Fast kicks won't work on a four stroke with auto decompression. Need to kick slowly to compression, then just past. Then full kick. Engine gains speed through the next 3 strokes to be spinning quick enough to hit compression stroke and fire at the end of the kick. A full kick on these ends up being a full 4 stroke cycle. Starting procedure is key otherwise you will just flood it.
Yep, fully agreed. Back when people mainly used two stroke there were alot of people flooding their shit when they switched to 4 stroke and then said 4 stroke is bad haha.
This is exactly what I would think a 2006 anything Kawasaki would hold up. I commend you for knowing how to tear everything apart and diagnosing the issues.
You need to invest in a leakdown tester sir. I work on KX bikes and the first thing we check on the 06 to 08 are their heads. They famous for running hot and warping the heads. All will be fine with new valves and cutting seats till.... You torque the head down. Once you torque the head you lose concentricnisty on the valve to seat faces. That's why you need a leakdown test. It will help from chasing issues and compression tester does not do that. Leakdown tells you were the issue is. That bike shows that it was used for burnouts. Overheating obviously occurred. Head will show no warpage on the bench just when torqued onto engine. Good luck.
My 07 bike has a very similar problem to how the owner described. Blowing oil out breather and about the only difference is that it died on me when I was on the road. Would you have any tips?
After it died, it lost almost all compression except for seemingly catching on itself every couple kicks. Just put in a new piston, rings and jug a few hours ago in run time. Everything else looked fine when I was in there
The way you do the mechanical work & explain it to us while getting it all on video is an "Art Form" unto itself.... lol, lots of folks can fix broken sH!T but few can show others how they did it & doing it on video is all the more difficult. I can't imagine all the hours you spend researching the specs on these projects/repairs and then on editing all the hours of video/audio. Putting it all together is an accomplishment that I enjoy watching even though I can't do much more than change the oil. peace & be safe this NY Eve !! GB ALL of You/yours
Great videos and they are very informative, but the best thing in your videos are: seeing Vinnie always happy and excited about the new project, lovely dog.
Great deal! Shame about the transmission. I got a 09 same scenario except for the transmission for $900. Rebuilt the top end and complete carb rebuild including a mid-body kit and it's a beast. The idling issue is probably the mid body leaking. Great video!
It looks like your missing a bolt or two from the rear sprocket. I would check if there all tight before next ride and maybe replace the one or ones missing.
I've raced and worked with bikes most of my life but these days restore old Jeep TJ's, as I'm an old man, age 65. If I had your video skills I'd start my own Jeep restoration channel. I like how you just get into the video without the music, product support, and look at me introduction. Before you ask, my restorations TJ's are not cheap to buy.
Nice work so far. I'm nervous about valves. U nailed it:) very curious about the inside when you split it. Hopefully you have all the transmission parts to repair that came with. Happy new year btw
I've recently discovered your videos and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! I'm old school but I did do some Motocrossing in my younger years! I like your dog hahaha he's a cute little rascal. Have a great day , Mike
What a deal. I can't find deals like that here in Canada. I recently picked up a 2008 KX250 with a blown top end for 1400. Bikes here are ridiculously expensive compared to the US.
Agree on the deal. IMO, you won't find that in most US cities. I have to believe he's getting those prices because of the channel. Around me the seller would be asking 3 times what he paid and won't budge. Plus there are 50 people within a stones throw chasing any kind of deal. If you aren't the first one to contact the seller, forget it.
Love your videos. I enjoy the process you go through to diagnose issues. Do you know how the valve lash goes out so much on these bikes? It would Make sense if the lash got wider over time as the valve train wore down- but for the exhaust valve lash to reduce to below zero someone must have mucked around with it? I should send you a metric set of feeler gauges to save you all the conversions. 😂
I have that same bike, no issues yet. Love your videos ... learn a lot from you bro, thank you. Seen from Ontario, Canada. Peace enjoy your day wherever you are ✌
these 4 stroke ones are nice to watch since i barely know how the top end works on them. 2 strokes are simple but im going to try to take on a 4 stroke at home on my own
I like your channel man I mean you’re you’re a very honest mechanic you know you’re good you’re kind of the guardian angel for mechanics I would really like to be your apprentice man but good job brother for your channel we all love your channel
I love this bike I just rebuilt mine needed new valves and a new crank but she rips. 2006 kx250f is a great bike I payed 2000$ so you definitely got a good deal. Love the content been watching for 3 years glad you were able to work on the same bike as mine and learned a little too!!!
I had an 09 and it was the fastest i have ever been on a bike around all the familiar tracks and trails. For whatever reason me and that bike clicked. I had huge confidence in that bike doing whatever that I wanted it to do. The feeling was almost immediate. I rode a 13 450 about a year after I got rid of it, and it did not have the same feel to it.
Valve job and fix the transmission. Exhaust leak. I hated the feel of this bike. My buddy had one and it just felt slim and cheesy. 05 crf250r much better feel. Good video Joe. Keep em coming.
Great videos as always. This is just another reminder to buy a 2 stroke. To me the time spent wrenching, is not worth the reward. At the end of the day it's just a 4 stroke. Appreciate the time you put in to this bike joe!! Thanks
Nice deal use to race motocross 10yrs almost made it to proA class and always started off in 2nd at gate to much wheel spin in 1st hardly ever used that gear really on my 01kx250 2stroke
OK s0 I was wrong it was overfilled and had a tight valve but you complaining that you have to tear it down when you have everything you need that came with it for $600 minus a gasket kit come on dude that's nothing to complain about you got a perfect bike with all the parts needed for 600
Beautiful work! There is a method to the process. You always check the same things in the same order. Learning a lot from your videos. Hopefully Vinny is as well! LOL!
Awesome man great work. I’m glad you got her running it sounds a little weird when it’s running like, maybe some kind of leak by the carb or like the reed valve.
Great content! Super informative, and interesting to watch you diagnose different bikes. I’m paying close attention to what cycles you work on and how they are designed for when I buy one for myself.
On the hard starting, im thinking you're going to need to revisit the valves. There has to be a reason why that valve got so much clearance all of a sudden. Im betting youre goung to find a slightly bent valve. That would explain the hard starting and why the idle was so high and hard to adjust. Plus why the compression was still down a bit.
The titanium plating wears off the valve face an they get tight, best to replace them with stainless steel valves this is a problem with all brands of the 4stroke race bikes they all use titanium plated valves after about 2yrs of racing or hard riding it happens
First, I just wanted to say I watch all of your videos, and you have taught me a ton. I love how you approach machines the same way every single time to diagnose. I had a question about this particular bike because in the video you said that after you got it running, it still took 20 or 25 kicks to start it up again when it was hot even using the hot start. I was wondering if you knew why that was because my 2008 Suzuki RMZ 250 does the same thing and I can’t figure out why. Starts up first or second kick every time idols no problem and runs great but once it stalls it is like hell trying to get it started again. Any suggestions or thoughts? Thank you and looking forward to more Dirtbike videos!!!! Vinny is great too!!
For 600 you can’t beat that even if it needed a full rebuild. Those cams were definitely getting hot on the kicker side of them like they wasn’t getting oil or something you can see the color difference in between the lobes
love this guy bring many different vehicles back to life he deserves more subs click people, PS hope you find 78 rm to fix or late 80s early 70s manco magnum to fix and rip
Hey man I have to hand it to you you had a rough come up in the comment section especially yeah but I see you’ve gotten better and all the people that through say that you don’t have as many subscribers or better subscriber to view count as you. You were obviously doing something correct so keep it up
Could do the leak down test as well. Tell you if your valve seats are good as well as you piston rings. Cuz it was making 60 psi, but i wana say my 07 was recommending 110-120 +-10
Wow that’s nice brother I have an 2017 kx450f I brought used and she acts up an lot now I got to the clutch on mine 450 life I loved that bike I’m going find me one or 04-08 Suzuki,250 four stroke
looking forward to the next installment! I like kawasaki but my only expereince with them is 90s KDXs hahaha. One day im hoping to pick up a 250f similar to this!
