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Anyone Have anything to say on small 2 stroke bikes?

  • 09-12-2005 8:33pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭


    Much to the annoyance of many people i have quite the soft spot for tiny little 2 stroke bikes like kawasaki ar80/ ar 125, Susuki rg80 etc.
    I'M well aware that theyre totally impractical for any kind of distances, tend to blow up fair a bit and are not very cool to most people but im just wondering if anyone else out there enjoys messing about with these things or has any constructve input?

    I find they can be hillarious fun because theyre so small and light. Really dangerous too actually seeing as you can easily overdo it.
    I dont want anyone coming on this thread just to brag about their zx9-r or 'Blade im just lookin for some discussion on small bikes for a change.
    FYI i do actually ride "proper" size bikes too. :v:


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,053 ✭✭✭✭murphaph


    well, the only thing I know about the ar80 is that it's the only bike my mate who's riding years has ever come off :D Too much fun apparently! I too would like a two stroke for a laugh but haven't got around to it yet...maybe someday an RS125 or summat...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    I'd concurr with your friend, the only things i've come off of are an old TS100 trail bike. an RG80 and an ar125. IT's sad you know.... i just cant seem to find any of these little gems in working order these days apart from my own Ts100 that i still have.

    those things (small two strokes) are hilarious to ride beacuse they're basically too small and light to be safe. You used to be able to buy loads of tuning stuff for an ar125 to bring it up to an actual 35 bhp which is just insane.
    I found the remains of an ar80 in a drainage ditch in a clare forest a few weeks ago. the poor thing had been almost stripped bare. obviously stolen but the frame seems ok.
    Id say dont bother wuth an rs125 because theyre too tempermental and the engines are ridiculously fragile. Know any little strokers lyin about?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,053 ✭✭✭✭murphaph


    Nah sorry, the only 2stroker I know lyin about is being fully restored by a friend of mine, it's a TDR125 (I think) and he's had the frame sand blasted and painted and is in the process of rebuilding it now. Should be a lovely thing when it's finished.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,463 ✭✭✭KTRIC


    murphaph wrote:
    Nah sorry, the only 2stroker I know lyin about is being fully restored by a friend of mine, it's a TDR125 (I think) and he's had the frame sand blasted and painted and is in the process of rebuilding it now. Should be a lovely thing when it's finished.


    A restored TDR :confused: !!! what year is it ??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,053 ✭✭✭✭murphaph


    K-TRIC wrote:
    A restored TDR :confused: !!! what year is it ??
    Dunno, he's doing two bikes at the moment a 1975 yamaha (scrambler type thing, 4T I think though) and this TDR. Why, what year did they start making them?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,463 ✭✭✭KTRIC


    murphaph wrote:
    Dunno, he's doing two bikes at the moment a 1975 yamaha (scrambler type thing, 4T I think though) and this TDR. Why, what year did they start making them?


    I though 1988 , it can need that much of a restoration then ??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,053 ✭✭✭✭murphaph


    K-TRIC wrote:
    I though 1988 , it can need that much of a restoration then ??
    Well he just bought a new front headlight fairing on ebay and the bike is in bits, he sent to cylinders off to england to be rebored and nikasil (i think) coated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,892 ✭✭✭madrab


    i like the smell of the older 2stroke bikes


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,847 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    My first bike ten years ago was a wee 1986 Suzuki GP100 stroker.
    Better around town than the asthmatic GN125 four-stroke but useless on long trips, and not really designed to accommodate a six-footer :(
    Two strokes over 50cc are thin on the ground these days, they tend to require lots of 'owner involvement' to keep them running once they lose the first flush of youth, are rapidly killed by tuning, and in recent years have been strangled to the point of uselessness by emissions regulations.
    Sad though as they have a raw but addictive feel to them which is hard to describe :)

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 224 ✭✭crazymonkey


    I too have a fondness of the little two strokers, I currently have a tzr and nsr 125's in my garage, my first bike was a suzuki ts100 and i would be willing to pay good money to get it back, i have had alot of two strokers over the years from dt's to rg's,,,


