Even more of a newb, with even more newbish questions!

[ttr]

Hi all

Picked up a pretty good nick MK1 CRM today - will post pics at some point

Only thing is, this is my first two stroke, first offroader, and first bike with a kickstart. Matey who sold it to me showed me vaguely how starting it was done, but I must confess, I have now completely forgotten, and don't want to do anything stupid - haha!

I've been coddled by electric starts on my road bikes damnit, so what's the proper technique for starting her up?

Also am I being a massive prat or do the lights not work if the engine isn't running? God damn these rustic simple machines with their rustic simple technology that perplexes me utterly.

Also, warming the engine up.. What's the procedure?

Also the guy who sold it to me suggested I look into some trail tyres as they'd be more capable for the road in british winter - which would be good as I'd like to commute on her a bit aswell as green laning, to save the shinier bikes! At the moment the tyres look to be pretty serious knobblies, but I don't know - as I said, new to this offroader malarky. Anyway - can anyone recommend me some tyres that'll be a good compromise of offroad competancy and road manners?


Post script - tried searching, got a lot of "starting trouble.." type threads and so on, apologies if I've missed anything, feel free to beat me with a stick and link me to relevant threads.

Cheers & kind regards

ttr.

[knackeredMk1]

Welcome.

Starting from cold - infact any starting is a knack but CRMs are generally quite easy. switch petrol on, put choke on, wait about 30 seconds, pull out kickstart and feel for TDC then kick just putting 3/4mm of throttle on. When starts leave for a little time as you can with the choke on (you will find this out yourself) and switch choke off.

Sit for at least a minute with at least enough throttle for 'high speed idle'. Pull away but don't use full throttle before you feel the engine is warmed through. You may find the first one or two times you use more open throttle settings that the engine coughs a bit - It's just clearing its throat. Some variation around this theme but DO NOT work the engine hard when cold.

There is not battery so no lights if engine is not running.

[ttr]

Hi there

Right - so - no leaving the fuel tap to on then?

How do I feel for TDC? Bear with me, heh, I'm a fast learner, honest!!

[knackeredMk1]

Move the kickstart gently down until you feel most resistance and then let it back up again before kicking hard down.

Strictly speaking it's not TDC but it if often refered to as that.

[ttr]

Thanks - that's great! Had a go - first attempt was a wimpy pitiful kick... if she were able, she'd have sniggered at me at this point.. Second time she fired up great! Is there some knack to positioning yourself to do this? I found I could only do it standing on the pegs - and I'm pretty tall - guess this is normal?

[SkidMark]

Thanks - that's great! Had a go - first attempt was a wimpy pitiful kick... if she were able, she'd have sniggered at me at this point.. Second time she fired up great! Is there some knack to positioning yourself to do this? I found I could only do it standing on the pegs - and I'm pretty tall - guess this is normal?

I'm 5'10 and I start it with my left foot on the ground - never really thought about it before but I guess I learn forward into the bike (holding the front brake on) and then the kick is a sharp, but constant push through the full travel of the kick-start lever throw. Kick it through with the fuel and ignition off a couple of times just to get a feel for it. Till you perfect the art it will feel a bit strange but in no time it'll be second nature!!! No more being moddle-coddled

[bananaextreme]

Hi and welcome,
looks like the guys have covered the starting very well, and I find that CRMs are the best for a easy kick start.
Make sure you also use good quality 2 stroke oil
Keep an eye on your various fluid levels and change the gear box oil now and again.

As far as tyres are concerned I do about a 50 / 50 split to road and off road and have been very happy with my Mich T63's . Cope well off road and give good road grip.

Cheers