I think I've posted about this before (sorry) but I've tried everything suggested and I'm still having problems - just wondered if anyone has any more advice they can offer!

It's an '03 250 and takes 10-20 good solid kicks from cold before it'll start. When it finally fires up, it runs very rough and spluttery for a few seconds (as though it's flooded) but clears quickly and from then on runs perfectly all day long. Once warm, it starts first kick every time.

I've checked the spark (fine) and disassembled and cleaned the carb several times (including checking and resetting the float height). I follow the recommended starting procedure of putting it in gear and rocking backwards and forwards a few times then leaning it over to the left and right before kicking but this makes no difference. I've removed and cleaned the front and mid pipes and repacked the silencer.

All other suggestions gratefully received!

Havnt seen any replies to your previous post but if it runs/starts ok when warm, the obvious thing to check first is the choke.Have you had the carb off and given it a good clean?,compressed air is the best option,blast away any blockages.In the float bowl,i think there is an o`ring at the bottom of the choke body.Check this. You could try richning the mixture to see if it helps starting.

Steve

Edited April 2, 200620 yr by gasgasssser

not sure if this is relevent, but... my beta 03 was very hard to start when cold and it was to with how it was transported. If it was on the bike rack it started fine but if it was trailered the bugger wouldnt start due to it being flooded even though the petrol was turned off. So now I let in run on tickover with the petrol off for about 2 mins to nearly empty the float bowl and now i have no probs at all, except i still cant ride the thing

I always switch the petrol off and leave running until it near enough stops. This way the bike cant be flooded. If it does this again take the spark plug out and leave for a bit so petrol can evaporate.

Also if you havent done the carb mod then lean to the left and let a little petrol run out just so you dont flood your engine.

As for the spluttering when you ride off, my bike used to do that but i mixed the petrol weaker and it is fine now.

Hope this helps

Chris

FWIW, I disassembled the carb again, paying particular attention to the choke assembly. Cutting a short story even shorter I discovered that the choke plunger was stuck which meant the choke wasn't engaging properly. A quick clean and the bike fired up first kick. Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions.