Oct 3, 2010
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Hey guys im new to the site. And i just bought a yz 426 and its a pain in the arse to start. And i've heard through the grapevine that there's a way to make it easier. Anyone know anything about this?
 

Rich Rohrich

Moderator / BioHazard
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Jul 27, 1999
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Assuming your bike is mechanically sound , the following should help.

This was originally posted on the Yamaha USA website.

To further enhance the enjoyment of these products, please follow the step-by-step instructions as explained by Doug Dubach, Four-Stroke Motocross Champion and Yamaha test rider. These helpful tips will ensure quick and easy starting of your Yamaha four-stroke motorcycle.

COLD ENGINE STARTING:
1.Make sure the bike has fuel, then turn on fuel petcock.
2.Pull out choke knob (black knob on left side of the carburetor).
3.Prime the engine by giving the throttle two full turns (only if the bike has not been started in a day or two).
4.Apply firm pressure to the kick-starter with your foot until you hit distinct resistance (this is the compression stroke/hard spot).
5.While keeping pressure on the kick-starter, pull in the compression release lever and push the kick-starter past the compression stroke/hard spot. The kick-starter needs to only move about 1 to 2 inches past the hard spot. That is all!
6.Release the compression release lever and return the kick-starter to the top
7.Now, kick to start. Do not touch the throttle, as the engine will start and idle on it's own
8.If the bike does not start, repeat steps 4 through 7 only until the engine starts.

HOT ENGINE STARTING
1.Pull out the hot start knob (red knob on the left side of the carburetor).
2.Follow steps 4 through 7 until engine starts.
3.You may have to apply some throttle after the engine starts until you get the hot start knob pushed back in because the carburetor is sending a lean mixture while the hot start knob is out.

The only difference between hot and cold starting is which knob you use, choke or hot start. There is no need to deviate from these simple steps. Remember, DO NOT touch the throttle during hot or cold starting. Also, there is no reason to prime the engine again on the same day of riding.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

It helps to become comfortable with steps 4 through 7. By becoming familiar with these steps you will become more efficient and will be able to perform them quicker. The faster you can get through steps 4 through 7 the quicker you will get going.

You need to give the engine what it wants! Understand that the choke will give the engine a rich mixture and the hot start will give the engine a lean mixture. If you have kicked the engine several times during a cold starting procedure and it still won't start, maybe it has too much fuel. Don't be afraid to push the choke back in and use the hot start, even though the engine is cold, this will give the engine a lean mixture and that might be just what it wants.

Again, make sure you don't go more than an inch or two past the hard spot when setting up your kick, and return the kick tarter all the way to the top, especially on the 250F. This will ensure that you get a proper kick and make your race day more enjoyable.
 

pesky nz

Member
Sep 13, 2010
296
0
I think I remember fitting a yz450 exhaust cam with auto decomp. This made starting easier but you still need to learn the drill as described above. Never slip your foot off the kick start and let it fly back up as these bikes will damage the stopper. Patience and no throttle will pay off.
 
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