Motorcycle Repair: CR250, 2 stroke engines, speed jets

Question
I have a 1991 cr250, and for some reason when you are in first and second gear, the engine sputters and hesitates at higher RPMs, but as soon as you hit third gear the bike launches off and runs like a scalded ape through the rest of the gears. What might I look for to help resolve this issue?

Answer
Kyle, I am not a real expert in MX machines, especially 2 stroke engines. You can experiment with needle positions, but you have to determine if it is too rich or too lean when it is cutting out. Probably it is too rich, but I would just change the needle clip one notch, try it and then change it again until you get it running better.

Depending on the type of carburetor, you may have other options like changing the slide for a different cutway, using different slow speed jets and of course there are other main jet options. Aftermarket exhaust systems change the power curves and performance of any 2 stroke, as well.
All the details need to be known... OEM stock or modified exhaust, carburetion, air box/filter, compression, porting, etc.....

Two strokes are VERY sensitive to humidity, altitude, temperature, gas/oil mixture ratios, etc. Check with www.vintageiron.com or http://www.hondaelsinore.com/
for more assistance.

Bill Silver