Newbie probs starting bike

Don't assume beacuse people are riding and old Kaw that they have never heard of JunkieXL...

After you have checked few things out, if the problem still persists (I had an issue similar to this once) there is a very simple modification you can do those carbs to get a little more fuel at idle. I had a few different Kaws that were plagued with cold start problems. But you need to be sure your ignition is working correctly and the carbs are clean first. Often starting problems persist in dirty carburators (jets and pilot pasages).

Spark, fuel, air-> Ignition, Carbs, Compression


When you have it running does it stutter badly when you leave a stop sign, etc.? Or does it run like a top?

Post edited by: Tyler, at: 2007/03/28 18:41

Uncertain whether this applies to your particular bike, but believe most cold engine start-up procedures call for keeping the throttle completely closed while pushing the starter button. In other words, don't even touch the throttle during the crank up procedure.

And get the choke reduced and turned off as soon as possible so the rich fuel mixture won't drown and foul out a spark plug.

Just to follow-up with everyone, I took a vacation in Japan and upon returning I took the bike into Suter's Speed Shop (where it still is even today).

Apparently I had a host of problems, all essentially resulting from the lack of maintenance done by the prior owner(s).
* upon pulling them apart, the carbs needed to be rebuilt - in particular the float and another part (jet?) were fouled
* the cam-lifters needed to be re-shimmed. Apparently the incorrect clearance caused problems starting? (I dont fully understand this component yet)
* the old wire-caps needed replacement to increase water-resistance/proofing
* new plugs

Some other things also needed work, such as my brake fluid which turned into a gel...

Anyhow though not sure if anyone was curious, but looks like I had a lot of problems. According to Jim at Suter's, these kinds of items are definately the realm of an expert... so I'm glad for the help you all gave and glad I decided to take it in too!

Thanks all,
Dustin