Soon to be Xr650R Owner..Decompressor?

[Sixotoo]

Sorry if this is a dumb question but what exactly is the decompressor lever used for? Is it used under normal riding conditions / situations or only for starting? I remember when I was a kid (I'm 47 now) a neighbor had a Honda 125 that had a compression release that he used constantly while riding. I assume that a compression release lever and a decompressor are the same thing. Is the auto-decompressor designed for easier starting or only to control kickback while starting?

BTW I am picking up a 2000 XR650R on Wednesday!! I'm so excited. Current owners says everything is still stock except for gas tank and street kit so I will have some work to do before spring. Can't wait.

[martinfan30]

Sorry if this is a dumb question but what exactly is the decompressor lever used for? Is it used under normal riding conditions / situations or only for starting? I remember when I was a kid (I'm 47 now) a neighbor had a Honda 125 that had a compression release that he used constantly while riding. I assume that a compression release lever and a decompressor are the same thing. Is the auto-decompressor designed for easier starting or only to control kickback while starting?

BTW I am picking up a 2000 XR650R on Wednesday!! I'm so excited. Current owners says everything is still stock except for gas tank and street kit so I will have some work to do before spring. Can't wait.

The auto -decomp is used for easier starting. You dont need to use the decomp lever unless starting.

[husky123]

makes it much easier to get that massive piston just past TDC.

[XR4DEZ]

Good to use to clear the bike out after a crash.

[Old_Man_Time]

Also they are used for compression starting down a hill. Just pull it in while rolling and slowly release. The rear wheel never slides and the bike just starts.

[Maroast]

Good to use to clear the bike out after a crash.

Yup.

With the ignition switch off, crack the throttle wide-open and hold it. with your left hand pull and hold the decomp lever and kick the bike swiftly 10-20 times (depending on how bad you flooded it).

Then close the throttle, turn the power on, find top-dead....and one nice swift kick should light er up.

If the bike your getting has an edelbrock carb on it, then this little dance is rarely needed or used.

[Thunderbug]

And the little lever ting-a-lings at RPM and gives you something to listen to.

[XR4DEZ]

And the little lever ting-a-lings at RPM and gives you something to listen to.

Yep, so I wear earplugs and chew gum.

[Suikerland]

Also they are used for compression starting down a hill. Just pull it in while rolling and slowly release. The rear wheel never slides and the bike just starts.

I just learned something new.

BTW I used ride an old XT500, always used the decompression when starting. It had a fierce kickback.

But on my 650R I never use the decomp. Just push the kickstart slowly an inch past TDC, then back a bit, then big kick.