You should add the financial specs to these bikes. What you paid + what you had to put into them and the selling price with the total profits in the end. It wou add a whole 'nother dimension to these videos.
Great job ,thank you for the information and the know how....you did it again !!,can u link the shim kit by chance? thank you! And keep up the great work! Happy New Year!
When he was doing the compression test, I noticed the frame had a couple of places where it looked like it day been ground down. Wonder what happened there?
So relaxing no loud music no annoying yelling man this is refreshing
.....or boring drone shots?
@@Toby_the_Glen first person pov is the best
Yelling? Ishowspeed?
@@GTFCEO give it up kid
@@GTFCEOyou mean IShowPeen? 😂
Just by looking at it, regardless of the running condition, 600.00$ is a sweet deal !
You mean low-balling.
$600.00*
Dollar sign goes first; I don't know why that's so difficult.
@@madmax82988 Just bc you have a chip on your shoulder, don't take it out on me lol
Why even bother? Is it making anyone happy?
@@Odder-Being seller agreed to the deal so you never know he probably just wanted to get rid of it
That is one very good deal! Around here in the south people want $1500 for something that needs a new bottom end😂
Haha facts
fr crazy in louisiana with prices 😹
same here
a dude was asking 1800 for his broken rm 250 😣😣
people here in Canada want 3200 and it doesn't run needs top and bottom end ahaha
Fast kicks won't work on a four stroke with auto decompression. Need to kick slowly to compression, then just past. Then full kick. Engine gains speed through the next 3 strokes to be spinning quick enough to hit compression stroke and fire at the end of the kick. A full kick on these ends up being a full 4 stroke cycle. Starting procedure is key otherwise you will just flood it.
Yep, fully agreed. Back when people mainly used two stroke there were alot of people flooding their shit when they switched to 4 stroke and then said 4 stroke is bad haha.
I could feel that first gear chunking on my couch. Another great video, Joe. Good work.
I can’t believe the number of vent hoses on that carb.
I would be checking to see if that left exhaust valve is bent. A gap that big when the other exhaust valve was closed up says bent valve to me.
@@mostlymotorized I'm sure I'll live haha
This is exactly what I would think a 2006 anything Kawasaki would hold up. I commend you for knowing how to tear everything apart and diagnosing the issues.
I used to watch all your videos in 2017. Love to see u doing good !
Hearing your dog run back and forth is literally the cherry on top of this video so far lol its so hilarious
You need to invest in a leakdown tester sir. I work on KX bikes and the first thing we check on the 06 to 08 are their heads. They famous for running hot and warping the heads. All will be fine with new valves and cutting seats till.... You torque the head down. Once you torque the head you lose concentricnisty on the valve to seat faces. That's why you need a leakdown test. It will help from chasing issues and compression tester does not do that. Leakdown tells you were the issue is. That bike shows that it was used for burnouts. Overheating obviously occurred. Head will show no warpage on the bench just when torqued onto engine. Good luck.
My 07 bike has a very similar problem to how the owner described. Blowing oil out breather and about the only difference is that it died on me when I was on the road. Would you have any tips?
After it died, it lost almost all compression except for seemingly catching on itself every couple kicks. Just put in a new piston, rings and jug a few hours ago in run time. Everything else looked fine when I was in there
Oh and also it would die when trying to warm up a couple times before it would warm up enough to keep running. This was after the top end
Bro I'm so glad that you exist and have this UA-cam channel thank you for all the information over the years
Can't wait for follow up video.. I don't even ride but your engineering skills and mechanical know-how is great.. happy new year from Texas!!
Has some mechanical knowledge, no engineering skills involved and further more very little if any mechanical sympathy.
I'm glad I found your channel. I really enjoy watching you repair these bikes.
