Motorcycle Repair: Hi Chris,I have a Yamaha 1989..., xv250, electrical fault

Question
Hi Chris,I have a Yamaha 1989 XV250 which is giving me a top headache..(1).Idling (2) restarting after stopping, I have to leave it for approx 10 min before it will work...flooded? and if how can it be fixed.This bike was bought recently with 46Klm on the clock and I don't know it's history.

Hoping you can help.
Thank you
Lee

Answer
Hi Lee.

First of all, you will need to get the repair manual in order to properly test and fix any issues that the bike has.

Without a history on the bike you must assume the worst and test accordingly.

Start with the possibility that the bike may need a proper carb cleaning.

Then go with the probability that the carbs are also out of synch and the valve gap may be wrong.

You could also have some kind of heat related electrical fault of one of the components (or wiring) in the ignition system.

With 46,000 on the ticker, it could be due for a valve adjustment and timing as well.

Remember to check everything because it could be what is called a cascade failure, which means that it could be a number of issues that, individually, don't really create a problem, but together will make for a HUGE headache.

Start with all of that and let me know what you find.  

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON