starting problem on KX250

[Eddge]

I have a 2002 KX250. The guy I bought it from said there was a lot of aftermarket performance stuff done to it by the guy he bought it from. He sold it because it was too much bike for him. (he is still going through surgeries 2 years later because of that bike) anyway, i think there may be high compression poiston in it. When it sits for a week or 2 before starts, its really hard to start. Not just in in how many kicks it takes to start, but the amount of force needed to kick it is pretty high. It kicked back one time and I think it almost broke my foot from the kick back. Is there a way to make it easier to kick? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Are you wearing boots when you try starting it? You can measure the compression with a compression gauge, or take it apart and measure it. If you are fairly new to mx race bikes, it may be just like it is supposed to be. Some bikes are timed to a point where they will kick back and run in reverse. You can get a plug reading and get a reference to the timing. I found a decent chart, now mind you this is for reference:

 

[yz80nbeast]

yeah it might be your foot wear, i have a 1988 kx125 and i cant start it with my jordans on(LOL) but give me 2 good kicks, with my timberlands on(still trying to get some good mx boots from dad) and it starts right up from a 2 week sit.

 

[Eddge]

ive got mx boots, but the last time i tried to start it was before i went to iraq 8 months ago, i cant remember if i had my harley boots on, or my mx boots... maybe i had my timberlands on... lol, i dont remember. i just know if you dont have either a lot of weight, or a strong leg, you wont get it started. i dont have much weight behind me, but do have some pretty stong legs and its still tough. i wore myself out the first time i tried to start it. it finally started with a little cheat help with quick spray of ether.

 

[m4i2k2e2]

do you sit on it and start it? sometimes you can jump up and then kick down with all your weight. my cousin's 400 isnt that hard to start. my 250 isnt to bad either. i need my mx boots on for either of them though. maybe if you use a stand or can prop yourself agaisnt something it will help you.

 

[todd36]

whenfoxforks-ruled, that is the best example of plug reading I have seen. Where did you find that picture? I explain plug readings to my friends but that spells it out nicely

 

[Eddge]

i was trying to start it for a while today. no luck. I decided to check the spark plug but ended up slicing my thumb open, just got back from the er actually, lol. they took too long, so i walked out. ill just put some grease in it and some duct tape over it ;) after it stoped bleeding so much, it didnt seem too bad, ill just stick it closed with a bandaid stitch. as for the bike though, the plug didnt seem too bad, it was a little wet however. i never did get it started today, even tried some starting fluid to get it going. it only sounded like it wanted to start one time, the rest of the time it didnt do much.

 

[CRazy250]

i can kick start my cr250 in a pair of vans, if your bike is tuned correctly all you need is to bring the piston to about top dead center and start kicking from there.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

I would sit down and clean the carb and check the reeds. Don't put grease on the wound. Clean it, keep it dry and wrapped tight.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Todd, I believe I ran across that gif at a quad site. Stole it, fixed something I do not believe is true(about reading the base). They do not like it they can find me. Them guys are really lost! They are buying roost bottles, messing with air jets and just basically swimming in mis-information, outstanding!

 

[2strokerfun]

I think we should all contribute to quad misinformation. Tell them: "the leaner, the better!!"

 

[Eddge]

im taking everything apart and cleaning it up. everything seemed pretty clean, but some things you just might not see. one piece of grit in the wrong spot could cause all my starting problems. it was sitting for a long time before i bought it, i got it started a couple times, rode it for a couple hours and its been sitting for the last 8 months since the last time i rode it. hopefully that helps. reeds looked good, couldnt see anything wong with them anyway. cleaned them up, cleaned out the carb. need to get a new reed gasket and put everything back together. maybe it will start then. i might look into a new air filter too. the one on it seems kinda old and nasty. and i have tried a few ways to start it too. layed it down till gas leaked out a little, no luck. kept one foot on the ground, kicked it a while, no luck. put the stand on it, stood on the bike and used my weight to kick it a while, no luck. tried useing starting fluid too.... no luck. tried pushing it even... no luck there either. ill put everything back together and see what happens.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

You are going to have to take out every jet. Physically clear the jets and orifices with a fine wire then douche with a quality carb cleaner.

 

[antonyp]

ill put everything back together and see what happens.

Hey Eddge. Have you had any luck yet ? I had similar problems with my bike and it was a combination of little problems that caused it. I am just curious what the problem was on yours (if you found it).