New XR400R. Starting tips.

[run29point2]

Hi:
I just bought a new 2002 Honda XR400R last weekend and really love it. I'm trying to get used to starting it more consistently so I was wondering if anyone out there could give me some tips to on starting an XR400 since I'm 'new' to the bike and trying to learn how to start it correctly and consistently. Thanks Gang!

 

[EM rider]

I love my XR and will likely keep it forever. Great/fun/reliable bike.

There is a routine that makes cold starting easier, but mine usually fires easily even if I don't follow the drill.

Bike in neutral. Slowly push down on kickstarter until you feel mild resistance. You may have to kick through one or two full cycles before you hit the resistance point. When you feel the resistance, stop pushing down and pull in the decompression lever. While pulling in the decomp lever, push down on the kickstarter another 1-2 inches past the resistance point. Release the decomp lever and let kickstarter fully return to the top. Now give it a good full kick and it should start right up.

 

[lisa'sxr4]

EM Rider - thanks for the tip - I'll have to give it a try to.

For now - I'm fully open the choke, pull in the decomp lever, give it about 6 kicks through, then let go of the decomp lever and give it a good kick. Provided I give it a "good" kick - she fires right up - I turn the throttle and close the choke slowly!!

Your method sounds much easier!

Just got my XR4 in June and am still learning how to kick (and ride!!)

 

[EM rider]

Mine's never failed to start, but when cold I DO engage the choke too and then close it after letting the bike idle a bit. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Trailryder42]

One thing that helps alot on cold starts(first start of the day) is to turn the idle up 1/2-1 turn, then full choke, TDC and kick. After it starts put to half choke til warm the choke off. Turn the idle back down where you like it.

 

[halflife65]

Hi Everyone,
I'm a new rider, too (although I'm starting a 29, I can't say I'm a new person). I have an '87 XR 250 that I've been learning on. So far, so good (knock on wood). Anyway, sometimes after the bike is hot and I shut it off (on purpose, not by dumping it), it can be kind of hard to start. Any tips on hot starts?

Thanks.