Hey everyone. As much as I love my 4Runner, I picked up a Yamaha XT225 to explore some of the tighter trails on the island. Anyone else ride a dual sport, and interested in doing day trips?
I did a pretty sweet route from Skutz Falls to Shawnigan Lake yesterday. It was a mix of gravel, single track and highway.
Hey I did the same thing about 2 months ago lol. Bought a 2011 WR250R to explore and scout for hunting etc.
I’d be down for some dual sport shenanigans
Sweet! I'll PM you.
I'm a dual sport rider from California. I will be on the island In my RV , Tacoma, and bike, about 9/17, and looking for good rides. I'm competent and self sufficient, and I'd love to have a riding buddy to explore with. PM me if you'd like. I ride KTM EXC 350.
Hey guys, I ride a Klx250S and would like to explore and find new trails. Does anyone have some great spots or would like to get together and hit the trails?
Hey! I’ve been getting out almost every weekend lately, and finding lots of trails and destinations. I’m definitely down to go for a ride. I can’t do anything for the next couple of weekends, but PM me if you’d like to plan a ride!
I can go out some week day afternoons too, for shorter trips.
I picked up a 07 klx250s, completely new to 2 wheels on dirt. still in the process of getting my bike license and getting all the gear, but need to take it out in the dirt eventually.
Nice! I'm new to it this year too. Let me know if you want to get out for a ride. I take it slow and safe, and just enjoy exploring and cruising.
Looks like my luck has turned. My 09 klx250s won't start. I changed the battery, spark plug and checked the solenoid. Cranks but won't start. Do you guys recommend a good mechanic?
I’ve taken mine to Ignition, but that’s up here in Duncan.
You know how to do some troubleshooting? Check if you have spark and check if fuel is flowing? When was the carb last cleaned?
Spark is probably the more common issue If it was running recently. And with all the safety switches like the kick stand switch, clutch switch, etc. it’s common that something is cutting off the ignition power, and you might be able to track it down with a multimeter and some time.
Last time my bike wouldn’t start it was just because the blade connector on the coil had come loose! Plugged it back in and I was back in action.
Good luck!
Yes I was driving yesterday and I noticed it bogging a bit as I was heading on the highway, then 10 minutes later it died on me while going 120km/h. Pulled over to the side of the road. I went to start it and heard a different cranking sound id never heard before coming from what I now know is the starter relay/solenoid under the seat.
I just checked and I have spark. Power is going to the relay and power is going to the starter. I also jumped the solenoid and it cranks the starter. And yes fuel is flowing through the petcock. The ignition fuse is good.
Thanks for the help. Ill keep troubleshooting and see.
is it possible you picked up some bad gas? or some debris got into the fuel system?
Hmm could be possible. How can I check?
I'm going to do a compression test. I did one with my finger so i know there is compression.
I'm going to spray some starting fuel into the air intake and see if it will start.
Trying to not have to take apart the carb just yet...
Yeah, that sounds like a fuel issue to me too. a bad starter solenoid wouldn’t kill the bike once it’s already running.
Sounds like the starter also has an issue, If you have to jump the relay to make it crank. But that’s not what killed the bike on the highway.
I’d empty the tank and try some fresh gas. Make sure it’s flowing to the carb by taking the fuel hose off the carb and opening the petcock to see if fuel comes out. If the fuel is clean and it’s flowing to the carb, then the carb needs to be cleaned.
Compression is the last thing I’d worry about. It’s much more likely to be an electrical or fuel issue than a compression or internal engine failure. Rule out the easy stuff first.
Edit: testing it by spraying some fuel or starting fluid into the carb is a good test too. Good call on that. That’ll confirm it’s an issue with the petcock or dirty fuel in the tank. If you did get dirty fuel, probably good to clean the carb anyway, or run a bottle of Seafoam through it at least.
Thank you for all the help so far.
So I ran some starting fluid into the carb. It just cranks, doesn't even start for a second or two. I took off the gas tank and drained some gas. It is clear.
I'm going to take apart the carb and see.
Damn. You said you tested spark and it’s good? I wish I knew more and could give you another suggestion! Let us know what you find after cleaning the carb.
Yes I have spark.
Just took the carb apart. It's CLEAN!... I should be happy but Dam a ditty carb would've made my day. When I removed the top, it did not spring up. The diaphragm was stuck to the top. I put it back together and then took it off and it sprung up. Maybe the diaphragm was stuck?
Gonna clean it and put it all back together and see if it will start....if not do a compression test maybe I blew the cylinder. In hindsight I remember seeing the Red Temp light go on when it shutdown on me on the highway.
Side note, can you tell me how many volts your bike is showing with the key on. I'm getting 12.4-12.5v. That should be enough or do I absolutely need 12.6v
Yep, 12.4V is the normal resting voltage. Sounds good there.
Yes I have spark.
Just took the carb apart. It's CLEAN!... I should be happy but Dam a ditty carb would've made my day. When I removed the top, it did not spring up. The diaphragm was stuck to the top. I put it back together and then took it off and it sprung up. Maybe the diaphragm was stuck?
Gonna clean it and put it all back together and see if it will start....if not do a compression test maybe I blew the cylinder. In hindsight I remember seeing the Red Temp light go on when it shutdown on me on the highway.
Side note, can you tell me how many volts your bike is showing with the key on. I'm getting 12.4-12.5v. That should be enough or do I absolutely need 12.6v
Oops just sent it twice.
Update. Cleaned and put the carburetor back on the bike. Drained the fuel tank. Gas was clear and clean. Started the bike just cranks.
Ran a compression test with my finger and i feel a light amount of air/pressure. Ran a compression test with a gauge and full throttle: 0 PSI. added a bit of oil into the cylinder and ran a test: 0 PSI.
So I believe it must be internal engine failure. I have a good battery. Starter is working. Carb is clean. I have Good fuel. Air filter is clean and exhaust seems good. I have spark. All wiring is connected.
Looks like I've checked all my boxes.
Do you know of a Good trustworthy mechanic who can open my engine?
Damn. That sucks dude. Going to take it to a shop?
Yes, is ignition moto trustworthy?
I had a good experience. But I just had my valves adjusted, so a simple job. But it can also be hard to find a shop that doesn’t have a long wait right now, and they had quick service. I’d just check Google reviews and call around.
Thank you for all your help Alex. It was fun to get to know how a motorcycle works. A Good learning experience.
I'll let you know the outcome goes.