade the bike in for a 2002 200exc in May and don't want to give the dealer any excuse to knock down the value of the bike.

 

[rollingp]

Did you buy the bike new or used?
It is a 99 and thats allot of time for that bike to have been rode.
It sounds to me its time for a new one or a complete overhaul of the one you have .
Thats one reason allot of racers buy new every year.
The bike is still worth something and there isnt allot of time and money spent on parts etc.
You only loose about $800-$1000 a year by doing this.
I think riding a new bike for that amount every year is pretty cheap.
As far as the seal in the shaft just pop in a new one they are cheap.
Service the forks, get some new oil in there maybe springs but most likely not.

 

[KYHU]

If your carburetor is a Keihin, check this page for info on how to set the float height : http://www.keihin-us.com/tune.html


david

 

[steveB]

rollinggp

The bike was bought in FEB 2000 and raced by an expert rider for a year and very well maintained. It's had little use since I bought it a year ago due to the foot+mouth outbreak in the UK, mainly trail rides, one enduro and one mx event. I change the gearbox oil every second ride and keep the filter nice and clean. As for getting a new bike, well I'll be the proud owner of a 2002 200exc in a couple of months...

You say pop in a new seal, can I do this externally without splitting the cases?

KYHU

cheers for the link I'll check it out tonight.

 

[TexKDX]

Check your plug, but the bog and draining sure sounds like the float height is too high.

Also check the float travel. There is another tab you can bend that will limit the float travel. This spec needs to be set also when changing the height. Too much travel can cause problems too.