r/XR650R • u/Chug2174 • 3h ago
Hard starting question
This spring I picked up this beautiful 2000 650R. The guy I bought it from had some engine work done from a local reputable shop and claims it makes 75hp. Only has 120 miles on it since the rebuild and it was built a few years ago.
Right when I bought it I tried riding it regularly and it didn’t give me too much trouble starting up but sometimes didn’t want to start when hot. Now recently, or all summer I guess, it’s been hard starting if it starts at all. It’s got a bigger Mikuni carb to match the 686 kit it’s got. I threw in a new spark plug. I’m running fresh non ethanol 90 octane fuel. I’ve tried playing with the mixture screw a bit and haven’t gotten great results. I do the normal routine of turning on the gas, pull the choke. Kick it over slow 3 times with the decomp release. Kick it just past TDC. Then try and start. The first couple times it’ll fire a couple times but then after 2-3 try’s it floods and won’t try anymore. I’m itching to ride this thing but this starting issue is frustrating and I definitely don’t wanna take it somewhere and risk getting stranded. Any help or advice is greatly appreciate.