00 xr200 with lifan lf200 I transplant kicks like a mule

[mudmonger]

so my son cracked the case halves on his xr 200.no fixin that in any reasonable way so i order a lifan lf200 motor that was said to be a direct replacement.long story short after chopping a boss of the bottom of it so it would fit in the frame and filing out a 520 sprocket(cause i couldent find one that fit a 17mm shaft ANYWHERE) i finally was able to ride this thing.my problem now is it kicks back like a mule when i go to start it.it reluctantly fires off when its cold after a bruising my foot a bit but wont start at all once its warmed up.just keeps trying to break my leg.i suspect i should have gotten the cdi box that went with the motor instead of using the factory honda cdi.anyone know what might be going on here?

[mudmonger]

btw the thing runs and idles great if i can start it without getting injured.ive done my best to search the forums out in order to find a solution to my problem.sorry if ive missed something but any help would be greatly appreciated

[katoranger]

I think it is very possible that the CDI is causing your problem.

[Wild_Alaskan]

you could also try retarding the timing by re positioning the stator and/or pickup coil

[mudmonger]

i have the suggested cdi box coming.thanks for the reply guys..hey wild alaskan,are the stator screw mounts slotted or do i have to cut on this thing somemore?

[mudmonger]

and while ive got your attention,does anyone know where i can get a 13 tooth 520 sprocket for the 17mm shaft on this thing?ive got one rigged up but id rather have one that was right

[katoranger]

Check with Larry Hooper.

http://www.hooperimports.com/product.aspx?pf_id=CSS520-Vert

[Weldangrind]

JT sells them as well. Just measure the spline and start searching their site.

[moresnow]

If you figure out the hard starting please let us know. I have a 06 that has the same issue. I changed out the carb with one off ebay hoping it would help. No dice. Mine kicked back enough to ruin the elec. start shortly after I purchased it. After I get mine started it runs like a top. Frustrating. I've tried to enrichen the idle circuit with the adjustment screw and pulled the needle up one notch. Still a pain to start. No markings on the main and pilot jet doesn't help! I am thinking about installing a 30mm Mikuni off one of my snowmobile motors to at least have flexability in jetting.

[FastDoc]

and while ive got your attention,does anyone know where i can get a 13 tooth 520 sprocket for the 17mm shaft on this thing?ive got one rigged up but id rather have one that was right

Hooper Imports in Washington State.

[FastDoc]

This totally sounds like an advanced timing issue to me.

Is there a mechanical advancer on this engine that can be stuck?

[moresnow]

I dought it. I've not had it apart but would guess its a standard cdi system with the timing curve in the cdi? Initial timing is possibly adjustable on the stator ring but this motor has never been opened up. Anything is possible but having the stator ring slip and cause a out of time conditiion seems remote.

[FastDoc]

I'd be inclined to swap out the CDI for a stock Chinese specific version.

These Chinamotors usually start right up and purr out of the crate.

[moresnow]

Please understand I am not trying to hijack the original thread here! I just happen to have the same problem. My cdi is original china bike in a china bike as well.

[mudmonger]

so are you using a cdi that did not come with the motor also?

[mudmonger]

i just wanted some body to pat me on the head and tell me i was heading in the right direction.the more i thought about it,the honda motors exciter ran off the back of the cam and did have a centrifugal weight assembly on it so it makes sense that even though the bike ran great under acceleration and at idle ,the spark could be set up to come at a different time at very low rpm like start up

[FastDoc]

That makes sense to me.

Virtual pat on the on the head sent. :wink:

[katoranger]

I remember reports of "performance" CDIs giving a similar problem. The curve was too advanced and they would be hard to start. Ran great after they were started.

Suggest trying a stock Chinese CDI.

[SpudRider]

I agree with the others. ;) I would try a Chinese CDI unit. :) Although they are infamously lacking in robustness, they are certainly inexpensive, plentiful, and easy to replace. :)

Spud :)

[mudmonger]

when u say lacking in robustness do u mean they make for less power or that they puke out quickly?

[mudmonger]

maybe i should have ordered 2.besides i have to wire this thing in with spade connectors somehow.ive seen the harnesses for sale but so far everyone ive checked has been out of stock.all i need is the pigtail

[FastDoc]

They fail semi-frequently. I've had them fail in a few hundred miles, although some have lasted thousands. Cheap and easy to replace.

[SpudRider]

when u say lacking in robustness do u mean they make for less power or that they puke out quickly?
The make good power, but they are prone to failure. I usually need to replace my Zongshen CDI unit every 12,000 miles, or so. However, these CDI units are so inexpensive, it's not a major problem. The Japanese CDI units usually cost 4-5 times the price of the Chinese CDI units. ;)

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

maybe i should have ordered 2.besides i have to wire this thing in with spade connectors somehow.ive seen the harnesses for sale but so far everyone ive checked has been out of stock.all i need is the pigtail
Make sure the first, Chinese CDI unit works well for you. If it works well, then I do suggest you purchase another, spare CDI unit. ;) Also, the spare unit greatly facilitates troubleshooting the electrical system. :)

Spud :)