Kickstart starting problems

[Silver]

No, not problems starting Keith, problems starting my Honda XLR250.

I haven't ridden it for a month or so, but got it out of the garage to start it tonight and the bastard doesn't want to know I've now got an aching leg from jumping up and down on the bastard! I can't see I'm doing anything obvious wrong or stupid. There's fuel in the tank, and I've even put it on reserve, just in case. The lights come on when I'm kicking it, and it spluttered a couple of times but didn't catch. Now, as far as I'm aware these don't have batteries (I certainly can't find one) so I'm at a bit of a loss what to try next.

Is jump starting an option (never tried it on a bike ). Can't see that being anymore effective than me jumping up and down on the kickstart though.

Any ideas welcome...

Thanks!

[Korn]

A few things to check:

1) Is there a spark? Unscrew the plug but leave it connected to the lead and get your girlie to hold it against the motor while you kick it over, it should produce a spark...

2) If there is no spark, have a poke at the ignition (yours has a key, I think?) and kill switch wiring to make sure none of it is causing the trouble. If that's fine suspect the coil.

3) If you get a spark but it still won't catch it might be worth draining the carb to clear out any crap, or stick in on the second level of the choke and kick over for a while holding in the decomp lever, then try normal starting again.
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3516 Miles, 11 Countries

[finpos]

Either (1) find a nice hill, get on the bike, paddle it down the hill then clutch in, stick it in 2nd and clutch out, or (2) run alongside the bike on a flat surface pushing it 'til you are about to collapse, jump on and do the same. If it doesn't start, either push it back up the hill (1) or pick it off the floor (2). Make sure you had the ignition on/kill off, if you didn't, try again.

If it was ok before it's rest, it will probably start by bumping it. otherwise korn is spot on.

fin.

[stinkwheel]

If there is no battery, no point in jumping it. Trying for a bump may not hurt except in a muscular way

First check for a spark as described. Make sure it is a good spark and not a shitty jumping to the side of the plug one. It should be fat, blue and jumping directly between the electrodes.

That being all ok, try sticking a few drops of raw petrol down the plug hole then give it a good old swing. Make sure you have it on the sweet-spot before you jump on the fucker.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Nath]

Tried some 'easystart' or similar?
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Hard livin', hard luck.