Hard to start '97 xr400

[mikehh]

I just bought a 1997 xr400. A buddy of mine can start it cold in about 6-8 kicks but I can't start it at all.

I've tried increasing the idle, priming it by holding down the decomp. lever an kicking it over 5 times, then finding top dead centre by feathering the kick lever until it encounters resistance, slowing going through this resistance, then bringing it back to the top and giving it a good kick...

This is really starting to piss me off.

Any tips?

Thanks:mad3:

 

[old trials guy]

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This may sound simple but I have lots of Honda 4T experience:

Cold or hot DO NOT TURN THE THROTTLE while kick starting!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even atiny bit ofthrottle while starting leans out the mixture and it won't go. If you can't resist twisting even an little bit hold on to the middle of the handlebar and don't touch the throttle.

Cold Start:

Full choke, NO THROTTLE and kick from the very top so the decompressor works properly. If you do not kick from the full up position you likely will bypass the decompressor making it harder to start. And don't be a wimp, you need to give it a good full kick to make sure it spins the crank as much as possible.

Hot Start:

Same as above with no choke.

If it backfires while trying to start or backfire stalls it fills the air box with CO and you need to purge that out. Hold the throttle wide open and kick it quickly five or six times to get fresh air in the cylinder. Then back to kicking with no throttle.

I trained myself to actually try to turn the throttle OFF while starting to insure I didn't inadvertantly open the throttle. Many two stroke riders can't resist giving her gas while kicking.

otg

 

[mikehh]

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Thanks OTG,

I definitely don't give it any throttle while starting.

I have to admit I'm a bit leary about kicking too hard because the day I got the bike I kicked and broke the kickstart spindle. I know that I'm giving it good kicks though and I'm using motocross boots with solid soles.

It runs and starts great when warm so I don't think it's a fuel or spark problem.

Maybe valves?

 

[old trials guy]

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I would start with the basics, put in a fresh spark plug and make sure it is gapped correctly. If it starts okay hot I wouldn't think valves. Make sure the choke circuit in the carb isn't blocked and the choke is fully actuating. I usually try and start them when cold from on the side stand. I balance on the LH peg and transfer all my weight to the kickstarter when starting so I get maximum force. If that is difficult try standing on a bike stand or curb or something with the left foot so you can get a good jump on the lever.

And really, trymy idea of removing your hand from the throttle while cold starting. I have seen many new Honda owners who think they are not twisting the throttle do so while kicking, seems like it is just hardwired in most folks. I know I sound repetitive but I sold Hondas for 15 years and trained 100's of folks on how to start them. Most had no starting problems once they got used to the drill.

Good luck and I am sure you will figure out a technique. The Honda 400's are great bikes, it's just too bad they never came with a happy button.

otg

 

[mikehh]

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Damn OTG! I kept my right hand on the riser-bar so I couldn't accidently give it gas each time AND rocked it back and forth in 3rd. to prime it a bit and it fired-up in no time!!

Thanks for the help, now it's time to ride!:hb:



M.

 

[old trials guy]

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Also keep in mind what to do if it kicks back or backfires. That's when you have to hold the gas full open and kick it over several times to clear out the airbox and cylinder of burnt mixture.

Glad it worked.....enjoy your ride:tup:



otg