I bought my 09 KLX SF new last summer, in Mobile Alabama, It had a terrible Cold start issue, so bad that the second morning I tryed to start it it drained the battery, and would NOt start, I loaded her up on my Truck and took it back to the dealer. They looked it over and had it for 2 days, when I got it back they said that, they spoke with some, Tech at Kawasaki, and was told to "trim" the Compression release Needle. It has run fine since, still a cold starting bike, but with the choke, two cranks and she is running!
Mike

 

I'm pretty sure that the KACR is a means of compression release, which allows the engine to be turned over quicker/easier by the starter motor. I believe it holds open one of the exhaust valves on part of the compression stroke.
I may be wrong
Dan

 

That's correct, Dan, but the mod...if I've understood correctly...allows a little more compression which can improve cold starting. So it kind of makes the KACR not as effective...if that makes any sense. The modded KACR still funtions but probably doesn't hold the valve open as long or as much.

I'm still more prone to drill the starter jet. The real problem is cold starting. The starter jet only functions when the choke is on, and it is not in play otherwise. The modded KACR will always be in play everytime you start the engine. It's not needed to start a relatively warmed-up KLX. Like I said, this probably isn't a big deal, but I like the starter and battery to work as little as necessary.

 

Wow! I started a hot topic on cold starts! I just wondered if anyone else had heard about this from dealers.
I personally like the drilled starter jet. Just don't over do it.

**When I removed the air pump thing from my bike, I put a short piece of vacuum tubing over the nipple on the front of the carb. It's tucked away and is just long enough to get to if the need ever comes up to sqirt a bit of gas in to aid in starting. I did plug the end of the tube.

 

whoops, I missed that you were talking about the actual mod increasing compression. Too much cough medicine today I guess I agree that the mod would slightly increase compression. I also agree that drilling the enricher "starter" jet is the best way to go. It's pretty easy to do, and worked great for my starting problems.
Dan

 

Dan, may I recommend an excellent cough syrup. If this won't tame your cough, then you're already dead.

 

LOL I bet that does work! I may try that next time. I actually have the good codeine syrup, which is working great.

I just googled it, and found a recipe that uses whiskey , honey , and lemon juice.

 

I guess that I missed seeing the "Compression release needle" on any of the 120 or so ACRs I've retimed. Is it something added to the KLX250 SF?

Ride on
Brewster

 

LOL!...Yeah, I saw that too. I just presumed he meant the portion of the KACR that presses on the valve. You know...like a phonograph needle...LOL!

 

One of the reasons I'm getting one of these is for winter/cold weather riding. I get loopy looking at my street bike this time of year and yearn for a good slippery ride. So, is there a sticky on the cold start cures or can this be explained to a noob? Thanks!!!