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Is "hard to start" fixable?

  1. #1
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Is "hard to start" fixable?

    My old ass tired 2004 CRF250r is stupid hard to start, especially when hot. it needs to be in just the right position and get a STRONG kick in (usually multiple) to get it going. Is that something that can be fixed? Does a tired engine just get harder to kick over, or is it just the nature of the beast.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  2. #2
    Don't bother me! R7's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    I used to ride with a few people that had them, I don’t recall any of them starting easy, even when new. Can’t tell you if there is a fix or not, but it’s known as a hard bike to start

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  3. #3
    Lifer Imbeek's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    I fixed it with my rmz450 by selling the POS and getting a(nother) 2stroke

    (Seriously, the hot starting was the only thing I didn’t like about the bike, but it’s not easily solvable)

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    Last edited by Imbeek; 01-02-18 at 11:43 AM.

  4. #4
    Where is my fast? GixerJockey's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Everything Mark said... plus you're a pussy

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  5. #5
    Backwoods lobster boy number9's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    How is the air filter? How are the valve clearances?

    Ironically, and somewhat surprisingly, an old dude at NHMX taught me that it's easier to kick my CRF250R with a smooth, slowish kick than it is with a hard, START RIGHT FUCKING NOW kick. Of course, I learned this lesson with a bike stuck at the starting gate, and entered the race one lap down...

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  6. #6
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Quote Originally Posted by number9 View Post
    How is the air filter? How are the valve clearances?
    Clean and within spec.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  7. #7
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Imbeek View Post
    I fixed it with my rmz450 by selling the POS and getting a(nother) 2stroke
    My RMZ450 starts first or second kick every time. No matter how long its sat.
    But I did buy a KX250f, so I dont have to deal with kicking this damn CRF, but my friends do.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  8. #8
    Lifer Imbeek's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    I shouldve been more specific, it started fine cold, it was mid moto hot starting after a crash or stalling it that made me want to search for a lighter and can of gas, once I caught my breath

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  9. #9
    Lifer
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Too rich?

    Has it gotten harder recently? Or always been difficult? I thought some bikes were more prone to it, but if it used to be better then something's changed. If it's the loaner bike, are they dropping it, giving it a couple wimpy kicks, then you get a try but it's already flooded?

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  10. #10
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    i don't know anything about these bikes, and not saying you do this, but i'm always amazed at the number of riders that try to start a 4T like a 2T by twisting the throttle open as they kick violently.

    no gas + smooth, full stroke kicks is usually the way (as number9 pointed out)

    my XR250R was a bitch to start, too.

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  11. #11
    Soul Rider Paul_E_D's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    My KX250F was a beast to start hot. I did get it down though.

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  12. #12
    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Quote Originally Posted by typeone View Post
    i don't know anything about these bikes, and not saying you do this, but i'm always amazed at the number of riders that try to start a 4T like a 2T by twisting the throttle open as they kick violently.

    no gas + smooth, full stroke kicks is usually the way (as number9 pointed out)

    my XR250R was a bitch to start, too.
    I use the same technique 2T or 4T - Roll to TDC with the starter, edge it just past then reset the kicker, and then give it one good boot all the way through the stroke. Hand on the throttle, squeezing the brake to keep positive closure. If after a couple kicks it doesn't come to and my gut says it'll help, I'll try a WFO kick but that's on a case by case basis. I'm also used to non-EFI / Battery sporting bikes with early CDI/TCI that need swift kick over speed to get good spark more than trying to overcome compression/etc. Older points setups or newer battery backed ignitions are more forgiving.

    Richie, if your 250R has ALWAYS been a pig, it likely will continue to be. If it wasn't this bad to begin with it can be restored to that state once you identify what needs adjustment/refurb love. Does your bike have a hot start lever / knob?

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    Last edited by Kurlon; 01-02-18 at 02:16 PM.

  13. #13
    Lifer Tekime's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Valve adjustment and new rings if it has been a while, maybe good place to start.

    My DR is notoriously a tough start but after months of training in the black arts of kickstarting (eg. sweating and panting in the woods) I got it down to a few kicks under almost all conditions. Aside from setting idle based on temp, idle air control, and having it jetted for the temps, I've learned not to waste kicks. A few failed kicks and it just seems to get harder from there. Get it just past TDC and give it one helluva smooth hard kick. Also not inadvertently twisting the throttle too much and dumping a bunch of fuel.

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  14. #14
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kurlon View Post
    Richie, if your 250R has ALWAYS been a pig, it likely will continue to be. If it wasn't this bad to begin with it can be restored to that state once you identify what needs adjustment/refurb love. Does your bike have a hot start lever / knob?
    Its always been a bitch. But it hasn't been ridden much lately, and seems to be a bit worse lately (only took it out once), but that might've just been from sitting. And yes, hot start lever, doesnt seem to be too effective.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  15. #15
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Old gas and possibly partially clogged pilot jet might make it harder to fire up.

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  16. #16
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    If you're talking about motorcycles, yes.

    If you're talking about life motiviation, no.

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  17. #17

    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Yeah, buy an estart bike

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  18. #18
    Lifer Stromper's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    Iridium Spark plug maybe 1 level colder

    Does it have automatic compression release cause that could be funky

    And as always 2 tanks of double dose SEAFOAM

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  19. #19
    Rookie Rada's Avatar
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    Re: Is "hard to start" fixable?

    I wish i knew the secret. It wasn't a 250 but i watched Jetta J miss too many races because his would not restart.

    Emily's KLX was a bear in a half to start so I put a primer on it.. That cured that evil bone crushing machine. A couple quick pumps and it would fire right up. Pretty much no matter what..

    It might be worth a try.

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