I have just purchased a 2005 KLR 250. The former owner told me up front that it is very difficult to start on cold days. Try impossible! It will start after I heat the crankcase with a small electric heater for a couple of hours. The other day, I rode it to work in 25 degree weather (in Florida no less!!) but when attempting to crank it to go to lunch, it wouldn't even fire. After another 2-hour session with a small heater, it fired on the 4th kick!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would say prob carb settings, adjustments on float, a/f mixture, etc.... Play with all the carb adjustments, check plugs...make sure you have a good tank of fuel with no moisture in it.

 

yeah, carb settings or moisture in the carbs. Check the cable adjustments as mentioned too.

 

How long did the bike sit between starting? Let's do a re-set there Dean.

1. Make sure fresh gas is in the tank.
2. turn off the gas
3. Drain the bowl
4. Open the gas
5. Start the bike.

When you park the bike, before you get home, lets say 2 blocks from your house, shut off the gas and burn out most of it before you pull into the driveway. The next time you go to ride it, open up the gas, pull the choke, and hit the button and see if it starts. This method works everytime on a bike with no known mechanical problems. Your bike if its working right, it should also benefit from this procedure if its working properly. Also do you have a battery maintainer? If not you should wire in a quick plug and keep it hooked up when not riding. Let us know what happens.