Hi, I am new on here. I just bought a 1986 LT250r and noticed it hard to kick over. It sounds like its starving for gas. Does anyone know what problems these bikes have. I am familiar with Yamaha Banshees and dont know to much about these 250's. Any general basic problems and fixes would be appreciated.

 

Is it physically hard to kick, or just hard to start? They do tend to kick a tiny bit harder than a Banshee, as you have 249cc under compression vs 175cc for the Bansh. My '85 always likes just a bit of throttle when starting. Actually, I usually give her a few sissy kicks, get it to TDC and then kick it over good with about 1/8th throttle dialed in and choke on. This usually lights the fire when the engine is cold. Once warmed up, mine starts first kick, no choke. Otherwise, they are a lot like the Banshee, only half the carbs and cylinders to monkey with.

 

It seems if I have to have my choke on and give it 5 fast short kicks and one hard one with the throttle more than halfway to get it started when cold. I think it may be the carb. Have you heard of any carb problems.

 

No, I haven't. On the other hand, the quad is 20+ years old, it could probably use a good cleaning. The other thing is that I have always had to jet for the season with mine. Check your plug, is the tip white or lighter in color? From summer to winter here in NY I have to go up one size on the pilot and about 3 or 4 on the main. Sorry, I can't give you the numbers I have been running, as I have started putting my quads up for the winter to persue other interests. All in all though, it doesn't sound like it is starting that bad from what you wrote. I bet it is just a touch lean.

 

Thanks alot for your help.