Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original
Whats the best way to start the 5 hundie ?
kaos:
This method requires a running bike to begin with (!), but assuming that has happened:
- get your jetting close, especially the pilot (the ride around in circles with constant throttle method works well for me).
- once it's warm, set the idle adjust. No bog when twisting the throttle between thumb and finger, no bounce when it comes back down.
- set the idle speed so it runs smoothly (too low and it'll kind of struggle to stay running).
THen, for cold start:
- no throttle, full choke, 2 easy kicks and then kick it like you mean it once. Always starts for me - I've made the claim that this always works and now my riding buddies watch to make sure, just waiting for the chance to roost me if it fails.
for warm start:
- no choke, just the slightest 2 stroke throttle blip on the first kick, >90% of the time it will fire. If not on the first kick, try just a bit more of a blip. If it hasn't started by the 2nd kick, the idle adjust is off, I usually go an 1/8th turn leaner.
I've had the bike since '94, the first few rides it was a bear to start, but once I dialed in the jetting and the method I've had no problems. I used to giggle watching the 4stroke guys kicking themselves into oblivion, then kick mine once and roost them.
Every 1000 feet or so of altitude, or if it's a really hot dry day, I'll lean the idle adjust 1/8th turn for the 1st cold start.
Usually only have to tweak the idle once every few rides, so I have to remember to check how it's running BEFORE shutting down.
Interesting to read all of these different methods. If somebody smarter than me can come up with the common thread and explain it, that'd be pretty cool.
maddoggy:
--- Quote from: js on December 04, 2007, 02:47:09 PM ---I can start mine with my hand. maybe my heavy flywheel makes it easy to start or maybe your silencer is clogged up.
--- End quote ---
holy crap, js that must be one heck of a stout hand or else something is wrong with your bike. i know my bike is a little low on compression and is due for a top end but theres no way i would even think of attempting to kick it over with my hand. i'd like to see a video of you starting your 500 with just a hand. i'm not saying that i don't believe you, i just think it would be fun to see. MADDOGGY
Desert Panther:
--- Quote from: maddoggy on December 07, 2007, 05:09:36 AM ---
--- Quote from: js on December 04, 2007, 02:47:09 PM ---I can start mine with my hand. maybe my heavy flywheel makes it easy to start or maybe your silencer is clogged up.
--- End quote ---
holy crap, js that must be one heck of a stout hand or else something is wrong with your bike. i know my bike is a little low on compression and is due for a top end but theres no way i would even think of attempting to kick it over with my hand. i'd like to see a video of you starting your 500 with just a hand. i'm not saying that i don't believe you, i just think it would be fun to see. MADDOGGY
--- End quote ---
Yeah! What he said! :-o
bobwilson:
Just to add my .02...
Just bought a 2002 K5 about three weeks ago and coming from a KDX 200, there is a difference in starting these things.
I've found that putting it in gear and rocking it to cycle the piston 5 - 10 times, full choke, and setting the air screw out 1.5 turns works great. First time I did that it started on the first kick.
Oh, another essential - MX boots. I can kick it without fear of breaking things. I've tried this with both hiking boots (decent) and sneakers (bad, bad idea) and the MX boots are now a necessity when starting. Just can't give it the kick it deserves without 'em.
Bob
Dutch-K5 Fan:
--- Quote ---I've found that putting it in gear and rocking it to cycle the piston 5 - 10 times
--- End quote ---
I believe Andr? Malherbe was doing this with his bike whene he cold started it!
Must be good then!!
Dutchie
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version