Hard to kickstart bike, any suggestions?

[fauxamish]

Ok everyone, I have a 2000 400ex with some extensive motor work done. Its a 416 11:1 (a little more than 11:1 actually since I am running xr400 head gasket and no base gasket). It has been converted to kickstart, flywheel lightened, port and polished, stage 2 hotcam as well. I am having a lot of trouble getting the bike to start on its own. Every once in a while, it will start by kicking when its cold (like it did this afternoon, but wouldn't tonight) If I pull start it, it idles just fine, runs like a champ and will beat 450's. But I cannot get it to start easy by kicking it.

Does any body have any suggestions to get it started? I go JUST past TDC, then a good kick all the way through (and repeat x30). It runs great, so I think my jetting is good. Maybe its starting technique? Any and all suggestions (besides putting the starter back on...) are welcome. Thank you.

[CJM]

I had the same issue with an old suzuki, turns out the choke lever wasnt actually grabbing the little action. make sure your choke actually works.

[JOHNDOE83]

if you give it a lil squirt of gas or starting fluid in the carb will it start easier?

[ridein'red7]

hot start kit?

[dustin_j]

The best way to start my 450r kicker was to turn the engine to right before TDC and blip the throttle a couple times (accelerator pump still contains some fuel). With this method it started first kick every time, VS a couple kicks if I just started kicking. If it won't start hot, look into a 450r carb and hookup the hot start. I happen to have one off an 05 with all the cables and a hot start clutch lever if you're interested.

Hope this helps,
Dustin

[fauxamish]

I have a 450r carb with hotstart hooked up. couldn't find starting fluid yesterday so I'm going to get some today at work and some carb cleaner and go to town on it. Thanks for the suggestions.

[JOHNDOE83]

What size jets you got in there??? specifically the pilot jet??

[TRXRacer1]

Originally posted by JOHNDOE83
What size jets you got in there??? specifically the pilot jet?? I'm curious too. I kick my 400 too and the pilot circuit plays a big role as to ease of starting. Takes me 2 kicks stone cold.

[MidnightBlade]

dont use starting fluid please, WD-40 and carb and choke cleaner work fine. i too would check the pilot circuit and add a 44 pilot?

[fauxamish]

Its one size up from stock 450 pilot (can't remember, it was a long day at work...) when I use the 450r carb. With the 400ex carb which I put on to see if it made a difference starting (it didn't) it has a stock pilot. I'd rather use the 450r carb since it runs so much better on that. What size pilot should I be using? Main is a 190 keihin. What about clip position?

[JOHNDOE83]

450r carb needs atleast a 50 pilot....thats where i think your having a starting issue

[fauxamish]

Ok, it has a keihin 50 in it already for the slow jet. Try a 52?

[JOHNDOE83]

Yeah or try turning your air screw out a lil more??

you have alot more mods, even tho I have a 440, Im positive the lightened flywheel changes a few things. I have a 50 and mine starts fine, but I also still have my electric start...etc.

Some 450r carb guys need a 55 pilot, see if the air screw makes it start easier, if it does id go up a few on the pilot....Id try the pilot anyway just to see?

They say, the lightened fly wheel makes it stall easier? I wonder if that also has an effect while trying to kickstart?

What if you turn the idle up a lil also?

[fauxamish]

Tried getting a 52 but local dealership didn't have one. Cleaned the entire carb, top to bottom, going to put 50 back in, will turn up idle a little and turn a/f screw out a little. Thanks.

[TRXRacer1]

Does that carb have an air screw? They build that like a 2-stroke carb?

[fauxamish]

yeah, the little screw in front of the fuel bowl. Turned it out another 3/4 turn, bike still wouldn't start. Push started it, bike ran flawlessly, idled, lifted wheels through 4th, etc. Still couldn't get it to restart by kicking it. Going to try another place or 2 tomorrow for the 52 pilot jet and will push the bike down to the neighbor who has a couple bikes and see if he can kick it over. Its probably just poor technique lol

[fauxamish]

Ok, I finally got it running everyone! Totally don't regret going kicker anymore lol. It was part mechanical and part technique. It turns out that the kicker was hitting the nerf and footpeg. Also, if I go an inch or two past TDC, then kick, it will start everytime.

Once I get it all put back together and set up for TT nationals in Ashtabula, I will post up some pics of my bike. Thank you for all the help and suggestions everyone.

[TRXRacer1]

Just a little FYI that's not an air screw. 4 stroke carbs have fuel screws, 2 stroke have air screws.

[jimmyjam400ex]

just wonderin how u felt about the lightened flywheel im gonna do mine not quite as much so i can keep the electric start but did it make a big difference?

[fauxamish]

Oh, it feels like it is so much quicker now. Don't really have any data besides seat of the pants, but it totally felt worth it to me. It does stall out a little easier, but really only an issue if you are trying to teach someone how to work a clutch or you are REALLY lugging it. I didn't have any trouble trail riding with it or anything.