starting, technique vs mods
- Thread starter boogie2
- Start date
- Feb 19, 2000
- 390
- 0
The KLX is a beast to start when hot or after a fall. there are several techniques and/or mods you can make to help this problem.
1.) hotstart valve,
2.) Tee-vents on the carburetor,
3.) turn off the gas and lay the bike on its side to let the excess gas drain out,
4.) make sure you have the bike at top dead center before you kick it over.
5.) hold the throttle wide open and leave it open while you kick, if you suspect the bike is flooded
I have had 3 KLX's and am thinking about getting my 4th in a few weeks, they are a great bike, but the occasional hard starting is a known issue.
try this website: www.planetklx.com, you can also sign up for the owners group, there are a lot of people there that know a lot about the KLX.
1.) hotstart valve,
2.) Tee-vents on the carburetor,
3.) turn off the gas and lay the bike on its side to let the excess gas drain out,
4.) make sure you have the bike at top dead center before you kick it over.
5.) hold the throttle wide open and leave it open while you kick, if you suspect the bike is flooded
I have had 3 KLX's and am thinking about getting my 4th in a few weeks, they are a great bike, but the occasional hard starting is a known issue.
try this website: www.planetklx.com, you can also sign up for the owners group, there are a lot of people there that know a lot about the KLX.
I have a 01 KLX and I did the following mods:
1. took the lid off the airbox
2. added the crankcase breather
3. took the plug off the pipe
4. Stroker headpipe
5. re-jetted
I'm not sure if any of theses mods help the bike start when its hot, although my seems to start easier now. Also, Penquin's #5 seems to always work for me.
Maybe its just me, but isn't "chewing up" new bikes part of the fun?;) Anyways, the KLX is a great bike, have fun!
1. took the lid off the airbox
2. added the crankcase breather
3. took the plug off the pipe
4. Stroker headpipe
5. re-jetted
I'm not sure if any of theses mods help the bike start when its hot, although my seems to start easier now. Also, Penquin's #5 seems to always work for me.
Maybe its just me, but isn't "chewing up" new bikes part of the fun?;) Anyways, the KLX is a great bike, have fun!
- Thread starter
-
- #5
Seems like finding TDC and getting air in is the key.
My only other problem with this bike finding neutral at unexpected times.
I wonder if the engine designers at kawasaki ride.
The only other dirtbike I've ridden is a kdx200.
4 strokes are better!
Thanks for the responses.:D
My only other problem with this bike finding neutral at unexpected times.
I wonder if the engine designers at kawasaki ride.
The only other dirtbike I've ridden is a kdx200.
4 strokes are better!
Thanks for the responses.:D
gator_in_va
Member
- Sep 4, 2001
- 11
- 0
All,
Being that I'm new to the KLX, I've yet to grasp the "starting drill"; my old
bike, an XR200, could be "slap kicked" and fire right up - not the case
with the KLX.
How do I find TDC?
I've tried the method on the gas tank decal, and can't seem to get it right.
If I remember right, it says to feel for resistance, feel for resistance 2nd
time then continue ~60deg. Return to top & kick hard yet smooth...
How does this jive with finding TDC?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
2001 KLX300
1990 XR200
dirt bike dave
Sponsoring Member
- May 3, 2000
- 5,348
- 3
IMO, the best place for the piston t is just past TDC after the compression stroke.
To find the spot, kick over SLOWLY. When you start to feel the resistance increase, you are on the compression stroke. The resistance will continue to increase, then at one point the piston will move much easier. Stop moviing the kickstarter immediately once the resistance decreases. Then raise the kickstart to the top and kick it like you mean it.
The advantage is you get the maximum amount of engine speed before the next compression stroke.
To find the spot, kick over SLOWLY. When you start to feel the resistance increase, you are on the compression stroke. The resistance will continue to increase, then at one point the piston will move much easier. Stop moviing the kickstarter immediately once the resistance decreases. Then raise the kickstart to the top and kick it like you mean it.
The advantage is you get the maximum amount of engine speed before the next compression stroke.
- Thread starter
-
- #9
After the second resistance you can hear the exhaust make a little thump
sound, then keep pushing almost to the bottom. Then raise the kickstart to the top and kick it like you mean it. I can usually get it going in 2 or 3 kicks.
I've gotten used to it, though I still get jealous the way my friend's two stroke starts.
sound, then keep pushing almost to the bottom. Then raise the kickstart to the top and kick it like you mean it. I can usually get it going in 2 or 3 kicks.
I've gotten used to it, though I still get jealous the way my friend's two stroke starts.
Also, try raising the idle speed higher than you would normallly think. This really helped mine start easier. Also, when the bike is new it is harder to start. Taking off the airbox lid and butt plug seemed to help in starting - and helped a lot in the power department as well.
gator_in_va
Member
- Sep 4, 2001
- 11
- 0
Yes, and if memory serves me right, it is held in place with (2) allen head cap screws. 5mm allen wrench should do the trick.