'86 WR400 rebuild

Ouch-I've only had one done. ? the pilot. Doesn't seem blubbery on the bottom

something is wrong in the tuning department if its unusual for it to start in 2 kicks. im sure if you are standing to the side on a box you are getting plenty of kick..

the clue is in the "pulled plug and kicked with choke on" its either lean on the pilot or the float level is too low...you think??

As I've said, my hips don't work well. Hard to get a good kick even with the box to stand on.
So far-lean it over until gas comes out, kick w/choke on, 5-6 times to start cold, maybe more.
When warm, 1-2 kicks, much easier to kick. Takes throttle well, idles well, I can ride it just above idle for long periods of time.
I can try richening the pilot screw, can't hurt. Stock jetting, pilot screw@ 1 1/2 turns out.

if the low speed circuit of the carb is jetted right, it should start 1 or 2 kicks cold with the choke. I usually give 1 or 2 priming slow kicks and it light up with 1 or 2 good kicks. my bike is lean and needs choke for a few minutes before it will run sweet...it gets all fluffy like the fuel is off until it warms up. its possible your kick speed is a little slow? I feel for you re the hips as your staring at a new bike with e start to solve this problem.

You might be on the money with the air screw. 1.5 turns out then get it warmed and idling and have a play for the sweet spot ...(im not much good at this bit and usually go back to 1.5 and leave it) also check your inlet manifold, they can crack around the step line underneath and its very hard to tell. you should be able to get it starting a little better I feel...good luck.

My kick speed is a little slow for sure-practice will make perfect.
I can start the 250 and my 300 no problem.
Adjusted the air screw in 1/2 turn, try tomorrow.

maybe i missed it somewhere...but has the float level been verified or adjusted? needing to tip it to help starting has me wondering about that..

Good point-I'll check the float. Tipping to start is just a different trick to try.

oh ive heard of it working...but it shouldnt be needed..youll be able to get it starting in a few kicks with some tuning! the big bores do like the lazy kick thru a few times before a real kick..

interesting, ol mates Moto Villa needed a tip over to start then I found the float level was quite low.

I adjusted the air screw from 1 1/2 to 1. Started a little easier-pushed it through a few times first. 6-7 kicks and started. Blubbery on the bottom, never cleaned out.
Adjusted 1 3/4 out. Harder to restart, nice and crisp on the low end and mid range. Float is next.
I'm bringing it to Unadilla next weekend. I can ride it in the support class or run my '82.
There will be a bunch of Husky guys there so a good chance to play with it.

so you have stock jetting in this? the 400 is very close to the 430 in jetting of course...all 430 bikes are really rich in the bottom/mid then are either ok or lean on top. wonder if someone bent the float instead of jetting.
do you know what jets are present?

i dont know what the jetting was in my 430 [ motoplat 2mm BTDC] SUPER EASY TO START but i never had to tip it really really had to tip dingbat girl 2s KX the other day but it lite off on the 1st kick after

All stock jetting. Needle in middle position. Never pings

I raced the 400 in the cross country event. Got a 4th. Hard time starting it on the line. Practiced a lot in the pits and never got it. I did tweak the float level for more fuel.
It's definitely me kicking- my friends were able to start it pretty easily.

Awesome result for your first time on the 400! That engine is a cheater though.

Thanks! It really needs new bars and fork work. Beat me up a bit.
Great power in the woods!

the more you pedal that bike the more you will like....mine is like an old favourite couch, i just slip into it and its a comfortable fit

Every time I drag the old girl out I'm surprised at how nice it is.

a mate who is a "newbie" to a degree to muddaboik offroading loves the "rebuild process" he got a PE and gave it the $$s to make it a good rider, (no cosmetics) but he found he was struggling to "enjoy" the bike and decided it "wasn't for him".... his brother did a "trials" course and suggested he did so as well which he did...gave him big confidence ....so he then decided to do the "enduro" course and duly rocked up on the PE not realising ......that it would be an "extreme enduro course" a la Graham Jarvis never occurred to him..just ideal for a pipey PE he sat out most of the days activities and decided off roading was not for him ...ENTER THE 400!! he has bought an 85 400 WR Twin shocker and in 1 ride has totally rediscovered what he thought off roading is about. having a scoot that doesn't hurl him into the scrub if the main jet is actioned has given him great confidence...