Trouble starting Hawk

Bud1968 · 09-22-2018, 07:58 PM

Hey guys back again for some help, so when I first brought the Hawk home last weekend it started easy no choke but as of last couple days it has gotten harder to start, this morning I killed the battery trying to start it. So I tried to kick start and it did start I'm only riding around subdivision 3rd gear pretty slow no highway or trails. Was wondering is it normal to have to start with half choke in warm weather also idle seems kind of high once it warms up any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

timcosby · 09-22-2018, 08:30 PM

mine always takes half choke

**JerryHawk250** · 09-22-2018, 08:32 PM

Have you adjusted the valves yet? Valves come set tight from the factory . If they are set too tight it will be hard to start.
Also sounds like the idle mixture is too lean.

roundhouse · 09-22-2018, 10:09 PM

Throw a charger on it. Might be worth it to buy some jets and tune the carb. I stopped having to use 1/2 choke to start mine when I did that. I do turn the idle up pretty high to start it then turn it down as it warms up.

Not real sure though.

Bud1968 · 09-22-2018, 11:59 PM

Thanks again for the replies I did drain the regular gas out tonight and put premium in I thought that may help I'll try an work up my confidence to tackle those valves thanks for all your help. The bike sure is fun to ride.

pete · 09-23-2018, 12:17 AM

Once the carb is set right the choke is the only thing you should need to touch..
my bike... cold motor summer or winter... full choke push the start button once no throttle and it sits there idleing.. once the revs speed up turn the chock off....
I have not had to touch the carb in 3 years..

every 3rd or 4th tank or when I remember to I put a little carb/injector cleaner in...

..

timcosby · 09-23-2018, 12:21 AM

premium gas is only need for high compression engines 10:1 and above.

roundhouse · 09-23-2018, 11:42 AM

I am with tim. no need for premium. Get the carb adjusted and I bet it solves your probs.

wheel spinner · 09-23-2018, 01:52 PM

start with full choke first 2 start tries... then half choke on 3rd try... bet it will tart then... if you need to adjust the carb then do it after it warms up... let us know how it goes...

timcosby · 09-23-2018, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timcosby

premium gas is only need for high compression engines 10:1 and above.

on that note i just saw the specs on the new yamaha mt10(sp?) 12:1 compression ratio ...damn

Bud1968 · 09-23-2018, 10:32 PM

Thanks again for all your help everyone, this morning I put the choke on full and it fired right up. Rode around the house for a bit seems to idle a bit high but I'm happy it's started up easy. Sure is fun to ride!

roundhouse · 09-24-2018, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timcosby

on that note i just saw the specs on the new yamaha mt10(sp?) 12:1 compression ratio ...damn

Saw the ducati 1299 is 12.6

my big bike is 11.5, some guys run 87 in theirs i will not. 93 only

timcosby · 09-25-2018, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud1968

Thanks again for all your help everyone, this morning I put the choke on full and it fired right up. Rode around the house for a bit seems to idle a bit high but I'm happy it's started up easy. Sure is fun to ride!

once it warms up set your idle screw so that it turns at 1500 rpm then you shouldn't have to change it again. idle screw is the one on the side thats easy to get to

itsnt4me · 09-30-2018, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud1968

Thanks again for the replies I did drain the regular gas out tonight and put premium in I thought that may help I'll try an work up my confidence to tackle those valves thanks for all your help. The bike sure is fun to ride.

I just put a Hawk together last week and adjusted the valves and its really easy. My valves were really tight seemed almost no clearance. Most time consuming part was getting the valve cover out and in. When it hits that sweet spot it slides right in. My bike is also as has been stated very lean. Got a carb and jet set on the way. Going to gut the cat and tune the carb and hopefully wake my Hawk up. Plenty of how to posts and videos on here and folks that know what they are doing. I'm not one of them I have to get them to hold my hand but I get it done. Good luck.

