Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Starting Question.

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John:
Just to add one more to the flood of tips here. Check that the kick-start is mounted correctly (I have to elaborate on this - it sounds stupid).

Make sure the kick start is mounted on the kick start axle on the right spline (correct word?) It should be pointing forward - as much as possible). If you have an aftermarket expansion chamber you can mount it "wrong" i.e. not optimal. If so, you won?t be getting the max momentum in your kick. This will be particularly visible when the engine is cold and generally harder to start ? but not impossible.

1 Penny worth...

/John

Sharc:
Good tip from John - I rotated my kick start lever back to look better, and it did affect starting, so I put it back. I kick it through real slow 3 or 4 times, get it to the very top of the stroke, then boot it like my life depends on it. 1-3 kicks hot cold or just crashed it fires right up. 2002 stock jetting at sea level to 3500 ft. You might have done this but try stock jetting or very close to it, clean air filter, new plug, fresh gas, and if it wont start take it to a dealer...(?) I know they suck, but maybe they'll actually fix it...

Sharc

kawdude:
I don't want to monopolize gowen post but I appreciate the feedback.  I've questioned the jetting on the bike before but have never screwed with it.  After the rebuild I plan to start with jetting chart on this site and go from there.  I feel that the bike acts rich.  Lots of splooge and no power past mid range.  Bike will not lift the tire past second gear which might be safer but I want the full powerband.  I assume this thing should hit hard in all 5 gears past mid throttle.

How do I know what size needle jet is in the bike?  Who sells these besides Kaw?

I will try starting it by priming the cylinder and see what happens.  Cold I usually just pull the choke and start kicking.  I did install the moose spacer and steahly weight which seemed to improve the starting but after I did that the popping increased.  (engine rpm pops when I let off the throttle)  In looking at the carb it looks like one corner of the slide is dinged and might be allowing to much air thru.


As far as the reedvalves go they seem to be good.  No cracks or chips.  I agree with the kickstart comment.  In the past, I had positioned it so I would not have to lift my knee to the same height as my ear but that didn't work so I'm back to one notch or so forward.

I have never replaced the plug but certainly will.  Recommendations???

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