Have a 1987 250 fourtrax elec. start--when it is cold or after it has set for a few days I have to pull the plug and give it a shot of gsa to get it started.
The choke has no affect for starting when it is cold when warmed up and I choke it it will run very rough showing the choke seems to be working.
thanks len

 

Does your carb have a primer button?? My Forman has a black spring loaded primer button. When it's cold outside and the bike doesn't start on the first flick I give the button 2-3 pumps and she starts right up.

I also use some carb cleaner in the gas twice a year to help prevent clogging of the carb over time. My freind has an older 300 that wasn't running well and we put some in and after about an hours run the bike ran very smooth, and continues to do so now.

 

get some starting fluid from the local parts store.

 

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Len,
I've got a 250ex that has been hard to start since new. Even in warm weather. I bumped the pilot jet up 1 size. Full choke, pump throttle 3 times, move the choke down 1/4 in or so, and hit the starter. It fires up like this every time. I have to keep my thumb on the throttle for a little bit to keep it from stalling. I'm not sure the pilot jet was necessary. I finally just figured out what it took to start it. From what I have heard though, bumping the pilot does help with cold starting.

Was it cold there this morning. -2 here


Good luck
Brian

 

I was told that all Hondas have low valve clearance and that is why they are hard to start when they are cold but fire right up when they have run for a while. My 250ex started hard and so does my 400ex and I was told this valve clearance story. I bumped up my pilot from a 38 to a 40 I think it helped a little but it definitely isn't night and day.

 

Have one of your friends with a yamaha pull it. aaaaah just kidding

 

That seems to be a common problem on all of my Honda's and my friends Honda's. Try going up on the pilot until you go to far then back it down a little. That has always done it for us.

 

keep it warm my carb froze up but i sprayed carb cleaner and strating fluid and it started first kick no choke