I just bought an 08 450 Outlaw MXR. It seems to be in really good shape. It has been sitting for about a year. After a few days of riding I have a few concerns.
-At first startup it takes a while to warmup. The choke just makes things worse. Once warmed up it idles a little to low.
-At idle the motor seems to be pretty noisy, but Ive heard they are, is that true?
-When riding every now and then it will smoke for a minute or two and then just as quickly go away. I did see just a tiny amount of oil in the bottom of the airbox but cleaned it and nothing since so I dont think oil is pushing up into it. Oil level is near the top of the view window. Could it just be to high?
-Adjusting the valves? How often? How do you know it needs it??
-Adjusting/cleaning the carb because its been sitting. Any sugestions??

Thanks for any help.

 

I's say tackle the carb and adjust the valves(.005 intake and exhaust) along with an oil and filter change if you haven't already done so.Might solve the minor problems.We ran the oil level slightly below the top of the sight glass at the notch in the glass(warm level). You should be able to see a small indention at the bottom and top of the sight glass.This is the cold and warm level. Recommended oil change and valve clearance is 15 hours each as this is a race machine! There are several oil drains and a screen filter along with two oil filters. I highly recommend a manual on this machine!! This pdf on a 2009 450/500 model that's free should come in handy until you get a hard cover one if you wish. And yes they are noisy,especially at an idle. PartShark.com - Motorcycle Parts, ATV Parts, UTV Parts, PWC Parts, Powersports Apparel, Motorcycle Accessories for OEM and Aftermarket.

 

Thanks bud. On the question of the KTM motor being noisy is that true? I tend to worry a lot when I hear noises. My guess is it just needs the valves adjusted and I wont see the random puffs of smoke and the noise will soften a little.

This is my first "race" bike. Ive rode Z400s, Banshees, 700 Raptors, Honda 400rs, and crap load of big bikes to include my beast Renegade but Im in awe of the handling on this thing. It soak up jumps like no other Ive rode. Its crazy no matter how I land, front first, rear first, one tire etc., that it just takes it and never gets shaky. This bike is making my 44yr old butt look like I know what Im doing!! LOL!!

 

If you think KTM is noisy,then you should hear an old Husaberg dirt bike clatter or even an old Cannondale atv. These engines are lightened,every ounce of weight they can shave off has been done to just get the most hp gains out of these engines which just makes you hear a lot of their mechanical noises.Most of these type machines are around 12.5:1 compression ratio. You have to keep on top of maintenance on these machines,regular maintenance intervals come quick and one of the reasons some people complain about the Outlaw when problems happen if they don't keep them up.That's why I stress a manual or buy a Scrambler 500 P.S. And yes they scared the devil out of this old man the first time I rode one. I got smart real quick and let the young guys ride em....

 

LOL, I actually really like Scramblers. Maybe that would have been a better route for me. lol Never know, I might get bored with the Outlaw and do some trading again!!

 

I havent had a chance to work any on the bike but I have put about 30 minutes ride time on it. It still smokes just every once in a while. I noticed today that there was a couple of drops of oil leaking from one of the header collectors. Is there any chance that valve out of adjustment can cause that??? Im just hoping there is because I dont want it to be what Im sure it is!! LOL!! What compression should I check for? I will change plug, adjust valves this weekend. thanks

 

Could be a valve guide seal leak or wear on the rings causing the oily smoke. Just down load the 2009 Outlaw 525/450 pdf service manual link I gave you(as it's basically the same as your model) and will show you all the maintenance,compression minimum,filters,etc along with trouble shooting. PartShark.com - Motorcycle Parts, ATV Parts, UTV Parts, PWC Parts, Powersports Apparel, Motorcycle Accessories for OEM and Aftermarket.

 

Ok, bike is smoking pretty good now. Havent really rode it much, maybe 5 miles of ride time since I bought it. Funny it didnt smoke when I test drove it. hmmmm

Well I am trying to adjust the valves by using the tips in this video Is the cam profile much different that I cant use this method on my polaris KTM motor? My valves are tight. No matter how I turn my motor over I can never get the .005 feeler gauge in. Is it common for one to get tighter??? Ive never heard of that. Could them being too tight cause oil to get burned and make my bike smoke?? Thanks for any help

 

Problem is that this guy in the video missed the most important step!!! Towards the front of the engine is an allen screw with a thick washer. This is the crank shaft lock screw.Pull the spark plug,pull the flywheel cover,remove the screw and washer(don't lose the washer!) Helps if you have someone turn the flywheel SLOWLY while you shine a flashlight into the hole you removed the screw from. When it comes to TDC you will see a small partly drilled hole in the crank shaft. STOP,hold the flywheel in place and insert the screw back in MINUS the big washer. This allow the tapered end of the screw to go further and lock the crank at TDC! Then you can adjust the intake and exhaust valves with no problems. When adjusted, remove the crank locking screw and REPLACE the thick washer on it and reinstall the screw.This may or may not be the problem you're having. Items #19 and 20 on the parts break down. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

In the video he mentions it and says its not needed the way he does it. I thought I would ask first because I want it right.

So when I see the partially drilled hole I lock it in place and then adjust both intake and exhaust? Then done right?

Compression is good on the motor. I think Im looking at worn valve guides. Does it hurt the motor to be burning oil like that? I have some good rides coming up and dont want to tear into it yet.

I know, I ask a lot of questions. lol Thanks