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Old June 13th, 2020, 07:07 AM   #1
arthury
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Hello from Seattle

Hi Folks,

I'm new to motorcycles and just bought a 2008 Ninja EX250J with 8K miles on it. I have been working on cars for years but this is my first bike and I intend to open it up and clean it and do maintenance (and repairs if needed).

Previous owner has not driven it much due to work schedule, so the bike has a hard start when engine is cold. Looks like it needs fuel to enter the bowl based on what I have read so far in this forum.


Will need your advice and help once I get started.

Thanks!
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Old June 13th, 2020, 07:25 AM   #2
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Old June 13th, 2020, 07:33 AM   #3
arthury
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Thanks!

I went to the official Kawasaki website and they are out of stock for Service Manual.

What do you recommend for the best service manual?
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Old June 13th, 2020, 02:43 PM   #4
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Old June 14th, 2020, 06:33 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arthury View Post
Previous owner has not driven it much due to work schedule, so the bike has a hard start when engine is cold. Looks like it needs fuel to enter the bowl based on what I have read so far in this forum.
It sounds like you may have multiple issues.

1. if not getting fuel in float-bowls, petcock may be issue. There's tiny filter inside fuel-line between tank and carbs. If it's inserted backwards, it can crumple up and restrict flow. Also measure vacuum going to petcock, might not be getting enough to open. Or petcock's diaphragm may be leaking, and not opening. A lot of people spend A LOT of time working on carbs when petcock is issue. So measure actual flow-rate out of petcock to pinpoint this issue. How much petrol do you collect in 30-seconds from petcock?

2. sticky float valves can also give you low flow. If bike's been sitting a while, drying petrol can actually glue the valves to their seats. But this is a binary issue, yes/no, bike will not start at all if float-valves are stuck. No way to diagnose this without disassembly. Although you can do quick test by draining each bowl into measuring cup and seeing what volume you get per side if it matches what should be in there.

Quick search for "clean carbs ducatiman" will give you some threads for others with similar problems.
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Old June 14th, 2020, 06:52 PM   #6
arthury
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DannoXYZ View Post
It sounds like you may have multiple issues.

1. if not getting fuel in float-bowls, petcock may be issue. There's tiny filter inside fuel-line between tank and carbs. If it's inserted backwards, it can crumple up and restrict flow. Also measure vacuum going to petcock, might not be getting enough to open. Or petcock's diaphragm may be leaking, and not opening. A lot of people spend A LOT of time working on carbs when petcock is issue. So measure actual flow-rate out of petcock to pinpoint this issue. How much petrol do you collect in 30-seconds from petcock?

2. sticky float valves can also give you low flow. If bike's been sitting a while, drying petrol can actually glue the valves to their seats. But this is a binary issue, yes/no, bike will not start at all if float-valves are stuck. No way to diagnose this without disassembly. Although you can do quick test by draining each bowl into measuring cup and seeing what volume you get per side if it matches what should be in there.

Quick search for "clean carbs ducatiman" will give you some threads for others with similar problems.
Thanks for the detailed diagnostic paths laid out for me.
I will look into these and report back when I find something.

Appreciate this help a million!
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Old June 16th, 2020, 05:39 AM   #7
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Old June 16th, 2020, 06:07 AM   #8
arthury
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I've started it once everyday and let it idle for 2-3 mins and rev it a little gradually after it warmed up.
The startup problem seems to have disappeared.

I have received the paperwork history for the bike and looks like I have to do some proper maintenance. The following have not been done since 2014 (4K miles ago):
- Coolant and brake flush
- carb cleaning

Valve adjustments have never been done before or not recorded for 8K miles.
Brake pads and pressure plates have not been inspected.

Battery was replaced once in 2014. So, I need to take out the battery to inspect the voltage and charge if necessary.
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Old June 16th, 2020, 09:14 AM   #9
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Old August 2nd, 2020, 07:52 AM   #10
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Old August 2nd, 2020, 12:18 PM   #11
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Old August 2nd, 2020, 02:28 PM   #12
arthury
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Thanks, for all the warm messages.
I have since replaced all the fluids and replaced the front brake hose with a Galfer stainless one. All is good with little Ninja.
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Old August 2nd, 2020, 02:29 PM   #13
arthury
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Hi from the east side neighbor!
Hi, I’m actually in Sammamish... ha ha
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Old August 5th, 2020, 08:37 PM   #14
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Welcome, what a coincidence when first got my 08 black 250 it also had 8k miles.
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Old August 5th, 2020, 08:56 PM   #15
arthury
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Quote:
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Welcome, what a coincidence when first got my 08 black 250 it also had 8k miles.
Indeed, what a coincidence!
And, looks like you are also a CBR owner.
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Old November 11th, 2020, 03:57 PM   #16
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Old November 12th, 2020, 04:04 PM   #17
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