problem with start up

[grovejorge]

got my motorbike running pretty damn good now, been on several long trips, have almost 200 miles on it. but the more i ride it the harder it seems to start. the engine fires up right away but as i release the clutch what used to be an easy start up now is really hard, so much that i almost come to a complete stop before the engine starts up. it was was easier previously. does anyone know what the problem is? should i be pressing the priming button before every ride? also i have a question about keeping the motor dry, how dry does the motor have to be at all times? i have siliconed the magneto cover so that part is safe, do i have to worry about the rest of the engine too?

jorge

[Nougat]

Clean the air filter. Over time, oil blowback will clog it up. Make sure the choke cover isn't falling down while you're in there.

Your plug might be fouling out, too. Have you checked it? What does it look like?

[Venice Motor Bikes]

I would also remove the plug ins from the cdi wires & solder & heat shrink them!

[stv1jzgte]

Its your sparkplug, change to 32:1 fuel mix and get a new plug.

[DonnnN]

yup.. agree with stv.. During break in you're gonna foul the plug.. Get a new plug.. My plug fouled too after break in..

[MB-Monkey]

I agree Clean the air filter get a new plug a NGK for sure then its time to tune in the carb needle. 32:1 air cooled 2 stroke oil, or 40:1 synthetic oil I like to use Amsoil Saber at 50:1 NAPPA auto parts has them or SBP if you like to order on line. During Break in you run super rich and that will foul the plug cleaning it will make a little better but a new NGK plug should be about 5 bucks. If your really looking to tinker break the carb down and clean it will carb cleaner, empty out your gas tank remove the petcock and clean the screen and tank for debris. check your motor mounts and installation hardware, check the chain stretch and the condition of your tires.

Those are the things I do after break in. The better you maintain your bike the better it will run

[grovejorge]

what about the questions about water? how wet can the engine get?

also how do i know exactly which spark plug to buy???

jgb

[grovejorge]

also does anyone sell a higher quality petcock? cant get mine to stop leaking.

j

[Xiodinc]

i took my bike into a lake, off a a ramp, got about 60 feet of air, going down a hill, splat into the water. Kept the bike by the campfire, and started up next morning.

[2door]

Originally Posted by grovejorge

what about the questions about water? how wet can the engine get?

also how do i know exactly which spark plug to buy???

jgb

The NGK number is a B6-HS. There is also a B7 & B5. Hotter and cooler plugs. The 6 seems to be the norm.
You've already taken care of the most critical area of waterproofing; the magneto cover. I'd also fill the hole where the wires exit the engine case. As for the carburetor, CDI and spark plug wire and boot, a little water won't hurt, like a fine spray from your tires but you don't want them dripping wet. Nothing electrical likes water, neither does fuel or its delivery system. Use some common sense. Many guys ride in the rain and snow with no problems but a drenched ignition system will eventually cause you problems. A dab of silicone around the spark plug connection to the CDI will help keep the moisture out.
Check Sick Bike Parts for a new petcock or your local Hardware store. The kit tank is not a 1/8" pipe thread but a machine thread that relies on a gasket to seal. I've successfully retapped the tanks with a 1/8' pipe tap and had no leaks or problems. Just keep the tap shallow if you try this.
Does that help? Hey Jorge, do they still have the Art Festival in the Grove every year?
Tom