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    It's true about all the emissions bullsh*t. modern bikes in general are strangled by restrictive exhausts and emissions related "tuning" as in , they're deliberately tuned down.
    I'm not a huge fan of "modern" two strokes apart from the cagiva mito. it's mainly older ones. The one two stroke i will advise anyone to ride is a race tuned yamaha YZ490. Now that's more than a bit scary for anyone mildly sane.
    But back to the small strokers, I would like to make a point to the guy who said the bike he rode was too small to carry a six footer that it is the ridiculously light weight and small size of a small two strke bike that makes them so much fun. and the steering on most of them, especially suzuki RG's and Kawasaki AR's (which both have clip ons) is hilariously quick in the hands of someone who's not a 16 year old guy out trying not to come off in front of the local girls (no offence, i was the same once) and so has a bit more time to think about using the tight turning to maximum effect..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,847 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Well my one wasn't exactly sporty, 18" wheels so not too quick steering, and very high handlebars. I was more comfy sitting on the pillion seat :) could actually sit in such a way that my ar$e was behind the rear axle line, then whack open the throttle and do wheelies without touching the clutch :D

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    ninja900 wrote:
    Well my one wasn't exactly sporty, 18" wheels so not too quick steering, and very high handlebars. I was more comfy sitting on the pillion seat :) could actually sit in such a way that my ar$e was behind the rear axle line, then whack open the throttle and do wheelies without touching the clutch :D

    Oh no, i bet you didnt look half weird then..........

    Ah well i cant say much, i once took my old TS100 trail bike to dingle (FROM LIMERICK, too about 7 hours due to all my gear for camping and the fact it could only do 60mph flat out on a good day when it "felt like it".). While there i ended u pgiving my friend who id gone down to see a lift to the village, a simple enough journey of 6 miles or so, not so simple when she decided to bring her other friend from work though.
    we ended up going to town 3-up on the TS at 15 mph due to the weight and the errifying lack of balance with me sitting almost on the tank and the 2 girls behind me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,847 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Mentalist! :D

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    HA ha ha we all have to do something crazy or life would be boring. I admit that is not the most sane thing to be doing but why use my useful (but old and extremely rusty) ford sierra which can happily carry loads of gera and five people when i could use my TS100 instead and make everyone think i'm crazy.... which of course im not.. no... really


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    I have honda nsr125. I think it's a good bike for learning, small but looks smart :)
    But yesterday it was a bit windy and I was driving on the motorway with fear that any second I could be blown away...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    j@utis wrote:
    I have honda nsr125. I think it's a good bike for learning, small but looks smart :)
    But yesterday it was a bit windy and I was driving on the motorway with fear that any second I could be blown away...

    Yeah Nsr 125 is ok. I like the old ones more than new ones, they're more pure, problem with small bikes is as you said, the wind, especially on fully faired bikes, has you rearing for you life. I Rode my mates new Suzuki intruder 125 home for him because he's only starting out and didnt want start ot going straight out of meskell m/c's onto the dublin road and up that wind swept deathtrap road to birdhill. Scary as hell, id forgotten how useless the steering on cruisers was compared to the stuff ive been on in recent times such as Honda Bros's with clip-ons, CBR 250, Gixxer, little rg80's and ar80's which , given my rather robust/rugged build i just throw around the place and it's great criac, especially the looks i get from people wondering what the hell im at with my 6ft 3" 18stone self ridin a rg80s at full blast (55mph ha ha ha, but scary as fu*k!) through their village or town.

    You got your NSR de restricted? if not... DO IT, DO IT NOW! you know you want to:v:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    yeah, my nsr is deresctriced but it can do only 100km/h (and it's enough for me so far :rolleyes:). there's a problem with power valve, but I don't feel that confident yet to get deep into engine and change that small bit :o


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    j@utis wrote:
    yeah, my nsr is deresctriced but it can do only 100km/h (and it's enough for me so far :rolleyes:). there's a problem with power valve, but I don't feel that confident yet to get deep into engine and change that small bit :o

    W.T.F.? derestricted and doing 100km/h ? what lunacy is this? They can do that speed when still restricted! I think you've a significant problem dude! Rode my Rg80 this mornin for first time in ages, got used to the stupidly quick and light handling then rode my mates's Suzuki 125 Intruder cruiser he just got to learn on about an hour and half ago , nearly died. This thing is one heavy motherfu*ker for a 125! And it is incapable of turning and has about 3inches ground clearance when fully upright so on a very mild corner at about 45 mph and only leanin a little bit i bottomed out the right hand footpeg and exhaust ! holy sh1t! sparks flying! It can do about 115-117 KM/H even wuth my 18 stone self on it which was surprising.
    Anyway , i say fix the powervalve and try check why NSR only do 100k's . Derestricted one should do bout 85mph.

    PS anyone have any running 2strokes (sports or trail preferred) lyin aroun that they want to sell cheap for project/ fun/ general thrashing:) ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,885 ✭✭✭✭Akrasia


    Con_316 wrote:
    I'd concurr with your friend, the only things i've come off of are an old TS100 trail bike. an RG80 and an ar125. IT's sad you know.... i just cant seem to find any of these little gems in working order these days apart from my own Ts100 that i still have.

    those things (small two strokes) are hilarious to ride beacuse they're basically too small and light to be safe. You used to be able to buy loads of tuning stuff for an ar125 to bring it up to an actual 35 bhp which is just insane.
    I found the remains of an ar80 in a drainage ditch in a clare forest a few weeks ago. the poor thing had been almost stripped bare. obviously stolen but the frame seems ok.
    Id say dont bother wuth an rs125 because theyre too tempermental and the engines are ridiculously fragile. Know any little strokers lyin about?
    I used to own a Ts100 and it's the only bike I ever dropped as well. Maybe you own the same one I did? seein as we're from around the same area.

    2 strokes are mental and really dangerous, and to be honest i don't think they're worth it. I had a beautiful Cagiva Planet 125 which looked amazing but was extremely unreliable and no mechanics would touch it because of the unavailability of parts and the fact that 2 stroke engines are a pain in the ass to work with. I derestricted it and i could never get the jets on the carbs right so it kept running lean and ciesing the piston. When it went it was an absolute rocket, it could take anything up to about 40 miles an hour when the big bikes could accelerate better into the wind and it handled beautifully, but it was so danm unreliable.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    Akrasia wrote:
    I used to own a Ts100 and it's the only bike I ever dropped as well. Maybe you own the same one I did? seein as we're from around the same area.

    2 strokes are mental and really dangerous, and to be honest i don't think they're worth it. I had a beautiful Cagiva Planet 125 which looked amazing but was extremely unreliable and no mechanics would touch it because of the unavailability of parts and the fact that 2 stroke engines are a pain in the ass to work with. I derestricted it and i could never get the jets on the carbs right so it kept running lean and ciesing the piston. When it went it was an absolute rocket, it could take anything up to about 40 miles an hour when the big bikes could accelerate better into the wind and it handled beautifully, but it was so danm unreliable.

    My ts100 is a '92. It's a black TS100 ERD but i think it might have been a different colour before. It also seems to be a slightly older model than the year it's reg has.
    As for the Planet, with that bike you basically had the most horrible tempermental 2 stroke engine ever. Those engines were awful... powerful but stupidly unreliable. the main problem was how little quality control Cagiva udid while building them. The Mito is the same, a shame because they're about the only 125 bike to get 100mph from just de restricting it. Although, that said, I did once have a TZR 125 which was de restricted, had a race exhaust and powervalve and gould get an indicated 115mph (probably only 95-100 if you factor in the inaccuracy of the speedometer's on bikes) but the engine was over revving like mad at that stage. I think it had a rebore done before i got it though


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 30 Finch-


    j@utis wrote:
    yeah, my nsr is deresctriced but it can do only 100km/h (and it's enough for me so far :rolleyes:). there's a problem with power valve, but I don't feel that confident yet to get deep into engine and change that small bit :o

    Its derestricted and it can only do 100kmh? I just bought a brand new 75cc nsr bout 3 months ago and it can do the clock, 120kmh. Pretty sure its restricted.

