Honda 450r Hard To Start!!

DIRT286 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-2006, 11:00 PM

Well Ive had my 450 for almost a year now. I have changed the air filter recently and changed the oil and filter several times. Lately it hs been extremely hard to start cold, probably around 15-20 kicks. I have never replaced the plug and im thinking its about time. I haven't even pulled it out yet to check it but i dont really see anything else that it could be. it feels like compression is fine too. I think that the hard starting came around with the cold weather but once it starts and its running for a lil bit, it only takes 1 or 2 kicks to get it going again. If it is the plug, looks like the tank needs to be removed to replace it? any input is appreciated.
thanks chris

ridnwarrior · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2006, 11:46 PM

You can run the same plug in that machine for 2 years, depending on usage.
I doubt it is the plug.
You know it is the cold because you even said it starts fine after it is warmed up.
Like me, you're just waiting for Spring.......

speedyquad · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 02:14 AM

hondas are cold blooded...always have been

DIRT286 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 05:53 AM

So what are you saying, Nothing is wrong just wait till warm weather?

rpyfz450 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 06:20 AM

If the changes you made to the ATV required changes to the carburetor that you didn't follow, that could be the problem. I'm reasonably sure the "HRC" required it and if you changed to a radically different air filter like a gauze filter, that too may have required additonal carburetor changes.

superchicken · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 07:50 AM

I would relook over your jetting.sometimes you have to richen up the mixture in the winter months.just like a two stroke.also I assume your using the choke right

spdrcr79 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 01:23 PM

Take your plug out. With a folded in half piece of sandpaper sand between the two electrodes (where you gap the plug).
Fire it up, away you go!

speedyquad · #8 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 04:30 PM

not exactly...by changing your air filter, i am assuming you only replaced it witha stock one...if you put in an aftermarket filter, then you wil need to rejet. it is also possible that you need to rejet for the cold...air density is different in colder weather and requires a different amount of fuel.

but a little bit harder starting is normal in colder weather...some of the things you can do to help alleviate this is change to a free-er flowing oil in the winter, adjust your jetting for slightly colder temps, try to keep you bike inside of a warm garage(easy to say, hard to do), put an electric heater near the machine overnight before a ride(careful of fire).

and yes, honda's semma little harder to start when the temp drops.

DIRT286 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 06:20 PM

ok my honda dealer installed the HRC kit when it was new so i would assume that they would have jetted it back then, also I have had no problems until recently. It was hard to start before the air filter and I did put in a twin air but its still a foam type filter. Its also kept in a garage. I guess its just needs a lil tweaking for cold weather then. thanks fellas

speedyquad · #10 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 07:12 PM

the twin air will flow air a little better than the stocker, and since the bike comes a little lean from the factory, you might want to rejet yet again...it won't be much, just a size or 2. that will help out...you may even need to up your pilot jet by a size or 2 also...this will help more with your starting issues. i would also say that, with runnning lean like you are, you may have started an early death of your plug...get a new plug, rejet and then put in yet another new plug( i know the 450r plugs are expensive...but...)