Motorcycle Repair: kx65 wont start, kawasaki motorcycle, spray cans

Question
I don't know if you'll know but i thought i'd ask, i have 2000 kx65 and i'm not experienced at all mechanically with dirtbikes(just learning). It ran fine when i got it for awhile and then one day i started it and it ran for about 2 minutes and died, started up again but died right away and now it wont start at all. Do you have any idea of what it could be? When i try starting it, it dont sound like it wants to start at all but if i hold the throttle then it sounds more like it wants to start but it don't. I did a plug test and it had spark, not sure what a good spark is or not but i have one ordered anyhow to change. Any advice i'd really appreciate...Thanks.

Answer
Heather, I guess this is one way to get indoctrinated into the world of wrenching on motorcycles, isn't it?

Without knowing the history of the bike, it is hard to say if the engine is damaged (forgot to add oil to the gasoline?) or the problem is more of a maintenance issue.

If the bike sat for more than a few weeks, with gas in the carburetor, there is a decent chance that the idle jet is plugged up. Gasoline separates into a alcohol/gasoline/oil set of layers when left undisturbed for a few weeks.

A fresh plug is a good idea for owning any 2-stroke powered bike, but I would drain the fuel from the carburetor and fuel tank, re-mix and then try it again. If it still won't fire off, then the carburetor will have to come off, remove the float bowl and then the small idle jet for cleaning.

Go here for some illustrations of the parts involved:

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/kawasaki-motorcycle-kx65-kx65a1-us-...

You do need a good set of metric tools and some nice fresh screwdrivers to remove the carb parts. Use compressed air if available. The spray cans of computer dust cleaners may work, too. Hold the jet up to a strong light and look through the hole to see if it is clear or not.

You MUST mix oil with the gasoline to pre-mix the fuel supply. If you put straight gasoline into these engines, they will seize the pistons and ring very quickly, then it is $$$$ to fix it all again.

Hope this helps...

Bill MrHonda Silver