    What sort of problems are u havin with the power valve?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    Finch- wrote:
    Its derestricted and it can only do 100kmh? I just bought a brand new 75cc nsr bout 3 months ago and it can do the clock, 120kmh. Pretty sure its restricted.

    What sort of problems are u havin with the power valve?

    You dont need to restrict a nsr 75cc to comply with A1 licence requirements as it's not that powerful anyway. It will however probably only be doing about 110 to 115kmh due to innacuracy of the speedo. Still theyre about the easiest 2stroke to live with, which is good.

    Yeah, that's pretty odd isnt it that the de restricted 125 NSR is doin 100k only. Yes it's fast enough if it's yer first bike or whatever but those things should do 95 MPH, (dunno what is in kmh but its well over 100) when de restricted.
    Out of interest.... Anyone got a small 2 stroke (80 to 250cc, not an mx bike, had my fill of them for a while) lying around? Preferably working? or know of one, around limerick area or close preferably?

    @Mods: please do not move this even though it has a line looking for a bike, i'd like it to stay in this 2 stroke thread seeing as it's mainly out of interest to see if there's anything there and also im trying to keep my little 2 stroke thread alive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,515 ✭✭✭batman_oh


    ive an almost mint rs250, pretty much restored to new now
    sittin in a garage unused!
    if that wud be considered small 2 stroke
    they are also far far easier to work on than 4 strokes so any garage that says they are complicated must be crap!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    batman_oh wrote:
    ive an almost mint rs250, pretty much restored to new now
    sittin in a garage unused!
    if that wud be considered small 2 stroke
    they are also far far easier to work on than 4 strokes so any garage that says they are complicated must be crap!

    Complicated no, a bit hit and miss with the process of getting them to consistantly run properly yes.

    Well, the rs250 fits into my little description but they do tend to be a bit on the pricy side for me to buy if you're sellin it. They're lovely bikes to ride though way better than a rs125 which are too tempermental). Fits in to small 2 stroke perfectly though. i rode a race tuned one before and it was mental. great craic.
    I think i might just make a general 2 stroke thread soon (or someone else can if they want) because there seems to be quite a bit more interest in 2 strokes than i'd expected to find.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    Finch- wrote:
    Its derestricted and it can only do 100kmh? I just bought a brand new 75cc nsr bout 3 months ago and it can do the clock, 120kmh. Pretty sure its restricted.

    What sort of problems are u havin with the power valve?

    I suspect that that bloody thing just doesn't open when it's supposed to, so bike doesn't rev more than 7k in 5th/6th. That might be easy to fix... But I'm very new to biking, have very little of understanding how do these machines work and... I'm not even a guy, but a girl, and my housemates give me wry looks when I run around the house with carburettor in my hands :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,294 ✭✭✭Pigeon Reaper


    Your housemates will get used to the idea of you running around with bike parts. The girl excuse doesn't hold water with me as my Girlfriend fixes my bike. There's a motorbike maintaince course starting in Ballyfermot at the end of the month. It might be worth going to if you want to learn more. I'm wondering if you're loosing some of the vaccum resulting in the powervalve not opening....

    PS don't get grease and oil all over the house, the housemates will never get used to that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    Your housemates will get used to the idea of you running around with bike parts. The girl excuse doesn't hold water with me as my Girlfriend fixes my bike. There's a motorbike maintaince course starting in Ballyfermot at the end of the month. It might be worth going to if you want to learn more. I'm wondering if you're loosing some of the vaccum resulting in the powervalve not opening....

    PS don't get grease and oil all over the house, the housemates will never get used to that.


    I'd agree with that.

    @ OP Try and check if all your gaskets are good and that you're not getting air leaking in through the sparkplug hole or into a gap at the manifold (the inlet one). That could make it not rev as it'll have too much are and not enough fuel. What does it feel/ sound like when you're at 7000 in 5th and 6th? is it goiong reasnoably normally or is it misfiring?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    2Pigeon Reaper: I thought that power valve was controled by servo motor...

    2Con_316: My bike feels nice and smooth in higher gears @7k, but it's complete opposite in 1, 2.

