For your information if you are still having starting problems and with a thanks to this group of contributors:
I followed Dr. D's methods, the Yamaha text methods and Ken's methods on my Brand New 2002 YZ250F and 20 kicks produced only a sore hip. My son can start it with one kick.
I read all your comments trying to figure out what to do because the bike IS a blast to ride.
I read where someone wrote that if you kicked it like a two stroke, you could kick till you were blue and never start it. That hit home. I have been on a YZ125.
But how to kick differently??
My son 6'12". He stands on his left leg and simply kicks it.
I can't do that with my 5'6" height. I can't kick l-o-n-g because my leg ends!!
Following someone's advice, I moved the kickstarter forward just shy of bumping the engine.
Started it on the second kick!!
I can lean forward and kick rearward slightly and apparently get the 'long' stroke in.
I started it again and again. Waited for it to get cold and started it again and again. Was finally able to set the fuel pilot screw.
So the bike does start easily as many of the comments state, but first you have to adjust it for your size!
Thanx for all your help, I never would have figured it out on my own.
Happy Rider.
