Motorcycle Repair: Honda XR250R Dirt Bike 84, honda xr250r, cold engine

Question
I rebuilt the bike from the frame up and everything runs great....when I get it to start. Is there something that would cause the bike to not start first kick, when plug is new and when it runs fine after 15-20 kicks to get it to start?

Answer
Keith, it's not too unusual to take a few kicks to get a cold engine going.  You have to get enough fuel into the cylinder for the plug to fire it off.  I'm guessing the carb adjustment isn't quite right so it's running a bit lean. Does it start well hot?  Try raising the float level 1.5 mm.

Regards
Rich