    Ok, thanks for vacuum idea guys, gonna check that tomorrow.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,909 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Con_316 wrote:
    My ts100 is a '92. It's a black TS100 ERD but i think it might have been a different colour before. It also seems to be a slightly older model than the year it's reg has.
    The TS series dates back to the mid 70's so I am not surprised that your machine seems older than the reg;)
    I had a TS100ER too, a 94 model wicklow reg. Fantastic little machine reliable as a stone and parts were so cheap, as was insurance and tax.I would get another one if I could get a good one.
    I really rate small 2T Bikes especially non powervalved ones.
    The biggest problem is that most modern watercooled bikes need full synthetic and most owners try and feed them mineral or Semi syn which gums up the PV quite quickly.
    I have a RMX250S which I wouldn't consider a small machine but plenty of fun for bogs and such.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,208 ✭✭✭The Doktor


    I`ve an AS1, in mint condition. Love to take it for a spin on the back roads every now and then... great fun :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    j@utis wrote:
    2Pigeon Reaper: I thought that power valve was controled by servo motor...

    2Con_316: My bike feels nice and smooth in higher gears @7k, but it's complete opposite in 1, 2.

    Ok, thanks for vacuum idea guys, gonna check that tomorrow.


    Ok well i'd say the smooth engine in the top gears rules out a timing problem or a spark problem. Specifically what's the engine like in 1st and 2nd? makin horrible over revvin "spitty" sort of sounds or just really peaky? second one bein normal.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    @CJ Haughey I know the TS design in general is old but what i mean is exact spec and some parts seem to be different, as in my bike and a guy i know's bike , Both reg '92 are quite different. Neither has been changed much at all but mine has a slightly different exhaust, seat and different clocks, it's the same as one i borrowed in spain befor except that one was a '86. I think my bike could have been a parallel omport or else an older one lying idle in a showroom or warehouse until '92. I beleive it was actually Black first, then White, then black again. Then Matt black after i attacked it with a spray can to hide the sh1te other paint and rust. Thought i might as well make it into a rat seeing as it's a bit of a wreck but basically works.
    Anyway, whatever it's a great little bike.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    Con_316 wrote:
    Ok well i'd say the smooth engine in the top gears rules out a timing problem or a spark problem. Specifically what's the engine like in 1st and 2nd? makin horrible over revvin "spitty" sort of sounds or just really peaky? second one bein normal.

    I'd say the first one, but not that 'horrible over revin'. It's just not smooth, power level goes up and down at the constant throttle openings, and bike goes hitchy :(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    j@utis wrote:
    I'd say the first one, but not that 'horrible over revin'. It's just not smooth, power level goes up and down at the constant throttle openings, and bike goes hitchy :(

    That aint no fun, sh1t i'd have to ride and hear it to be more sure.
    If the power is fluctuating(sp?) at a constant level of throttle, then that's not so good. I'd a Rg125 a few years ago and it did that. Id to replace the carb because the actual parts that opened and shut to let fuel in were loose and so sattled around, it still wasnt quite right though so i ended up having to change the ignition system because it was off kilter and affecting the timing. Where are you based because if you're anywhere near limerick there's a great old mechanic guy who used to do all the police bikes years ago and now does mainly old small stuff , and 2 strokes, that nobody else will touch. He was always good with anything i brought him. To my shame i cant recall the man's name at present but he still works from a tiny old workshop opposite the side of the moose bar in limerick. It's near the fire station. He might be able to sort it for you as he doesnt seem afraid of getting stuck into a problem bike.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    ah lads time to re kindle the 2 stroke thread:mad:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    Con_316 wrote:
    That aint no fun, sh1t i'd have to ride and hear it to be more sure.
    If the power is fluctuating(sp?) at a constant level of throttle, then that's not so good. I'd a Rg125 a few years ago and it did that. Id to replace the carb because the actual parts that opened and shut to let fuel in were loose and so sattled around, it still wasnt quite right though so i ended up having to change the ignition system because it was off kilter and affecting the timing. Where are you based because if you're anywhere near limerick there's a great old mechanic guy who used to do all the police bikes years ago and now does mainly old small stuff , and 2 strokes, that nobody else will touch. He was always good with anything i brought him. To my shame i cant recall the man's name at present but he still works from a tiny old workshop opposite the side of the moose bar in limerick. It's near the fire station. He might be able to sort it for you as he doesnt seem afraid of getting stuck into a problem bike.

