I'm thinking of getting into dirt. What bike?

[Brett]

Not dumb at all mate. Kick them through very slowly...you'll feel them come up on the compression stroke. Soon as they go over tdc you'll feel it. Then give it what for.

It'll have (I'm assuming) an automatic decompression system that makes them easier to kick over. But that doesn't always mean that just kicking them like a two stroke is the best way to start them. I've seen all sorts of very experienced riders/racers struggle with them mate. And whilst I'm only a little fulla...I've never really struggled due to technique I guess learnt from trying to fire up open class two strokes as a scrawny teenager.

Thanks crasher. Will bare this in mind when I get stuck in on Friday or Sat. Will let you know how I get on.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Thanks crasher. Will bare this in mind when I get stuck in on Friday or Sat. Will let you know how I get on.

Feel free to call me at work on (04) 8010-725 DDI if during work hours...or (04) 8018-666 AHRS if you need help mate.

[barty5]

Yeah did a fuel pump on the 350, that was a nice $950 well spent... but that was more to do with the filter and pump design on the first bikes, the '12s had a different pump and filter.

I guess what I'm clumisly trying to say is I'd be reluctant to accept old fuel as an excuse for a bike that won't start, as it might point to bigger problems, like a bike that is in need of a top end rebuilt.

you should ask Cheese about old fuel caught him out once or twice.

[barty5]

Thanks crasher. Will bare this in mind when I get stuck in on Friday or Sat. Will let you know how I get on.

Id swap out the plug as well had a few in the past ive bought done full engine rebuild with fresh gas tried to reuse what had looked like a perfectly good plug only to end up with that floging a dead horse feeling all over a plug.

[thorns]

As others said, try the basics first, drain fuel and replace with new, throw a new spark plug at it.

In regards to kicking it over, find TDC, and then give a long kick right through the stroke of the kick start lever, don't kick it like a 2 stroke, I had the same problem when I first rode a 4 stroke and couldn't get the thing to start. In fact, think I started a thread on it here lol, will see if I can find it for you. ( http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...29-4t-starting )

Also, remember to pull the choke out, even though its FI, still will need it when cold starting. Its the same knob you use for adjusting the idle.

[scott411]

ok, most of the advice above is good,

on modern fuel injected four strokes, you need to kick them over about 3 times from cold to charge the capacitor, which powers the fuel injection,

make sure you do full kicks, you have to turn the crank twice to start it, so stabbing at the kick start will not work, if you know how to find top dead centre then thats even better, i go just past, then back to the top of the kick start and stand on it,

A new Spark Plug, and fresh fuel will do wonders,

Spectrum Motorcycles, just off Barrys Point Road Takapuna is the best place for Kawi MX bikes close to the city, the boys in there have had plenty to do with them,

[Mattr]

Also check the valve clearance

[Jay GTI]

you should ask Cheese about old fuel caught him out once or twice.

It's ok, I already know I am wrong...

[BoristheBiter]

Depending on the outcome of this (and for future reference) who is a good Kawasaki dirt dealer or service center in the Auckland region to use? Happy to do basic maintenance myself, but time is a very very valuable commodity to me at the moment.

ok, most of the advice above is good,


Spectrum Motorcycles, just off Barrys Point Road Takapuna is the best place for Kawi MX bikes close to the city, the boys in there have had plenty to do with them,

Yep, i send my bikes there, top guys, know their shit, and do a good job. (on any bike).

[Brett]

ok, most of the advice above is good,

on modern fuel injected four strokes, you need to kick them over about 3 times from cold to charge the capacitor, which powers the fuel injection,

make sure you do full kicks, you have to turn the crank twice to start it, so stabbing at the kick start will not work, if you know how to find top dead centre then thats even better, i go just past, then back to the top of the kick start and stand on it,

A new Spark Plug, and fresh fuel will do wonders,

Spectrum Motorcycles, just off Barrys Point Road Takapuna is the best place for Kawi MX bikes close to the city, the boys in there have had plenty to do with them,

Thanks for that.

So today I left work early, got home, drained the fuel, checked the plug and refilled with fresh fuel. Couldn't get it to go...every 3rd or 4th kick it would try and cough to life, but never do so. Decided to give the bloke I bought it from a ring and check if I am missing anything...he ran me through how he did it, so off I went for round 2. Just as I am giving up after another few minutes of trying, he calls me back and asks "stupid questions, but you have removed the air intake protector haven't you?" No I hadn't. Rookie mistake number one. Of course a bike wont start without any air for combustion. Open up box, pull off cover and put filter in place and sure enough, first kick it fires to life.

Also made rookie mistake number two with kick starter and now have a really skinned shin with a massive haematoma haha. Rookie mistake no 2 out of the way.

Cheers for the help on this guys. Will still drop it in with Spectrum to get a double check and service done to make sure it's all ship shape.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Cheers for the help on this guys. Will still drop it in with Spectrum to get a double check and service done to make sure it's all ship shape.

Chuffed for you that it's a goodin after all mate! Now all we need is pictures!

[Brett]

Chuffed for you that it's a goodin after all mate! Now all we need is pictures!

To follow soon!

[scott411]

Thanks for that.

So today I left work early, got home, drained the fuel, checked the plug and refilled with fresh fuel. Couldn't get it to go...every 3rd or 4th kick it would try and cough to life, but never do so. Decided to give the bloke I bought it from a ring and check if I am missing anything...he ran me through how he did it, so off I went for round 2. Just as I am giving up after another few minutes of trying, he calls me back and asks "stupid questions, but you have removed the air intake protector haven't you?" No I hadn't. Rookie mistake number one. Of course a bike wont start without any air for combustion. Open up box, pull off cover and put filter in place and sure enough, first kick it fires to life.

Also made rookie mistake number two with kick starter and now have a really skinned shin with a massive haematoma haha. Rookie mistake no 2 out of the way.

Cheers for the help on this guys. Will still drop it in with Spectrum to get a double check and service done to make sure it's all ship shape.

i was going to warn you about that, they kick back pretty hard, i have a a couple of foot peg scars from similar instances,

[BoristheBiter]

Thanks for that.

So today I left work early, got home, drained the fuel, checked the plug and refilled with fresh fuel. Couldn't get it to go...every 3rd or 4th kick it would try and cough to life, but never do so. Decided to give the bloke I bought it from a ring and check if I am missing anything...he ran me through how he did it, so off I went for round 2. Just as I am giving up after another few minutes of trying, he calls me back and asks "stupid questions, but you have removed the air intake protector haven't you?" No I hadn't. Rookie mistake number one. Of course a bike wont start without any air for combustion. Open up box, pull off cover and put filter in place and sure enough, first kick it fires to life.

Also made rookie mistake number two with kick starter and now have a really skinned shin with a massive haematoma haha. Rookie mistake no 2 out of the way.

Cheers for the help on this guys. Will still drop it in with Spectrum to get a double check and service done to make sure it's all ship shape.

that's just gold, like the time i forgot to turn the fuel on the old xr.

Welcome to the world of dirt. now the big question is where you taking it this weekend?

[thorns]

haha, glad you got it sorted and it was something simple and silly.

Gotta say I'm guilty of not removing the filter wash plug myself, got to the track about an hour away from my house, unloaded, geared up, and then realised. No ride for me that day!