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I'm having a starting problem, but a little different...

Impossible to start when cold but you can start it with your hand (after you get past the "clank" of the compression release) when its hot....... I literally started it with my hand yesterday when hot w/o using the hot start.

Any ideas?

Mods:
AP
42 pilot jet (robbed from a 450R I had)
3.5 turns out on fuel screw
Stock main
Stock filter
Stock pipe
@ Sea level

Valves were checked yesterday and found to be perfectly in spec and in great shape, bike has about 15 hours (estimated)

I ordered the JD jet kit today, maybe this will help the starting, but I have my doubts.

Thoughts?

You should try a 48 pilot, helped ours out a lot. The fact that you have your fuel screw so far out backs that up. Too lean on the pilot. The JD kit helps it run better, but doesn't have pilot jet included and doesn't really touch on correct pilot set-up, just needle and main. Also do the o-ring mod to the AP linkage.

3.5 turns out on fuel screw

That maybe to much it should be a round 2 turn
You could always try a 45 pilot jet

Thanks for the reply.
I just installed a JD kit with the 145 main and a 42 pilot jet, went 2.5 turns out on fuel screw, installed a zip tye racing fuel screw too.
Still impossible to start...........

Removed the "safety wired" AP mod the previous owner did, my son is stepping up from a KLX-125 with NO power, it'll be an easier transition for him. We'll do the mod later when he wants more power.

Ordered a 45 pilot jet, should have it installed on Tuesday............I can't see how this small jump will make a big difference.

Nick Susco wrote:You should try a 48 pilot, helped ours out a lot. The fact that you have your fuel screw so far out backs that up. Too lean on the pilot. The JD kit helps it run better, but doesn't have pilot jet included and doesn't really touch on correct pilot set-up, just needle and main. Also do the o-ring mod to the AP linkage.

My JD kit that arrived yesterday did have a pilot jet included, a 42.

This isn't that complicated.
I'd note what Nick said, they had the same problem with the same bike and it fixed theirs running the 48.
JD makes great stuff, but as mentioned they didn't touch on the low speed stuff in this case.
If you're kicking the daylights out of this bike and it's not flooded, then your pilot isn't big enough. The only other likely problem is that the fuel screw isn't out far enough. One or the other.
So, if your fuel screw needs to be out more than 2.5 turns what's that mean ?
It means you need a bigger pilot.
If it doesn't start right up at 2.5 turns out or less, then install the next bigger pilot, and yes, if it takes a 48 to do the job then it does.
I'd run the JD settings exactly as recommended, but this pilot thing should be addressed first.
Engine turning over and dry plug ?
= plugged pilot or pilot too small.
or fuel screw not out far enough. If more than 2.5 out then go with a bigger pilot. Doug

So, if your fuel screw needs to be out more than 2.5 turns what's that mean ?

That eazy it regulated fuel. The mixture will be leaner if it is screwed in and richer if screwed out.
Oh I forget but this just an idea check and make sure that your fuel screw has an o-ring washer and spring

try a larger pilot jet (45-48 ). keep the fuel screw within 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 turns out from lightly seated. to start the bike when cold, give it 3-4 blips of the throttle at most and kick it, it should start pretty quick then. i can start my bike with my hand hot or cold with the blips when cold.