    My bike might have ignition timing problem, besides it refuses to start for me now. Spark plug gives spark, fuel gets into, starter turns over the engine, but it doesn't start.
    I have this bike for more than two months now and I've been driving it for 2week the most. All the rest of the time it's broken down (what a piece of sh1t).
    All I love it for is its look - small, but smart :rolleyes:, but the way it goes... ooops, sorry it doesn't go...

    ps. where I'm based it's written just below the nickname on the left :) Wish I lived in Limerick. Can't get anybody good in 2strokes in Bray.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,909 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Start by draining the tank make sure there is no rust and Shít in the tank and the fuel tap.
    Work down from there making sure that the carb is clean and the float bowl isn't full of crud.
    Check float height is OK and make sure the valve isn't worn like Con says.
    Look into all the little holes where the jets screw in and make sure they are clear.
    Make sure the pilot and Mainjet aren't blocked but don't stick any wire into the openings unless you have spare jets.
    Check the smooth operation of the throttle.
    Clean airfilter and replace if necessary.
    then start with ignition diagnosis


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    CJhaughey wrote:
    Start by draining the tank make sure there is no rust and Shít in the tank and the fuel tap.
    tick
    Work down from there making sure that the carb is clean and the float bowl isn't full of crud.
    tick
    Check float height is OK and make sure the valve isn't worn like Con says.
    tick
    Look into all the little holes where the jets screw in and make sure they are clear.
    tick
    Make sure the pilot and Mainjet aren't blocked but don't stick any wire into the openings unless you have spare jets.
    tick
    Check the smooth operation of the throttle.
    tick
    Clean airfilter and replace if necessary.
    tick

    Well, I'm not realy sure about the float level in the carb, but the bike was running with that before.
    I wanted to go for a small spin last Saturday, bike started with no problem, I let engine to warm up; I went down the road, but did only about 200metres and then engine just cut off. :(:( And it doesn't want to start anymore. The spark plug is wet of petrol when I take it out after several atempts to start the bike. :(:(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭Tomohawk


    3 sides to the triangle to diagnose a bike that won't start. /_\

    3 main things to check: Spark, Fuel, Compression.

    1) Is there a spark from the spark plug? No, then its an electrical system problem.
    2) Fuel: is the spark plug wet? (is the engine getting fuel?) No, then a fuel system problem.
    3) If you have both of these above working, then i'ts a compression problem. :(

    This simple diagnosis works for 2-strokes bikes and Vespas (and Lambrettas too I suppose :rolleyes: ). I know its simple but I find it easy to remember and a good tip for learners.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18 GavinPJQuinn


