97 gas hard starting when cold

[bowtieracin]

I just got a 97 gas that’s very hard to start after sitting several hrs. I pump the peddle while choking and finally it will start. Once started it runs and starts great as long as your riding it. Any ideas ? Thanks

[Fairtax4me]

Carb probably needs to be cleaned. Not difficult to do, just need to be thorough about taking apart everything and blasting it out with compressed air and cleaner.

Make sure the throttle plate is closed all the way when it’s trying to start. When you push the go pedal, you should hear the throttle switch click, then push the pedal another 1/2” to 1” before the throttle cable starts to pull the lever on the carb.
The throttle should not open at all until after the switch on the throttle cam clicks. If it opens at the same time or before, you need to adjust the throttle cable and/or governor.

Would not hurt to replace the spark plug. NGK BKR5ES gap .028-.032”
Also would not hurt to make sure valve lash is correct at .005”.