I am new to Honda and am not used to the hard starting nature of my 1996 300 4x4. My Kaw starts at the slightest touch of the starter button but the Honda requires that I hold the button for a full 4 seconds. Then I let off and wait a few seconds (I hear you should not run the starter too long) and hit the button again for a full three seconds. Usually, it does not fire, but when I let off the starter the second time, it fires up.

It must then run at idle (don't need to touch throttle) for a good 4-5 minutes before it can be ridden w/o hesitation. If I try to operate it after 2-3 minutes, I must be real careful and start slowly b/c it will lose power until fully warmed up. Once warm, it starts pretty good. Usually holding the starter for 2-3 seconds, let off and she runs.

Does all of this sound typical or do I have a problem and in need of adjustment? Other than this aspect, it idles and runs perfectly.

 

Not normal at all in my experience. Most 300s I have seen including 2 of my own in the past have started nearly instantly except in extreme cold.(below zero) In normal weather (above 32) they seem to start instantly with the touch of the starter button. Assuming everything electrical is ok judging by the fact that it runs ok otherwise. I would think it sounds like you may have a problem with the choke (enrichment) circuit of the carburetor. Make sure the cable moves freely and fully and is adjusted correctly. If it moves ok then it could be dirt in the carb which would have to be cleaned out.

Good luck!

 

Sounds like your a little lean. Try using the choke at about 1/2 choke this will let it rev higher and also richen up the jetting to startup easier when cold. I wouldn't change out the jetting because when It warms up it will run bad with the larger piolt jet. I don't have the 4x4 but my 2 wheel drive did the same thing until I started using the partial choke to help it crank up. Also, a weak battery/ old plug will make this condition worse. I would bet you need a new spark plug also.

CT250R

 

I should have added this comment regarding the above. I am not able to use the choke as it suffocates the engine. It will not start if I use the choke. In fact, when it starts, I have applied a little choke immediately, to see what happens, and it stalls the engine. Usually, if you apply the choke within the first 15-30 seconds, it will increase engine rpm but not in this case. I don't know what that means but that is what happens.

The plug in new and seems to look ok in terms of coloration.

It sounds like I have a problem but not sure how to address it.

 

x

 

EVERY honda that i have seen with a starter that is in good tune starts by just tappin the starter button. my 300 started emidiately in any condition. maybe ur running a little too rich. my friends 300 is like this and it takes a while to start sometimes like u explained and it dies with the choke in when starting.

 

You have a long list of mods there. Maybe something went wrong with one of them. Have you checked every last little thing to see if it is all working right.