    My first bike was a 84 AR125.Excellent wee bike and never gave me any trouble only the exhaust breaking,which I welded, the gear selector seal leaking,bout £10 fixed that and the baffle in the pipe blew out which was dear enough at the time.About £25 I think.Couldnt afford the insurance on it and sold it.Bought a DT80LC to replace the AR.That was great fun wheelies wherever I could although it would only do about 60mph flat out. 6th gear eventually gave up so it went in part exchande for an RG80.What a heap of scrap that was, it had a hard life before I got it.Electrics broke my heart and after a near miss with a tree one night when the lights were playing up I decided it had to go.That brought me to a 1992 NSR125.That bike was the greatest bike I had at that time.I kept it for a year and a half which included a trip to the IOM TT with GSXR750s ZZR1100 CBR6/9 CBR400s and a few Kwaks.Not a chance with machinery like this but did me proud on my 1st trip to the TT.
    Not long after that the piston ring broke.That was my own fault, they were due to be replaced 5,000 miles previous but I was unemployed at the time and could just afford the insurance and fully synthetic oil I insisted on.
    A crowd in England relined the cylinder with one from an RD125LC and supplied a piston/rings/small end bearing to suit.Fitted all the parts and away it went.Although there was this small tapping noise that never got any worse nor did it improve.
    Eventually the job situation didnt improve so I packd my bags and headed across the water selling the NSR to a neighbour.He rode it for another 20,000 miles before he stuck it into a tree ending its life.There was over 45,000 miles on it when he made bits of it and Im sure it would of hit 50,000 no problem.
    It still amazes me that the gearbox or any major components gave any trouble apart from the piston rings and a rear wheel bearing but that was through neglect and lack of maintenance.
    Once I got to England I needed two wheels like heroin addictsneeds a fix, so I found the cleanest but not standard RD350YPVS LCII.I couldnt believe how this had been looked after.Powder coated frame,chrome all speeds and just had a fresh coat of paint too.The owner had just had a new water pump and seals fitted and had the receipts too prove it.I had to have. For the tiny amount of £400 sterling,she was mine. Rode it round for 3 years with no problems only loosing the keys once.Again my fault (and Arthur Guinness)
    That bike was and still is amazing, friends over there on CBR400s FZR400 YZF750 could not believe how I could stay with them on back roads but once it came to straight stretch or motorway the LC was f**ked.That was it only down fall, but other than that I couldnt complain.1st gear wheelie 2nd gear same just brilliant it was.
    Eventually I had enough of that kip and moved back home bring the LC with me.I put it in the back of a friends truck and shipped her home.Once home I rode her round for a while til the gearbox gave up and into the garage it went.
    The job I got had a company car with it too so the LC got forgotten, out of pure laze I will admit.
    Without sounding like a p**or a bragging a***ole, at this minute I have a TLR1000 (amazing) an GSXR750J (old but fun) a CBR600F4i (better than I ever will be) a Bandit 600 (heavy but always starts) and the LC in my garage but I can safely say my 2 stroke days were the best of my life and mainly the reason I will never ever get rid of the LC.
    Sorry the story was a bit long but it felt great to tell it and to share it with some like minded nutters.

    texastornado35@hotmail.com
    I feel sorry for the poor wee thing sitting in the garage for the last 4 years.
    Enjoy the sceal, ride safe.
    Gavin.:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Con_316


    not at all, story was very interesting. there was me giving out the other day about the thread goin dead and shur didnt my modem break so i couldnt even be on and contribute myself.
    In work nw so must leave just now. Well done on sharing the story. Make sure you become a regular on here, even if it's only to remember your past antics, tis all interesting. Sure there's not many who still like 2 strokes so tis good to share some 2 stroke stories etc. As for the rg80 i'm very surprised, i've had 7 and not one's been too dodgy apart from me blowing 2 engines, but that's abuse on my part.....
    AR125, excellent! love those. read back through the posts there and you'll see some of my past escapades, proving the point that you're not the only one who rants on a bit, i'm well capable


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18 GavinPJQuinn


    The Rg was a bucket of scrap that had been abused by god knows how many before me.Im sure they are graet wee bikes as there was so many on the road when I had mine.I just had a bad one and bought it blind folded.
    It was the full fairing and the GSXR looks that sold it for me.My own wee gixer I used to think.Sad I know.Ive just remember a lad up the road from me had one in the Pepsi colours,that was the bike to have.Cant remember if was a standard Suzuki paint job or was it after market.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 177 ✭✭Elfish


    j@utis wrote:
    tick
    tick
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    tick
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    Well, I'm not realy sure about the float level in the carb, but the bike was running with that before.
    I wanted to go for a small spin last Saturday, bike started with no problem, I let engine to warm up; I went down the road, but did only about 200metres and then engine just cut off. :(:( And it doesn't want to start anymore. The spark plug is wet of petrol when I take it out after several atempts to start the bike. :(:(

    Check your coils - they are known to fail like this when they 'heat up' so to speak. For this type of failure, your best bet is trial by substitution, as the coils will give the proper primary and secondary static reading - its only when they are working that they fail. Sometimes a very slight crack on your coil may point towards this type of failure.

    It doesn't sound to me as if you have any fueling problem ... how does the engine sound as it cuts out? (ie does it putter to a halt as if it ran out of fuel, or does it sound to be very sharp intermittent failure as if it is just about to catch again??).