That bike is surprisingly clean for $600
...but dirty on the inside.
yes but kx250f that year are trash oil doesnt go all around the engine and they blow up
What a piece of poo
1800 1200 I'll take 6 ... the guy knew it was a lemon n didn't want to put the time in
Runs and sounds terrible. It wasn't worth 600 unless u already had a good engine for it doing nothing and needed a home
That back tire says it all
The way you do the mechanical work & explain it to us while getting it all on video is an "Art Form" unto itself.... lol, lots of folks
can fix broken sH!T but few can show others how they did it & doing it on video is all the more difficult. I can't imagine all the
hours you spend researching the specs on these projects/repairs and then on editing all the hours of video/audio. Putting it
all together is an accomplishment that I enjoy watching even though I can't do much more than change the oil.
peace & be safe this NY Eve !! GB ALL of You/yours
Great videos and they are very informative, but the best thing in your videos are: seeing Vinnie always happy and excited about the new project, lovely dog.
You should explain what the decompression mechanism does and how it works.
Nice pick up for 600 bucks. You do my two favorite things, motorcycles, and dogs.
Great deal! Shame about the transmission. I got a 09 same scenario except for the transmission for $900. Rebuilt the top end and complete carb rebuild including a mid-body kit and it's a beast. The idling issue is probably the mid body leaking. Great video!
😊😊 This is my cup of tea. I’m excited to see the insides. Getting it to run, amazing. Following from the arm chair as always.😊😊😊
Vinny is such a cute little ball of energy 🤣
Great content as always! Shoutout from the uk 🇬🇧
It looks like your missing a bolt or two from the rear sprocket. I would check if there all tight before next ride and maybe replace the one or ones missing.
I've raced and worked with bikes most of my life but these days restore old Jeep TJ's, as I'm an old man, age 65. If I had your video skills I'd start my own Jeep restoration channel. I like how you just get into the video without the music, product support, and look at me introduction. Before you ask, my restorations TJ's are not cheap to buy.
You have the best job in the world, matched by your experience and methodic thought process. I enjoy these a lot. Thanks
Have a great new year being as productive and positive! Thanks for the clip!
Nice work so far. I'm nervous about valves. U nailed it:) very curious about the inside when you split it. Hopefully you have all the transmission parts to repair that came with. Happy new year btw
Interesting. Stay on it and let us know what you find. Thanks again for your time today. Happy new year!
Belter I love watching your videos nothing better then fixing a cheap bike and getting it running 👍
I've recently discovered your videos and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! I'm old school but I did do some Motocrossing in my younger years! I like your dog hahaha he's a cute little rascal. Have a great day , Mike
I learn so much watching your videos man! So methodical, not rushed - it's a cushy Sherlock Holmes mechanical mystery - with a solution! :) Thank you!
this guy is the reason i know so much about engines. he's a awsome teacher
What a deal. I can't find deals like that here in Canada. I recently picked up a 2008 KX250 with a blown top end for 1400. Bikes here are ridiculously expensive compared to the US.
Agree on the deal. IMO, you won't find that in most US cities. I have to believe he's getting those prices because of the channel. Around me the seller would be asking 3 times what he paid and won't budge. Plus there are 50 people within a stones throw chasing any kind of deal. If you aren't the first one to contact the seller, forget it.
Can’t go wrong for $600, thanks for sharing!
Love your videos. I enjoy the process you go through to diagnose issues. Do you know how the valve lash goes out so much on these bikes? It would Make sense if the lash got wider over time as the valve train wore down- but for the exhaust valve lash to reduce to below zero someone must have mucked around with it?
I should send you a metric set of feeler gauges to save you all the conversions. 😂
Dog was crackin me up in the beginning just haul assin with the zoomies😂
I have that same bike, no issues yet. Love your videos ... learn a lot from you bro, thank you. Seen from Ontario, Canada. Peace enjoy your day wherever you are ✌
these 4 stroke ones are nice to watch since i barely know how the top end works on them. 2 strokes are simple but im going to try to take on a 4 stroke at home on my own
I like your channel man I mean you’re you’re a very honest mechanic you know you’re good you’re kind of the guardian angel for mechanics I would really like to be your apprentice man but good job brother for your channel we all love your channel
I love this bike I just rebuilt mine needed new valves and a new crank but she rips. 2006 kx250f is a great bike I payed 2000$ so you definitely got a good deal. Love the content been watching for 3 years glad you were able to work on the same bike as mine and learned a little too!!!
