anyone else having probs getting this thing lit when its cold out? (under 50degrees) it always starts but seems tough- didnt know if its just that it takes a 400 more time--i had a 600cc dirt bike that was a bear too-always figured it was cause the size

 

I have owned a XR500 and a XR600R once, it was no fun either. here is the way I started mine on the first kick every time. 1.kick engine threw a few times with full choke and the Decomp enguaged to prime the cylinder. 2.relece the Decomp and spin engine to TDC (top dead center) this is just after the compresson stroke, about 1/4 way down on the kick starter also works. 3. kick as hand as you can, works every time for me. Since your carb has a Acc pump try gunin the gas a few times before you start it, that will also help.
Joe

 

Yea,..It can be a little tempermental.Did you notice that it will stall, When and only after you walk away from it.

I just turned the idle skrew up about 3/4 of a turn.Located under the carb, Connected by a J shape hose to a mount.Don't burn your fingers!

 

I posted this tip last winter too:

Before you even touch the starter button, give the throttle 4 or 5 pumps. Just like you would an old chevy.

 

Quoting from the June 1999 4-WHEEL ATV ACTION magazine: "Bud Fischer Cycle's Bud Fischer says that "the biggest thing is to go one step up on the pilot jet on a stock EX[400]. It's a bit lean off the bottom, and it helps low-end power AND STARTING." You're welcome :~)

 

I've noticed that also. On both the 400 and 300EX, it helps a lot to pump the throttle a few times before starting, with the choke on full blast, of course. Priches, what kind of oil do you have in it, that makes a big difference also. Make sure you're running a lighter viscosity oil in winter (like 10w40) and a higher in summer (20w50). This is what I run, but this only applies to people that live where it gets cold in the winter time!

 

i think mindcrime is on the right track it seemed lean to me as well--seems like its starvin on cold start--thanks for the tip dude.
Thanks
Paul

P,S. use the right oil--comeon what am i 15--LOL

 

wow, none of you gave me a bad time about the kickstart on a electric start quad.. man i have been on bikes way to long Yeah go a step up on the pilot. it well help with idle in cold weather too. For me, Rubicon!

 

Hey JRM, the reason we didn't give you a hard time was because you STATED that you were on a XR. Had you said this about the EX you would have received 40 lashes!!! On a side note, I rode a friends 1990 XR600R last week. It was a total blast after the 5 minute workout starting the BEAST.

 

Yeah they are a fun bike, until it throws you 10 feet in the air when it Kickbacks when starting it.. Every honda i have owned was a little lean at idle.. but that helps when rideing at 8,000 ft at 90 degrees