Starting Engine In Cold Temps

[Coldfinger]

I have an XR650R and have thought about a conversion kit for a few years.

One concern I have is that this machine doesn't have electric start and is tough enough to start when the temps are in the 30s so I can't imagine how hard it would be if in the teens or twenties.

For you guys that have 4 stroke big bores without e-start, what is it like getting them started when it is below freezing?

What is is like getting them started on the side of a hill or can you just get pointed downhill and bump start them?

How long can you leave it sit during the day between rest stops and still start the engine easier than if it was first thing in the morning?

Any problems of air filters getting plugged with snow or do you remove air filters if riding in the snow?

 

[J&L Snowhawk]

cold days

one thing i did on the kx 500 was install a small fuel primer so i could give it a direct shot of fuel makes starting much easier when cold cause it has plenty of fuel..

 

[more snow]

Make sure to use full synthetic motorcycle oil. Much thinnner at extreme low temps (initial start- up in the morning). Makes all the difference in the world!

 

[powdermuncher]

It sucks to kick a big single in deep snow.

Even the fuel injected 2011 yz450 was a pain and they start easy

Think of it this way -- you just picked up your bike

-- your stuck up to your nuts in snow and can't even reach the handlebar

--Now you need to try to climb on without it falling over again

--now try to kick it over again without falling over.

remember she was just laying on here side so a few kicks are in order.

The way I see it e start is a must EFI is nice and the recluse clutch is Icing on

the cake.

 

[riggsy]

Starting temps

My friends i ride with all have different types of bikes with the timbersled mountain horse set up. One friends set up is a 2009 Yamaha WR 450 - has both e-start and kick and starts well either way once the JD jetting kit was installed. He prefers to kick start it.

Annony's set up is a 2006 KTM XC-G 450 and his starts in all temps - has e -start and kick - JD jetting 1/2 kit installed

My bike is a 2006 KTM XC-G 525 and always did start well - has e-start and kick but got even better once the JD Jetting kit was installed .

Carbondaddy's set up is a 2011 Kawasaki KX 450 EFI and is kick only . He has no problem starting it.

As with any of these set ups you will eventually tip over at some point and flood the darn thing by the time you get it uprighted. Yes e- start is nice and i prefer it. My buddies who prefer the kick method have their bikes dialed in and know exactly what it takes to get them going in just a few kicks.It really isn't that bad either way.

Cold temps we have experimented with just a dribble of methyl hydrate in the tank and seems to make the difference on those days where it wants to sputter a bit. Ktm makes a carb heater if need be -( haven't needed it yet) and we all experimented with air box mods using frog skinz and open cell foam pads that you would get in a hardware store in the humidifier section.

All in all whether you shut it off and have lunch on the mountain or ride non stop with your riding buddies you can fire it back up with the touch of a button or two kicks. - its still better than being behind a desk wondering what to do in your spare time.

Get out and ride !