My bike was running fine for months and then all of a sudden it was sputtering as though I was out of gas. I stopped, checked the gas and it was 3/4's. Tried starting it and it wouldn't start without the choke. Then it wouldn't idle without the choke when started. If I leave it alone for 5-10 minutes it is fine for about 2-3 minutes of riding and the problem is there again. Anyone have this kind of experience with their Honda or other ATV?

 

My step dad had a similar problem and it ended up being his jet's needed to be cleaned.

 

Thanks, will look into it this weekend.

 

Yes, one of the ATV's we used to have had that problem ALL the time. We thought it wasn't getting gas for some reason - sounds exactly like you're describing. We called a motorcycle mechanic at the place we bought the quad at and he told us to clean the air filter. That's exactly what the problem turned out to be . . .the air filter . . . that particular quad was extremely sensitive to a dirty filter and as long as we cleaned it after like every two rides, it was fine. I haven't had that kind of trouble with our EX250's though, but ever since the other quad, we make sure we keep our filters clean.

 

somehow gas isnt getting to it, if you say its 3/4 full.

 

Figured it out. I cleaned the air filter and didn't oil the air filter after cleaning it. The carb is set for a bit of strain in getting air through the oiled air filter. So I was basically running lean, especially when riding and getting more air flow.

 

Didn't oil the air filter? Hope you were riding in snow, and there was no dust! Out here in the desert, I hardly get one days riding in, before I have to clean filters. I have 3 for each bike: one on the machine, one in the wash, and one clean and oiled and ready to go. Hope you engine is OK.

 

Yeah engine is OK. But I learned a valuable lesson. Thanks for bringing up the idea to bring a clean and oiled for longer riding sessions that extend over 2 or more days.

 

Can you give me some info on your 450r and 450ex. What are the good, bad and ugly of each? And why do you prefer the 450r over the 450ex?

 

I think you mean 450R and 400EX????

The EX has a low tech engine. Dead solid reliable, but underpowered by todays standards. Good suspension and handling. Great trail bike.

The R has a high tech rever for an engine. Great suspension and great handling. Geared tall, so I would pick it for more open country.