KX250 VForce3 Reed Install

[@HTMR]

OK. I'm going to post vids & blog post on how I jetted my bike, which was running rich in stock form. I ended up dropping pilot from 52 to 48, ordered the next leaner needle, and dropped the main from 160 to 158. It really cleaned up the plug and made it more crisp. I could go leaner, but I'm happy with the way it is now and will leave as is. I can't make any specific recommendations for your bike without all the details, but they are rich from the factory!

[@HTMR]

48 pilot, air screw 1.25 out, NAFG needle stock clip location, 158 main. Plug looks great and no spooge. I'm at 700 above sea level and ride in 70-80° weather.

[@HTMR]

My 01' was rich from the factory. I leaned it out some with the pilot, needle, & main. Runs good now. Make sure you check the compression and verify what jetting you have. I have vids on both. Report back what you find.

[@geekgod420]

Thanks for the video. I just picked up an 01 kx250 yesterday so I will be going through the intake and carb to check everything and install some vforce 3 reeds. This will help a lot.

[@HTMR]

Cool. Email me a pic, I'd love to see it.

[@HTMR]

I don't know exactly, but most of the fuel/air mix will shoot right back into the airbox.

[@clashclans5238]

I got a kit it came with 2 gaskets , for a 2003 kx 250 guessing one is just extra ? I couldn’t tell if you used 2 gaskets or just 1 and the carb boot acts as a gasket in the other side ..

[@HTMR]

No problem.

[@HTMR]

I'll keep that in mind, thanks!

[@622mason]

Did you carburetor sit at a funny angle after installing this reed valve? Mine hits the lower left corner bolt of the VForce reed block which prevents my carb from sitting straight up and down. The carb is at a pretty steep angle and if I lean the bike over the smallest bit fuel comes out of the float bowl, and the float height is set correctly. Thanks

[@18309fernando]

I'm rebuilding my 02 kx 250 and this is just all helpful !!!

[@HTMR]

I meant lean fuel/air mix. Not enough 32:1 fuel.

[@HTMR]

No prob.

[@kodybrand716]

What is the part number to this vforce reed cage??? I just received mine and it doesn’t have the same bolt pattern to my 99

[@isaak3168]

Hello, I am having issues getting my kx250 started after rebuilding top end I had cylinder sleeved and I rebuilt carb and sprayed everything and set float hight and I still can’t get to start I can get it to start when pouring gas down the spark plug hole but it will not rev up and die in like 3 seconds it’s like it’s not getting gas into the cylinder but the reed boot is wet. Any ideas?

[@HTMR]

Cool. I bet a bunch of power came back also!

[@lagaman11]

Great video! FYI, PB Blaster works GREAT to loosen up hoses. A little bit goes a long way, and it is also great to install rubber hoses.

[@HTMR]

Cool thanks. I usually use silicone spray.

[@HTMR]

Thanks!

[@keepitroosting]

I have a 02 kx250 and when I put my vforce3 reed I had the same issue, the original reed was broken.

[@lombardozarateiii6920]

Thank you for your videos brotha. You make a lot of peoples moto life easier!

[@mikesmith4468]

When you say lean is that to much gas not enough oil ?

[@jonjelen9755]

Is this mod worth getting? My bike runs fine, but am looking to port the cylinder a bit to get a bit more peak and responsiveness out of the engine.

[@HTMR]

+Jon Jelen Mine came with bike purchase, and the reeds removed were chipped, so I don't know the difference. Some say the RAD valve is better.

[@jacobfennpt]

Hey wondering exact changes to jetting after installing pipe and vforce reeds. Thanks

[@1MACVSOG1]

My 99 kx250 does not have a reed valve spring should it???

[@andrewmesser334]

Is it necessary that the bumps point down as shown at 14:25 ?

[@HTMR]

I believe hole pattern will allow to be installed one way only.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Did you notice a power difference after installing this? Might buy it for my 02’ kx250

[@HTMR]

Well, stock reeds were chipped, so yes. Otherwise I don't know.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

True true

[@amont0596]

great vid's Matt. was wondering if you could be of help on a rejet? I recently bought a yz 125, I replaced oem pipe and silencer and rad valve. I can't seem to find the sweet spot as its running a bit rich. any suggestions tips 9r help would be greatly appreciated. thx!