This is my new favorite channel, it has dogs, bikes, and solutions!
hell of a deal for a hell of a bike. Much love cant wait to get my first bike
Great explanation on the shim adjustments!
Happy new year too you and your family Joe. Nice job getting it started. Well worth it $600
I had an 09 and it was the fastest i have ever been on a bike around all the familiar tracks and trails. For whatever reason me and that bike clicked.
I had huge confidence in that bike doing whatever that I wanted it to do.
The feeling was almost immediate.
I rode a 13 450 about a year after I got rid of it, and it did not have the same feel to it.
i always loved that year of KX250F, when they had the holes in the fairings. i have a 2005 and they don't fit without modification
Always enjoy your vids man, and it really helps when you show how you change and calculate your shim sizes! Happy newyear!
Valve job and fix the transmission. Exhaust leak.
I hated the feel of this bike. My buddy had one and it just felt slim and cheesy. 05 crf250r much better feel.
Good video Joe. Keep em coming.
Cant go wrong with Honda
I can't believe the guy who was selling it didn't even think to rebuild it😂
Brotha you inspire me. Been on a terror myself since summer fixing things.
Great videos as always. This is just another reminder to buy a 2 stroke. To me the time spent wrenching, is not worth the reward. At the end of the day it's just a 4 stroke. Appreciate the time you put in to this bike joe!! Thanks
2 stroke all day
The bike wisperer! Great deal on this one!
Nice deal use to race motocross 10yrs almost made it to proA class and always started off in 2nd at gate to much wheel spin in 1st hardly ever used that gear really on my 01kx250 2stroke
Just started the video with the explanation you said about oil scoring out the breather it has a hole in the piston
OK s0 I was wrong it was overfilled and had a tight valve but you complaining that you have to tear it down when you have everything you need that came with it for $600 minus a gasket kit come on dude that's nothing to complain about you got a perfect bike with all the parts needed for 600
Great buy. I was shocked the bike can start/run with 60 psi compression. I know it has decompression function but I was figuring 100 psi minimum.
Beautiful work! There is a method to the process. You always check the same things in the same order. Learning a lot from your videos. Hopefully Vinny is as well! LOL!
Looking forward to see the tear down and to see this bike back to fixed
Enjoy your go-to it approach to projects - Hope the New Year brings you much joy - best wishes from UK
IT LOOKS LIKE THE KAWA AND THE ZOOK YOU JUST WORKED ON HAVE THE SAME ENGINE..GOOD VIDEO
Looks like the previous owner's claim that it was running and then "just shut off" is total 🐎💩.
This has been an amazing channel to find and learn from you. Thank you
Awesome man great work. I’m glad you got her running it sounds a little weird when it’s running like, maybe some kind of leak by the carb or like the reed valve.
Good deal regardless! Got to love seeing the zip ties and missing bolts on the shrouds. That says a lot right there!
So glad I came across your channel bro! I have watched SO MANY of them, yet have SO MANY to go! lolzz Keep it up bro!
2:37 - dogs can actually sniff something from that range :)
That generation of KX250f pulls so strong when it’s running well
Great content! Super informative, and interesting to watch you diagnose different bikes. I’m paying close attention to what cycles you work on and how they are designed for when I buy one for myself.
Happy new year to you and your family
Hey Joe, thanks for sharing.
Have you considered using a white zip tie for oil check?
Thank you for the videos all year round joe enjoyed every single one you are a wizard with these machines. All the best mate ❤ from the UK
We really enjoy seeing Benny!!
35:09 what happens if that fuel screw doesnt go back to the same spot ? To much or to little fuel is added?
