Need Advice - just converted to an XR
 

Just bought an XR650R - Just wondering what sought of fuel consumption I can expect. ANd are there any tips for getting the bike started.

Thanx

I measured mine as 47 mpg, (UK gallon that is)in different riding conditions it is always about the same.Karim

I usually bring the piston up to TDC, release the pressure slighlty and kick hard, no throttle.

Karim

PS the bike has an auto decompresser believe it or not! but if you kick too hard it wont work. Im still learning to use it. you need to kick gently but firmly!



------------------
karim@desertbiking.co.uk
www.desertbiking.co.uk

the phantom autodecompressor is, I gather, a design flaw rather than a good thing. I don't have an XRR, but a buddy does and I've seen him kicking and cursing for hours. Honda told him the 2000 bike only has a manual decompressor that gets stuck meaning you can't start the b#st#rd. are you sure, Karim, that your's has an auto-decompressor? its a lot of bits to put on the camshaft etc and, if so, why do they also put a lever on the bar?

as for starting ... yup, no throttle. ever. choke if its cold, but no throttle and get it off choke quickly.

The XR6 definitely has an auto-deco (Ý've seen it on the camshaft). The lever is there for comfort: The bike is actually easier to start with the lever than the auto-deco.
Safe riding!

Regarding kickstarting Honda XRs, these can be notoriously difficult to start, especially when cold. And they flood very easily, so never give any throttle when starting and go easy on the choke.

If you are still having trouble starting the bike after carefully finding top dead center, kicking hard, etc, try this drill:

1. Climb completely on top of the bike with your left foot on the left footpeg and your right on the kickstarter. This may take a bit of balance.

2. Starting kicking fast and hard like crazy. I mean really, really fast and full strokes. Don't worry at all about finding top dead center, just kick hard and fast.

3. After about 3 or 4 swift kicks your engine at some point WILL get to top dead center and WHEN it does, the engine will already have momentum and you will get a MUCH stronger stroke. The engine should then start right up.

This is the only way I can possibly start my 1992 XR250L when it is cold and my friend used this method to start his XR600.

If you flood the carburetor, use the exact same method, but hold the throttle wide open and keep it there. You should get the same results.

This drill has made all the difference in the world as previously I had to compression start my bike EVERY SINGLE morning when the bike was cold.

Good luck, let me know if this method helps out!

-Dave

Not sure how the Australian bikes come - but in the US they're nearly impossible to start hot until you re-jet them, since they come pretty plugged up from the factory. Try richening the pilot jet or richening the fuel screw. Also, I've discovered that holding the throttle wide open usually, thought not always, helps.