Takes tuning and the right steps. Part of the ease is the HotCams Stage 1 camshaft that eliminates the factory auto-decompressor. I start with the ignition off and a few kicks through with the compression release pulled on. Then I find TDC on the compression stroke and take the piston just past TDC before switching on the ignition. Kicking through firmly is without any kickback, and the engine starts. I do use the choke as necessary, depending on ambient temperature. I'll do a video on the steps, common for older carbureted thumpers dating back to my '69 BSA 441 Victor Special. I do use the auto-decompressor on the '84 XR350R with its stock camshaft. Will likely keep the auto-decompressor on my '84 XR500R scheduled for a teardown at the channel in late fall.
Thanks...The right tuning helps: jetting, idle mixture, correct float setting, experimenting with the best choke use and settings. Not flooding the engine with too many priming kick-throughs (compression release pulled in) helps. For my engine, two priming kicks with the choke on is plenty for a cold engine. Using the manual compression release to get the piston just past TDC of the compression stroke before kick-starting helps. Eliminating auto-decompression (installed a HotCams Stage 1 camshaft without the auto-decompressor mechanism) works well for my XR650R. Interestingly, my other XR auto-decompressor engines work well. In my case, the XR650R's auto-decompressor was finnicky when I bought the bike. That encouraged me to install the HotCams camshaft and use the manual compression release. Is a quirky auto-decompressor common for the XR650R? Any comments from other XR650R owners who still have the auto-decompressor?
I also had the stage one hot cam installed with the 280 kit. Even before that, I figured out this particular bike does not want any throttle hot or cold. I have the drill down now, but it can still be finicky . I've found that turning off the gas when I come to a stop makes it a lot easier to start. If I dump it, it's about a ten minute wait to let it sit before it will start again. I bought a 2022 GPXMOTO fse 250e because it's similar to the xr but with improvements like electric start and great suspension. It's a pain to get started . It fires right up, but I have to let it idle for about 10 minutes or any throttle, and it falls flat on its face. Has a Chinese nibbe brand carb. My local guy here didn't even want anyone to see it in his shop because it's Chinese. Finally got a mechanic at the Honda dealer to help me out, and he has it dialed in pretty good .
I'm following the Chinese motorcycles. The Kove 450 has made points with many reviewers. The designer is earnest about building a Dakar-winning, premium motorcycle. I would remind enthusiasts and consumers that the Japanese motorcycles were stigmatized in the sixties and early seventies. Many of those same bikes are prized collectibles today. Japanese manufacturers have a leading role in the global motorcycle world. We'll see how Chinese bikes evolve. Please let us know your experiences with the GPXMOTO.
You made that look so easy
Takes tuning and the right steps. Part of the ease is the HotCams Stage 1 camshaft that eliminates the factory auto-decompressor. I start with the ignition off and a few kicks through with the compression release pulled on. Then I find TDC on the compression stroke and take the piston just past TDC before switching on the ignition. Kicking through firmly is without any kickback, and the engine starts. I do use the choke as necessary, depending on ambient temperature. I'll do a video on the steps, common for older carbureted thumpers dating back to my '69 BSA 441 Victor Special. I do use the auto-decompressor on the '84 XR350R with its stock camshaft. Will likely keep the auto-decompressor on my '84 XR500R scheduled for a teardown at the channel in late fall.
Wery good!
Thanks!
Sweet ! My XR 280 doesn't start that easily 😅
Thanks...The right tuning helps: jetting, idle mixture, correct float setting, experimenting with the best choke use and settings. Not flooding the engine with too many priming kick-throughs (compression release pulled in) helps. For my engine, two priming kicks with the choke on is plenty for a cold engine. Using the manual compression release to get the piston just past TDC of the compression stroke before kick-starting helps. Eliminating auto-decompression (installed a HotCams Stage 1 camshaft without the auto-decompressor mechanism) works well for my XR650R. Interestingly, my other XR auto-decompressor engines work well. In my case, the XR650R's auto-decompressor was finnicky when I bought the bike. That encouraged me to install the HotCams camshaft and use the manual compression release. Is a quirky auto-decompressor common for the XR650R? Any comments from other XR650R owners who still have the auto-decompressor?
I also had the stage one hot cam installed with the 280 kit. Even before that, I figured out this particular bike does not want any throttle hot or cold.
I have the drill down now, but it can still be finicky . I've found that turning off the gas when I come to a stop makes it a lot easier to start. If I dump it, it's about a ten minute wait to let it sit before it will start again.
I bought a 2022 GPXMOTO fse 250e because it's similar to the xr but with improvements like electric start and great suspension. It's a pain to get started . It fires right up, but I have to let it idle for about 10 minutes or any throttle, and it falls flat on its face.
Has a Chinese nibbe brand carb. My local guy here didn't even want anyone to see it in his shop because it's Chinese. Finally got a mechanic at the Honda dealer to help me out, and he has it dialed in pretty good .
I'm following the Chinese motorcycles. The Kove 450 has made points with many reviewers. The designer is earnest about building a Dakar-winning, premium motorcycle. I would remind enthusiasts and consumers that the Japanese motorcycles were stigmatized in the sixties and early seventies. Many of those same bikes are prized collectibles today. Japanese manufacturers have a leading role in the global motorcycle world. We'll see how Chinese bikes evolve. Please let us know your experiences with the GPXMOTO.
Now if only they offered that gas tank in black.
Red works for most Honda riders...Understand your point. Happy New Year!