OK, I'm a complete Novice but have wanted to give trials a go since the days of Kickstart. Well I'm a bit older and greyer but here we are. I've got a Sherco 290 which I understand is probably too much bike for me, but it was a good price just to get me started and 125s seem a tad harder to get hold of! She's had an engine rebuild by the previous owner and a full overhaul on suspension (including all bearings) by an experienced mechanic so floats around quite merrily.

My problem, other lack of ability to ride very well, is that I can't start the darn thing. Not sure how to set the fuel tap etc, so can someone walk me through it please? My husband keeps telling me I'm slapping the kickstart but that doesn't mean anything either!! What am I doing wrong? Hope someone can get me past this frustrating point!!

i had a 290 sherco & found carb float level critical for starting too much fuel makes it difficult to start plus the 290 requires a hefty kick to start 250 is a doddle in comparison

Cheers Digger - I'm figuring it's my weedy right leg that may be the problem then! How do you know the fuel is switched on (see told you I was a numpty novice!).

The fuel tap will have a C on 1 side in the circular part & a R on the other, R is for reserve & C for closed. Normally the tap should be so that neither is pointing to the outside of the bike when looking at it side on

There will be a black lever at the front edge of the carb for the choke, it should be pointing straight up to start from cold. Can be a pain to flick off if the carb isn't sitting on the right angle. I find my 290 is quite cold blooded & needs the choke during the day if left to cool down for any length of time during the day

Easiest suggestion for kicking the bike over is to slowly press down on the kickstart til you feel less resistance then return the lever to the top & give a good kick, you really need to win the kicking contest as it really hurts if the bike does

i would also advise againt kicking the bike over with just the power of your right leg.

i place my foot on the kickstart at TDC, and then drop my whole body weight downwards whilst kicking.

try leaning the handlebars against a wall and stand on the left foot peg.

not sure on the fuelling problem. my Gas Gas is a lovely starter. i dont even use the choke.

Don't forget to take up the slack on the mechanism before swinging or you'll end up damaging it. What you want is a smooth swing, not a jab.

Here is a good video that demonstrates proper tecnique. I am not sure about the part where he is just sitting down on the bike, but he is a bit overweight and of male gender we believe, yet it has never been proven!

If your bike kicks back at you at times, it is likely on factory ignition timing. If bars are turned incorrectly when this happens, it will drive your knee right into them causing injury I might highly recommend setting the timing back about 4-5mm on the stator plate to minimize or eliminate kickback and slow the response a bit for your riding enjoyment, as they can be a handfull!

Keep hubby handy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdM4qkAqywk

Edited June 14, 201214 yr by copemech

wow, thats exactly what i said but in a much better way.

its how i start bikes too...i might have watched that video i think.

Thanks folks - I know I'm a completely useless idiot with kickstarting (my quad has a lovely electric start!!). Really appreciate the help!!

I may have put you wrong with the fuel tap position, if the tab is towards you & you can see the C from above that is off. Normal position is straight down & reserve is towards the back