Starting in 1st gear

Slugblaster · May 22, 2004

My sons KDX200 won't roll or start in 1st or 2nd gear with the clutch pulled in. Is this right or is there a problem?

kx200 · May 22, 2004

what year is your bike and how many miles are on it what kind of oil need more info?

rlbranson · May 22, 2004

this is a problem with the oil bath clutch most bikes use. especially when cold there is so much drag when the clutch is pulled in that it is hard to start the motor. If you really want to start the bike in gear use 5w 30 synthetic oil, adjust the clutchl lever with little free play, and kick the kicker harder then you do when it is in neutral. my 200 will start in gear but I have to kick it harder than if it is in neutral.

bob

jaguar · May 22, 2004

I found that after I replaced my old worn clutch cable that I had more clutch pull to better disengage the clutch plates.

andrew · May 23, 2004

I find that a bit more throttle when kicking helps it to start easier in gear. And, it's always easier to start in gear when it's hot!

89kdx200rdr · May 23, 2004

my bike starts in gear anytime give it some gas if it wont

Quailchaser · May 24, 2004

Slugblaster said:
My sons KDX200 won't roll or start in 1st or 2nd gear with the clutch pulled in. Is this right or is there a problem?

On the rolling part: As rlbranson said--the oil bath clutch has enough drag without the centrifical force of the engine runnig to keep the bike from rolling in gear. It will feel like the clutch is not disengaged. Once the bike is running it will roll.

As for starting: Does the bike want to roll when you kick it over in gear with the clutch pulled? If so, there is a problem in the clutch system. If it doesn't roll and won't start, that is not necessarily a problem. They are harder to start in gear. Almost impossible when cold. Once warmed up, it should start in gear with a little roll on the throttle while kicking. Once you figure out where your KDX likes the throttle open too while kicking (don't hold the throttle, twist while kicking), it should fire everytime. Mine likes to be twisted to about 1/2 throttle as I kick. Fires on first or second kick. Although, I've had a lot of practice. I tend to stall at the most inoportune times.

Later
Robb

xTYBALTx · May 24, 2004

After learning to ride on a four stroke, kick-starting my KDX in gear - cold, hot, whatever - hasn't been much of a problem.

I was wondering about it not rolling in gear with clutch lever pulled in, thanks for answering that.

Any suggestions on a good clutch / tranny oil to use? Does it matter? Change it annually?

Quailchaser · May 24, 2004

xTYBALTx said:
Any suggestions on a good clutch / tranny oil to use? Does it matter? Change it annually?

As for the type of oil I've been running: John Deere Tractor Hy-Gard wet clutch/transmission oil. Oil can get pricey when you change it often. I was told about this oil by a couple of CR500AF riders (they've been using it for years) who ride about 90 miles a week in nasty hot Arizona desert singletrack.

Opinions on tranny oil will vary with riders preferance. IMHO what you use (as long as its a quality oil) is less important that how often you change it. I change mine after every 3 or 4 rides depending on the severity of the rides. Sometimes after only 2 rides.

Later
Robb

JasonWho · May 24, 2004

Starting in 1st gear

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