My 2007 Ninja 250 takes ages to warm up, even in 90 degree+ weather?

Question

I just bought this cycle yesterday "used" but with only 650 miles on it.

Boy was I in for a scare when I started it up...gave it choke for about ten seconds then stepped on the throttle for a few seconds then let it idle (like I did for my MSF training course on Kawasaki Eliminator 125s with no problems).

However with the Ninja it stalled and repeated the same thing about 10 times in a row with nothing but stalls.

Then I left the choke on for several (4 or so) minutes and the thing finally could idle without stalling and started to feel "normal" rather than lethargic. Another odd thing is that my clutch doesn't appear to slip fully until the bike is warmed up and I can not find the fuel/reserve/vacuum switch at all.

I am a new rider...but, again, none of the bikes I used for the MSF training seemed to have these problems. Is there something wrong with my bike, should I do something different at start-up (perhaps involving a "hidden" fuel value), should I take this in for repair...or is this a normal problem with 2007 Ninja 250s?

Answer 1

Well, such a new bike with low mileage, I would assume the previous owner(s) would not have even bothered taking the manual out.  Look some where on your bike for a lock box or under your seat for the manual, this should help in locating things like the petcock (the fuel "switch").  The petcock should be pretty visible but try to find a fuel line coming out of the gas tank and trace it down.  You should find the petcock somewhere along that line.  Normally, I would think, it would be on the opposite side that the carburater/air intake is on.

As for your cold start issue.  It is possible the fuel may be a little bad.  You may want to put some fuel treatment in there, such as Stabil which should clear up bad fuel and clean the lines and carb, jets, etc.  I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 and these bikes are known to be cold blooded.  At least five minutes in cold weather to get it properly warmed up and it is just the nature of the motor, not a problem, same issue with cars.  Even in the heat, if I haven't ridden the bike all day (perhaps, more tha 8 hours or so) then it may take a minute or two for it to warm up.  I have to pull the choke out all the way.  I typically do not hold the throttle open though unless it is really cold.  The bike should start up and run just fine with just the choke out to lean the fuel mixture.

Good luck.  If the problem persist, take it in to get checked out.

Answer 2

some bikes are cold starters.. i don't own a ninja but mine is the same way.... i have to either leave the choke on or give it gas to keep it running unitl it gets warmed up.... after it's warmed up tho it'll idle indefinately just fine...

i wouldn't mess with the idle s***w if i were you.. it needs to be adjusted when the bike is at operating tempature... which idling isn't your problem, cold idling is.

Answer 3

its not too unusual to need several minutes of choke . did the engine temp gauge move in to the green?.being water cooled they take longer . after 4 minutes it fails to be responsive you may have a problem. with such low mileage your 1st or 2nd service is not far away,get the carbs balanced and the mixture screws set to factory settings.when i worked for kawasaki i always found they arent set from the factory,the mechanic should set them at pre delivery or 1st service.other symtoms of  lean mixture are engine fluktating at very light throttle.eg crusing at 50 mph..get a good mechanic it can make a good bike great.

Answer 4

look in the manual or online and find out where the idle s***w is, start it up and play with the idle s***w until it idles nice. It might also just need a jet adjustment or replacement. not a big deal  

Answer 5

i just needs a service...

mos 250 take a bit to warm up but it sounds to  me that it just needs a minor service

Answer 6

a simple carb tune will fix this, anytime I ride from south to the north of the us my bikes hard to start up north, compared to where I live in the south.