[@HTMR]

Sure, email me here with year make model and all modifications done to it. Also include temp altitude etc... www.howtomotorcyclerepair.com/contact/

[@rickyjennings8627]

awesome vid I just ordered mine today

[@quantumtree6834]

just picked up a 02 kx 125. its running great,but it seems to be running rich. go to give it gas n it bogs out and back fires. main jet is 400, other is 35. has a new reeds in it BUT when i tock them off it didnt have a gasket behind it,could this cause the issue...thanks for your time

[@HTMR]

Look in the parts diagram if gasket is required. The rubber boot may be enough for sealing.

[@RICHOWASP]

mine is missing the reed retainers should that matter

[@GolfRaser18]

Still have the kx? Do you like it compared to other brands and models?

[@HTMR]

Yes, the bike is fine for me. Are there better models that cost more, sure. I only get to ride a few times a year, so this model is budget friendly.

[@18309fernando]

Great info man , I'm rebuilding my kx

[@offroaddomination5708]

Did the kit come completely assembled or did you have to install the pedals on the cage yourself?

[@HTMR]

It was assembled.

[@offroaddomination5708]

ok thanks

[@stevencarter4297]

ehh. notice a good power difference with the vforce reed cage? how did it affect your jetting? did you need more fuel or air?

[@HTMR]

+Steven Carter The old reeds were cracked/chipped and resulted in 20spi compression loss. This bike is super rich from factory, so I have leaned it out since. I will post a jetting spec video soon.

[@stevencarter4297]

Awesome!

[@kingmatthews5436]

+MatthewMCRepair isn't it bad to be running lean?

[@HTMR]

Too lean is no good. Mine was super rich from the factory. I'm working on a how to jetting video now that should be out in a few weeks.

[@luckyviirh]

I have and 03 YZ250 with vforce reeds n it doesn't seem to like 32:1. It idles like a charm with 40:1 but is that bad to run? It's got almost all aftermarket parts the guy from whom i purchased the bike raced, new top had 20hrs at the time of purchase. Should i adjust the carb or is 40:1 safe to run? Some of my gear head friends say no problem others tell me it could overheat, soft size, etc.

[@HTMR]

Rejet the carb instead of playing with oil ratio.

[@luckyviirh]

Thank you.

[@ShredStarX]

But what are the benefits of vforce3 reeds over standard reeds (I have a kx04 model) and do the new gaskets come with them @matthewmcrepair

[@Guzman3605]

I have a 2000 Rm250 that I just got its my first dirtbike and when i got it it had oil on the pipe and silencer completely caked with oil. What does it mean when the bike spits oil through the silencer? What's a good ratio to mix the gas and oil?

[@HTMR]

Guzman3605 It means that it is running rich. I run 93 octane with yamalube 2r 32:1.

[@HTMR]

+Steven Carter Steve has a good point. Maybe try changing the gearbox oil and pour in a known amount. Go ride for 1-2 hours then measure drained oil. If there is significant loss, you need to replace your RH seal at a minimum.

[@gumpcarmack]

Hi i have a 99 kx250 and it want clear out its like its runing way to rich put new reeds cleaned the carb and still does the same think any idea on what might be wrong with it?

[@speezy1414]

valricoboy 813 you might have an air leak between engine casing and reeds and/or air intake boot and reeds mine did. It won’t idle, loads up on bottom but clears out when you rev it up a lot and constantly chasing jetting

[@msoto951]

Can you do a video on how to clean the inside of a 2stroke pipe?

[@HTMR]

Take a steel braided cable and fray one end. Install other end in drill. Stick the frayed end in pipe and run the drill. This should knock down the carbon.

[@rickyjennings8627]

when you installed the reeds what jetting did you end up going to on the main from a 160? thanks

[@HTMR]

155. I live 700' above sea level, 70-90°F.

[@rickyjennings8627]

@@HTMR awesome thanks man I'm 500' above in ohio. I will be sure to order a jet kit. prob try a 158!

