Topic: XR600R Thumper Starting Concerns???

[LoopsAndLogic]

Everybody knows that the big XR600 thumpers are notorious for there starting troubles.

This is my first thumper, so please bare with me

Could someone explain the starting procedure for starters???

Second, I've found a method of starting her, (her name is Louis), that I need to run by someone with experience.

What I do is, prime the engine with the decomp in by kicking 3-4 times through. Move the piston to TDC on the exhaust stroke, and with the decomp still in, I proceed to kick her over and at the same time, I release the decomp at the precise moment just before the piston reaches TDC on the firing stroke.

Sometimes I miss and pretty much, most the time I don't.

Is this bad for the engine or upper engine components???

Any help is most appreciated as ADVRider.com is not very clear with there answers.

LL

[gerhed]

Had an 83 XL600R (same motor, I think) that would always start 1st kick when cold.
It had two decomp controls.
Never used the handlebar mounted one.
first 4 or 5 kicks to prime it.
The kick start automatically decompressed
when you moved the kick lever around until you heard a "click".
At that point, You gave it all you had--bingo!
However, starting the hot motor was another story.

[Flood]

Everybody knows that the big XR600 thumpers are notorious for there starting troubles.

This is my first thumper, so please bare with me

Could someone explain the starting procedure for starters???

Second, I've found a method of starting her, (her name is Louis), that I need to run by someone with experience.

What I do is, prime the engine with the decomp in by kicking 3-4 times through. Move the piston to TDC on the exhaust stroke, and with the decomp still in, I proceed to kick her over and at the same time, I release the decomp at the precise moment just before the piston reaches TDC on the firing stroke.

Sometimes I miss and pretty much, most the time I don't.

Is this bad for the engine or upper engine components???

Any help is most appreciated as ADVRider.com is not very clear with there answers.

LL

Caught some #$%* over at ADV? 

So here's the starting procedure I had on my '87 XL600. If you have a handlebar decomp lever, it should work the same for you.

Kick until you feel TDC. Then pull the decomp lever and move the kicker just a bit. Release decomp, move kicker all the way up and push it down, all the way through.
If this doesn't work at the 3rd kick, turn off ignition. Pull the decomp, full throttle, kick 5-8 times. Then release the lever, close throttle, turn on ignition, and repeat as in step 1. Try with a liiiiiitle bit of throttle, not too much.

And yeah, always wear boots! DAMHIK.

[LoopsAndLogic]

Thanks for the starting procedure  

NOOOOOOO!! I didn't get kicked off No seriously, I didn't

Anyways, I was wondering if the starting procedure that I have down, is not good for the engine???

I was told by many (ADVRiders) that if my method works, go with it, but just 1 gentleman that has another XR said not too.

And he also mentioned some kind of Baja racer, that suggested not doing that.

What do you think??

I looked at my spark recently this week and noticed that she will only spark at the plug with a certain amount of speed when kicked.

Isn't it suppose to spark even with a slow kick?? Or does CDI have a different effect on the electronics???

She has a New plug and NGK plug cap.

Thanks for the help

LL

[medic09]

Lots of thumpers are pretty similar.  I use Flood's method with my Yamaha SR500.  Works every time.  When it (rarely) doesn't, then I turn it off, kick it through 4-5 times with decomp, and go again.  Alternatively, I just leave it be for two or three minutes.  When all that doesn't work, then I'll just kick it over on it's side and ride a different bike.   

[LoopsAndLogic]

I got the starting procedure, but I'm still wondering if I can start the bike with my procedure???

Or do I risk damage to the motor?

Thanks

LL