    Let us know how it goes for ya


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    Elfish wrote:
    Check your coils - they are known to fail like this when they 'heat up' so to speak. For this type of failure, your best bet is trial by substitution, as the coils will give the proper primary and secondary static reading - its only when they are working that they fail. Sometimes a very slight crack on your coil may point towards this type of failure.

    It doesn't sound to me as if you have any fueling problem ... how does the engine sound as it cuts out? (ie does it putter to a halt as if it ran out of fuel, or does it sound to be very sharp intermittent failure as if it is just about to catch again??).

    Let us know how it goes for ya

    I'm getting an ohmmeter to check the resistance on the ignition coil and so.

    I'm trying to remember the moment when engine stalled... er... I just remember revs suddenly went down and wider opening of the throttle had no effect. It definitely was different from running out of fuel...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭Tomohawk


    Snapped throttle cable perhaps? Is there any sensation when you move the throttle back and forth?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 177 ✭✭Elfish


    Tomohawk wrote:
    3 sides to the triangle to diagnose a bike that won't start. /_\

    3 main things to check: Spark, Fuel, Compression.

    1) Is there a spark from the spark plug? No, then its an electrical system problem.

    Good advice, one thing to be wary of (eventually found out thru a v difficult experience once upon a time when to diagnose non starting bike!) is that sometimes you may get a spark when the plug is removed from cylinder, but that same plug won't spark when under the more difficult conditions of being in the engine.

    To cut a long story short, I once had a dodgey CDI unit which was providing a sufficent spart to jump 1/4 inch in air, provided engine was turned over only for around 2-3 seconds. But if it was left turning over for around longer, the spark broke down after 12-15 seconds .... so the moral is that sometimes you CAN have an electrical fault EVEN if you appear to be getting a spark for a few seconds.

    Thats the problem with elec problems - all isn't as it seems at first look! You would be very unlucky to have the above CDI fault though, so I'd still go with checking coil(s) + HT lead(s) for good connection too! BTW your spark should be blue in colour and visible in daylight, so beware weak orangey coloured spark too!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    Tomohawk wrote:
    Snapped throttle cable perhaps? Is there any sensation when you move the throttle back and forth?

    Nope, it's not that. I took off the air filter of the bike when I pushed it back home. Throttle valve is working properly.
    The spark plug is new and gives big blue sparks.
    Waiting for ohmmeter now. Hope it'll help to find out the problem. (dont wanna buy a new cdi as it's kinda expensive stuff).
    I've read somewhere that it's possible to chech compression with holding your thumb over the spark plug hole and turning the engine over and if you can hold the pressure with your thumb, it means compression is too low. Sounds a bit scary though...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 177 ✭✭Elfish


    j@utis wrote:
    I've read somewhere that it's possible to chech compression with holding your thumb over the spark plug hole and turning the engine over and if you can hold the pressure with your thumb, it means compression is too low. Sounds a bit scary though...

    Do it, its a good indicator and it won't hurt! Make very sure that you ground your spark lead(s) though, so you might need a helper to do grounding for you (or just use a set of jump leads connected from spark plug body to frame/batt -ve). Othewise you could do more damage than good, even though the ign system will take a bit of this sort of abuse.....

    On your valveless two stroke engine (one less thing to worry about before compression test ha ha), another possible indicator of poor compression (without having to do a proper compression test) is that your plug is fouled up with oil. Its just a pointer though, better to use the "see if you can hold thumb on cylinder" method.

    From your description (ie bike cut out quickly), you are unlikely to be having compression problems - it did start just 200m beforehand - so I'd be thinking that your problem is way more likely to be electrics. Check simple stuff first - is HT lead connection ok? Then move back thru coil etc...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    Thumb compression test - passed. :)

    After several attempts to start it, maybe 10 or more :(, it started and ran for 3secs :(:(. Gave more throttle for it - no effect. I suspect carb again. Getting bigger jets in few days, so gonna strip off carb and change old ones with a bit bigger ones.

    Btw, it's not that easy to check connections and etc, cause all engine is deep in dirt. Its previuos owner used to ride it on dirty country roads...


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