[@samhollis8861]

I am getting so many hours off my top end, plan on riding it through till I notice any decompression. Bad idea?

[@mattkeno2405]

if it aint broke, don't fix it....

[@gumpcarmack]

Yes it runs grate thanks for the help

[@BaNZFall]

Mate, could you make one thing clear for me? Does vforce reed cage kit include boot manifold?

[@HTMR]

No, only reed cage, reeds, and gaskets.

[@BaNZFall]

Thanks, mate. It helps a lot.

[@ShredStarX]

Hi Matt great videos great descriptions!

[@davidalexispr]

What do you use to keep that head exterior so clean? I have a Brand new bike and the head is already stained

[@HTMR]

Well, on my model they paint it silver, so that helps avoid staining. Just had the cylinder replated and as a result the paint had to be stripped off. Bare aluminum stains easily.

[@Vtec1mike]

MatthewMCRepair they don't paint the cylinder, they typically bead blast the outside of the cylinder so it looks new when you have it replated...

[@bobeleksen8386]

do i have to remove it or not

[@raywaco]

Did you run the bike with that broken reed ?

[@HTMR]

+raywaco Yes, that is the way I bought it. It was down on power for sure.

[@sovietsks45]

could a vaccume leak at the reed gasket cause really bad bogging?

[@HTMR]

Yes, fix it immediately. It will run lean.

[@gumpcarmack]

I found out what it was a piece off of the power valve actuator fell off that connected to the top and

[@ganjakai]

did the gasket come with the vforce3 reed cage?

[@HTMR]

I think so. I know I didn't buy one, however all this was supplied when I bought the bike. My best guess is that is comes with everything you need to install.

[@ganjakai]

MatthewMCRepair cool thanks.. i was thinking about buying one..but wasn't sure if the gasket came with it or not..the online store i was going to buy it from wasn't too specific on what was all included..i was also thinking about the rad valve..

[@willc44]

good look matt thx for the vid. Now time to fix my green machine

[@HTMR]

No problem William

[@bobeleksen8386]

in the manual the say rubber tab to be removed you didn't remove it

[@HTMR]

+Bobel Eksen What rubber tab?

[@bobeleksen8386]

+MatthewMCRepair I installed the v-force and now my bike wont start

[@HTMR]

+Bobel Eksen Pull the plug and make sure you are getting fuel. Boots are tight?

[@angelgovea8292]

As soon as I turn my bike on it accelerates by its self and its not the idol, the throttle gets stuck wide open and there is nothing inside it, if I pull the throttle pull back I doesn't latch back forward

[@dirtmoto2780]

Angel Govea buy a new throttle tube

[@supermairo1716]

@@dirtmoto2780 yea his throttle tube is sticking that will happen to any motorbike Angle Govea

[@transamws6922]

mine came with 2 gaskets pretty sure you only need one right

[@HTMR]

Trans Am Ws6 Looks like I just used one on engine side in video.

[@transamws6922]

It has more a curve power now it just right with the vforce 3. Just wants to flip over kinda in a good way.

[@HTMR]

Trans Am Ws6 Keep it off the back fender..LOL!

[@gumpcarmack]

Its stock jetting the and the compression is 183

[@treeexpert2224]

Where did u get the graphics

[@HTMR]

Bought it like this. They are factory effex, all I know. I'd love to find another set just like this.

[@1bad335ii]

what year is that kx??

[@HTMR]

2001

[@jacobfennpt]

Thanks mate.

[@danogrimberre2568]

MatthewMCRepair what city are you?

[@HTMR]

NW burbs of Chicago.

[@danogrimberre2568]

OK OK

[@cheddarshredder6572]

Boyesen product's are much better and not all plastic.

[@CockerJeff]

Garcia Charles Lopez Edward Allen Lisa

[@MarkBingham511]

My read broke in the same place.....😶

[@HTMR]

It happens...

[@ShredStarX]

250 2t

[@NaimSonkan]

Martin Kevin Williams Jeffrey Martin Ronald

[@gumpcarmack]

End

[@forresttaylor6849]

Sorry that should’ve been a 5 minute vid.

[@HTMR]

Thanks!