Hard to start sometimes?

SwagenGTI · May 7th, 2013, 08:20 PM

Hey everyone, so my 09 250 has 17xxx miles. For the most part (even cold, after a few days of not riding) it starts right up. Usually have to turn the choke up all the way just for a few seconds and it will jump right up to 3k and I turn it down.

Anyways, every once in a while (such as tonight) even if its fairly warm outside, bike has been sitting for a few hours, I would turn the choke up to where I need it and it takes a while for it to start. Its never not started :/ but every once in a while it just takes a few tries. Is this normal? Should I check anything?

Plugs, oil, air filter, all have less than 200 miles or so on them. It's time for a valve adjustment but everything else seems fine.

inkyben · May 7th, 2013, 08:26 PM

Adjust them valves

Will it start if you crank the motor and give it a little gas?

choneofakind · May 7th, 2013, 08:27 PM

Couple things:

1- Valve adjustments make starting a lot easier.

2 - warm evenings create that awkward temp where you don't really need the choke, but a little choke is still helpful. My guess is that you're giving it more choke than it needs. Engines like to start as they cross the threshold of lean and too rich. They don't like being over choked and expected to start. Try two things 1) less choke, or 2) hit the starter and start adding choke until it starts. When it starts, stop adding choke, and it will idle nicely there.

SwagenGTI · May 7th, 2013, 08:38 PM

Havent really had to try often enough to have to try giving it some gas while starting.

I always try to start at half choke (usually only once) then if it doesnt fire up, I just move it to full and it works fine after that; when I have half choke, I can see the needle trying to get up to 1000 but it just cant.

Then again, I think my choke cable needs to be adjusted. When I lubed it a month ago, I couldnt figure out how to adjust it; I am assuming it is on the motor end. Does it require removal of the gas tank to get to it? Anyways, my choke is barely engaged when the toggle is half way; once I start riding and I slowly relieve the choke once I get to the middle, I pretty much just close it completely. Perhaps, when my switch is at "max" choke, I am actually only at about half way?

I definitely need to get on the adjustment. I wish it would rain for like, a week straight so I could get it done.

May 7th, 2013, 08:20 PM	#1
SwagenGTI ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: Missouri Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123	Hard to start sometimes? Hey everyone, so my 09 250 has 17xxx miles. For the most part (even cold, after a few days of not riding) it starts right up. Usually have to turn the choke up all the way just for a few seconds and it will jump right up to 3k and I turn it down. Anyways, every once in a while (such as tonight) even if its fairly warm outside, bike has been sitting for a few hours, I would turn the choke up to where I need it and it takes a while for it to start. Its never not started :/ but every once in a while it just takes a few tries. Is this normal? Should I check anything? Plugs, oil, air filter, all have less than 200 miles or so on them. It's time for a valve adjustment but everything else seems fine.

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May 7th, 2013, 08:26 PM	#2
inkyben ninjette.org member Name: Ben Location: st.pete florida Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250, 2008 zx10, 2003 r6, 2008 187cc drag bike. Posts: 26 Blog Entries: 2	Adjust them valves Will it start if you crank the motor and give it a little gas?

May 7th, 2013, 08:27 PM	#3
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Couple things: 1- Valve adjustments make starting a lot easier. 2 - warm evenings create that awkward temp where you don't really need the choke, but a little choke is still helpful. My guess is that you're giving it more choke than it needs. Engines like to start as they cross the threshold of lean and too rich. They don't like being over choked and expected to start. Try two things 1) less choke, or 2) hit the starter and start adding choke until it starts. When it starts, stop adding choke, and it will idle nicely there.

May 7th, 2013, 08:38 PM	#4
SwagenGTI ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: Missouri Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123	Havent really had to try often enough to have to try giving it some gas while starting. I always try to start at half choke (usually only once) then if it doesnt fire up, I just move it to full and it works fine after that; when I have half choke, I can see the needle trying to get up to 1000 but it just cant. Then again, I think my choke cable needs to be adjusted. When I lubed it a month ago, I couldnt figure out how to adjust it; I am assuming it is on the motor end. Does it require removal of the gas tank to get to it? Anyways, my choke is barely engaged when the toggle is half way; once I start riding and I slowly relieve the choke once I get to the middle, I pretty much just close it completely. Perhaps, when my switch is at "max" choke, I am actually only at about half way? I definitely need to get on the adjustment. I wish it would rain for like, a week straight so I could get it done.