On the hard starting, im thinking you're going to need to revisit the valves. There has to be a reason why that valve got so much clearance all of a sudden. Im betting youre goung to find a slightly bent valve. That would explain the hard starting and why the idle was so high and hard to adjust. Plus why the compression was still down a bit.
The titanium plating wears off the valve face an they get tight, best to replace them with stainless steel valves this is a problem with all brands of the 4stroke race bikes they all use titanium plated valves after about 2yrs of racing or hard riding it happens
@@lawerncemiller6557😂 CRF450r rider can confirm
Yep, another expensive to fix throwaway 4-stroke MX bike. 2-strokes all the way!
Great video, Joe. Thanks man!
First, I just wanted to say I watch all of your videos, and you have taught me a ton. I love how you approach machines the same way every single time to diagnose. I had a question about this particular bike because in the video you said that after you got it running, it still took 20 or 25 kicks to start it up again when it was hot even using the hot start. I was wondering if you knew why that was because my 2008 Suzuki RMZ 250 does the same thing and I can’t figure out why. Starts up first or second kick every time idols no problem and runs great but once it stalls it is like hell trying to get it started again. Any suggestions or thoughts?
Thank you and looking forward to more Dirtbike videos!!!! Vinny is great too!!
For 600 you can’t beat that even if it needed a full rebuild. Those cams were definitely getting hot on the kicker side of them like they wasn’t getting oil or something you can see the color difference in between the lobes
They must be HotCams 🤣🤣
love this guy bring many different vehicles back to life he deserves more subs click people, PS hope you find 78 rm to fix or late 80s early 70s manco magnum to fix and rip
i wish i had the knowledge to work on bikes like that
Where I used to live this bike would be easily $1200-1600. Wish I knew how to fix bikes desperately I’d love to fix one up.
Start with 2-strokes, they are much simpler.
Vinny is hilarious! The two sets of plastics alone are probably worth what you paid for it. Great vid dude!
Complete Plastics sets are like 90 shipped . You sound stupid
You are the Best, thanks for the Video!
Good deal for 600 bucks but 04 to 06 is the absolute worst year for Kawasaki
Was that the Kawazuki years ?
@@Andy-co6pnyep same exact
everything besides plastic colors. Most Suzuki frames have a kawi stamp
@@Andy-co6pn no. Those bikes had steel frames. I had one, also a time bomb pos like this bike.
Hey man I have to hand it to you you had a rough come up in the comment section especially yeah but I see you’ve gotten better and all the people that through say that you don’t have as many subscribers or better subscriber to view count as you. You were obviously doing something correct so keep it up
With the gap that valve had, I doubt the release was even engaging.
Had same issue check that the cam gear hasn’t spun on the cam there is no key way or bolt they are re a press fit
Could do the leak down test as well. Tell you if your valve seats are good as well as you piston rings. Cuz it was making 60 psi, but i wana say my 07 was recommending 110-120 +-10
Enjoying your videos. Subscribed.
Happy NEW YEAR!!!!
I would use a white septie to check the oil condition
i swear only you find good deals like this
Wow that’s nice brother I have an 2017 kx450f I brought used and she acts up an lot now I got to the clutch on mine 450 life I loved that bike I’m going find me one or 04-08 Suzuki,250 four stroke
Great job on valves and compression
looking forward to the next installment! I like kawasaki but my only expereince with them is 90s KDXs hahaha. One day im hoping to pick up a 250f similar to this!
You should add the financial specs to these bikes. What you paid + what you had to put into them and the selling price with the total profits in the end. It wou add a whole 'nother dimension to these videos.
Yeah then the state and federal government can make you pay taxes on your profit
I have a 2006 kx250f im trying to rebuild currently. It was free, head was blown. Hoping to have it ready by spring
Great job ,thank you for the information and the know how....you did it again !!,can u link the shim kit by chance? thank you! And keep up the great work! Happy New Year!
Learning alot from your video's do you ever buy artic cat quads to fix up ?
Damn, that's a good deal
When he was doing the compression test, I noticed the frame had a couple of places where it looked like it day been ground down. Wonder what happened there?