Hey guys, I need some help. This time last year I inherited a '86 TRX250r when my dad died. Before I went and picked it up from NV, my stepbrother said he had it started and it was running well. Then I brought it to my place in Utah, and it wouldn't get a spark. One year later I'm in the same position. It just wont get a spark.

When I first brought it over and tried to start it and it wouldn't, I noticed that the ignition coil had a gash in the cable and the wires were exposed. So obviously I assumed that was the problem. So I ordered a new one, and installed it just as the instructions said. But the problem persisted.

I'm kinda wondering if it is the problem though just after looking at it again months later. I think I installed the new coil properly. But then I look at where the ignition coil cable connects to the spark plug cap. There's just like the pin in the cap that pokes into the wires in the cable. It just looks really iffy. Is there anyway that could be the problem?

I don't have any knowledge in the ignition/electrical systems, but I've given everything a good look-over, but I can't see anything. But again I don't really know much.

I would take it to a knowledgeable shop and see if they could find/fix the problem, but I'm dead broke and don't have any spare money to do so. So I need to try to find/fix the problem myself.

I've been told that the CDI may be the problem, so I'm going to try to get a multimeter and test it, but I really hope that's not the problem because it looks like they aren't very cheap. But at the same time I just want to find the problem.

I'd really like to fix it and sell it so I can purchase a bike since I'm much more of a 2-wheeled person. But right now I'm just at a dead end. I don't know what to do or what to look for. I have it up for sell right now for a really low price. $500 less than any other 250R in my area, but still not interest in it at all. I assume that's partially because of the fact that it's not working right now.

So can you guys give me any ideas as to what the problem may be and what I could do to find it?

Also, if I do need to buy a part or two, can you guys recommend a good place to buy from?

Any comments and help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Coby

Here's a photo of it just for the sake pf posting a picture.

 

Can,t help but I would of thought if you put it up for sale it would be gone quick, there is a real fan following cult for those ATVs and that one looks to be in nice shape.

If it is the CDI you may fine one on ebay,they made many CR250 motocross bikes over the years than the 250Rs. It would improve your search results.

If no one can help on this site try a Motocross forum that motor is the same found a CR250 motorcycle like I mentioned. Here is a good 2 stroke forum. http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Good luck.

 

I know this sounds pretty low tech. but try tapping ( pretty good smacks ) with a screwdriver handle or equilivent to the cdi and see if you get spark. I have done that many times after a bike has sat up and it had gotten it's spark back. I have a 350x that I still do that to about once a month or so cause new ones are pretty expensive.

 

Alright I'll try that. Just tap it and then kick it and see?

I really can't believe how nobody has any interest in it at all. I have it up for $1200 and not a single call or email.

 

Yep tap it full choke NO throttle and kick it. Maybe a couple slow kicks to get a lil fuel in the cylinder. 250r's are real easy to flood so remember no throttle.

 

I just really don't even know what to say right now. When you recommended I try this, I didn't really think much of it at all because it just sounded too simple.

But just now I went and did this, tapped it a few times. Hopped on and gave it a kick. Bang, first kick, started right up. My jaw dropped.

I cannot thank you enough for that. I really cant.

Now I just need to remember how to get it to idle properly. After I stop giving it some throttle it will slowly die.

Can someone refresh my mind on how to do that?

Thanks,
Coby

 

You're welcome. As far as idle if it's like my atc250r on the left of the carb. there is like a plunger that you pull up to choke it. Well if you turn that **** that's the idle set. Turn it counterclockwise will raise the idle. If it dosen't make any difference than it is gummed up in the carb. or you have a cracked reed ( that's what was wrong with mine I found out after I cleaned the carb. a dozen times it seemed ). Some people set them to where they won't idle cause a constant steady rpm can result in a hotspot in the cylinder and seize it.

 

Awesome, thanks. It's idling now.

I have a question though. It's making kind of a cranking noise and am wondering if that's normal? If not, any idea what it is?

Here's a video:

1986 Honda TRX250r Startup. on Vimeo

 

All 250r's that I've ever heard rattle to a degree. Some louder than others, that one sounds kind of loud to me but that's just an opinion. What are you mixing the fuel at.

 

Yeah, the video makes it sound louder than it actually is it seems.

And I haven't put any new gas in it yet, so that's old gas and I don't know what it was mixed at.