09-22-2018, 07:58 PM	#1
Bud1968 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Michigan Posts: 40	Trouble starting Hawk Hey guys back again for some help, so when I first brought the Hawk home last weekend it started easy no choke but as of last couple days it has gotten harder to start, this morning I killed the battery trying to start it. So I tried to kick start and it did start I'm only riding around subdivision 3rd gear pretty slow no highway or trails. Was wondering is it normal to have to start with half choke in warm weather also idle seems kind of high once it warms up any help is much appreciated. Thank you.
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09-22-2018, 08:30 PM	#2
timcosby Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: robertsdale alabama usa Posts: 1,007	mine always takes half choke __________________ 1991 harley heritage softail classic 2016 hawk kaw h1 400 tripple 13' long chopper in progress 2009 johnny pag bar hog 2004 hd electra glide ultra classic shriner edition 1997 harley davidson 1200 sportster 1972 harley davidson amf sx250
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09-22-2018, 08:32 PM	#3
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,562	Have you adjusted the valves yet? Valves come set tight from the factory . If they are set too tight it will be hard to start. Also sounds like the idle mixture is too lean. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel Last edited by JerryHawk250; 09-22-2018 at 09:34 PM.
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09-23-2018, 12:17 AM	#6
pete Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ChCh , NZ Posts: 2,261	Once the carb is set right the choke is the only thing you should need to touch.. my bike... cold motor summer or winter... full choke push the start button once no throttle and it sits there idleing.. once the revs speed up turn the chock off.... I have not had to touch the carb in 3 years.. every 3rd or 4th tank or when I remember to I put a little carb/injector cleaner in... .. __________________ 09 XT660R ... 06 TTR250 ... 80 Montesa H6 125 Enduro... 77 Montesa Cota 348 MRR "Malcom Rathnell Replica"... Current resto projects.. 81 Honda CT110... 80 Kawasaki KL250A1... 11 Husaburg TE125 enduro... "sold" along with another 31... Lifan 125 Pitbike.. "stolen" ... KIWI BIKER FORUM...... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/content.php All the best offroad rides in NZ... http://www.remotemoto.com/ E-mail... xtpete1@gmail.com
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09-23-2018, 12:21 AM	#7
timcosby Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: robertsdale alabama usa Posts: 1,007	premium gas is only need for high compression engines 10:1 and above. __________________ 1991 harley heritage softail classic 2016 hawk kaw h1 400 tripple 13' long chopper in progress 2009 johnny pag bar hog 2004 hd electra glide ultra classic shriner edition 1997 harley davidson 1200 sportster 1972 harley davidson amf sx250
	1

09-22-2018, 10:09 PM	#4
roundhouse Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: N Texas Posts: 706	Throw a charger on it. Might be worth it to buy some jets and tune the carb. I stopped having to use 1/2 choke to start mine when I did that. I do turn the idle up pretty high to start it then turn it down as it warms up. Not real sure though.
	1

09-22-2018, 11:59 PM	#5
Bud1968 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Michigan Posts: 40	Thanks again for the replies I did drain the regular gas out tonight and put premium in I thought that may help I'll try an work up my confidence to tackle those valves thanks for all your help. The bike sure is fun to ride.
	1

09-23-2018, 11:42 AM	#8
roundhouse Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: N Texas Posts: 706	I am with tim. no need for premium. Get the carb adjusted and I bet it solves your probs.
	1

09-23-2018, 01:52 PM	#9
wheel spinner Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Suffolk Va. Posts: 146	start with full choke first 2 start tries... then half choke on 3rd try... bet it will tart then... if you need to adjust the carb then do it after it warms up... let us know how it goes... __________________ 2006 Roketa DB-07-200 Dual Sport 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3 2010 Challenger Hemi 5.7 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 1998 Kia Sportage 4x4 2004 Toyota Tundra 2016 Ford Escape Guitars 1970 Gibson SG mint Condition 2005 Epiphone white Custom SG Les Paul L/New Fender Banjo New Condition BC Rich Bitch - Like New\ 3 Jay Turser SG Good Condition Amps Marshall vs100 Good Condition Acoustic 261 very good condition Boss GT-6 Pedal effects Like New
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09-23-2018, 10:32 PM	#11
Bud1968 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Michigan Posts: 40	Thanks again for all your help everyone, this morning I put the choke on full and it fired right up. Rode around the house for a bit seems to idle a bit high but I'm happy it's started up easy. Sure is fun to ride!
	1