Save $500 and Have a Great Running Dirt Bike | How to Jet Your Carburetor

[@gbagz69]

Glad someone else is saying it. I have successfully tuned mine as well for my area. Anyone who says that these Mikuni carburetors cannot be tuned and are “junk” are wrong and are most likely inept or trying to sell you something. Change my mind.

[@matthewturowski8281]

Correct-no need to spend 500 bucks. I got mine jetted right with the extra jets and needle that came with the bike. If you need different jets/needles, you can get them cheaply on line.

[@gbagz69]

Matthew Turowski yeah I went and got smaller jets locally. Cost me about $8

[@bpowa]

​@@gbagz69 I and a few others tried everything before buying a keihin. Yes the Keihin runs perfect. Same jetting principles were applied to the mikuni. It must me batches of defects.

[@gbagz69]

LR T interesting. Did you buy new jets and still have issues? Or did you just try with the stock jets? I had to buy smaller jets than the carb came with.

[@bpowa]

@@gbagz69 My pilot jet kept going down from 37.5 - 25, along with different mains and needles. They were all Mikuni oem jets. It stalled out a lot, spooge, loads up and very inconstant. Fine one hour and bad the next. I even used JD jets. I find its not the jets but the brand new carb. It's the total opposite with the keihin. Took me 5 minutes to tune the jets. I ride up single tracks that I can never make it up with the mikuni. With the mikuni it made me second guess, that I should have bought a 250 xcf. Believe me, the last thing I wanted to do was spend an additional $350 on a new bike to get it running right. Now its totally worth it. I get excited to ride it. I wish to find someone with a working mikuni locally and we can test ride each others bike. It may change your mind. Vice versa. I also never consider myself to be very picky about jetting either and still don't.

[@atcenterice14]

Kyle is the Bob Ross of dirt bikes. “Let’s just put this happy little jet in right here. Careful not to over tighten now.” 😂

[@Cooldibs]

Can you make a video on how to see if your bike even needs tuning? A lot of us don’t know if our bikes are running at their full potential!

[@justinpeters7166]

wow did i learn alot wity thid video..after many years of hearing guys talk about jetting carbs.....the pieces finally clicked and now understand in my head ! thank you much !

[@tjbradbury]

I ran the Lectron last season on my 2016 300 XC and just could not get it to run as well as my Mikuni. Been using Mikuni's for years on our race snowmobiles, no idea why I let the internet convince me they were inferior! Will have the Lectron up for sale next season.

[@onzalimeyphillips3662]

Could you do a video on what you feel for or listen for in each part of the throttle to tell if it's to lean or rich?

[@garonburwell9008]

you sort of can but nothing beats experience. when you melt something from being lean, you'll never forget! do you have a tech you can trust in your area that is good with this stuff?

[@benshapley3587]

If that exhaust pipe is hotter than hell an damnation itself. Your too lean.

[@elis740]

@@benshapley3587 HAHAHAHA, yes, that is one sign... @Garon Burwell Learning how to read the spark plug color is one of the best ways on a 2-stroke.

[@vladimpaler9274]

Nice kzbin.info/www/bejne/raeuk2p-f6afqcU

[@Natedoc808]

Install a new plug or clean your existing plug very well anytime you make a jetting change, if its black you're too rich, if it white you're too lean, it should be a golden brown like a proper campfire marshmallow. this is a great way to have a visual and you can then correlate the results with how it runs at different throttle positions to get a feel/ear for it.

[@rodie4352]

I have a 17 husky te300 and got it to run pretty good but it was never perfect. Could never get rid of the mid throttle stutter. Cut holes in air box and even tried jd jetting. Bought an Lectron and couldn't be happier!!

[@Shereefe]

I ended up getting a 100 dollar JD jet kit, and it made my 300 a super tuned machine. No asthmatic throttle range. Just pull and pull harder as you need it.

[@BLSdarrin]

I slapped a JD kit in my '18 300xc and its fine, just a little turning of the air screw when the temp drops. Gotta love the spring trick, I always used a pair of needle nose vice grips , will have to remember this

[@whiskeythrottledave]

I just move my $500 lectron from bike to bike. Then I don't have to piss around with jetting ever time I buy a new 300 xc. To me it is worth it.

[@jonathondavis170]

The Lectron is fine and all, but when the world really needs saving I bring my PWK 38, with STIC Metering Bloc, & JD jetting kit! You really should know better than to bring a knife to a gun fight!!?? 💪🤘👊🇺🇸

[@adambatchelder4121]

I have successfully rejetted mini mikunis for customers as a basic setup. Those 38mm Mikuni s are definitely a little big for a 250 ridden in the woods. My favorite set up is a old style kehin and lots of people who don't understand are selling them cheep off there 12 to 16 bikes. I'm not a huge fan of the lectrons I get a lot better mileage out of a kehin mainly because I can tune each circuit individually.

[@michelvanderlinden3566]

Clean Bike Channel...

[@dino7002]

i watched so many videos and did a lot of research on jetting and i found the best way is to refer to your owner's manual. i was a running a 15 pilot and a 180 main and i noticed my bike kept bogging then i found out that Suzuki recomends a 30 pilot and a 210 main.

[@arnoholopainen]

Great stuff Kyle 😊 I’m really happy as an old fart to see someone is still interested in basic skills of dirt riding.

[@TMCmakes]

pro tip on not crossthreading things. start by turning the screw backwards until you feel it click. now the start of the tread on the male and female is lined up. start there and you're all set.

[@FeenixRyzing]

You hit the nail on the head Kyle! Jetting a carb isn't rocket science and most people, I believe, just get intimidated by it. You really don't need to buy an aftermarket carb. For me, I've just gone out and purchased the JD jetting kit for my bikes for under $75 and then fine tune it from there. Since I live at 5,600' I had another needle with a preset clip along with jets in my fanny pack so I could swap out if the elevation dictated. 20 minutes is all it took me to swap over. Of course, fuel injection changed that one on my 2017 lol. Great Vid!

[@f308gtb1977]

You do an excellent job of working and talking at the same time.

[@danielorourke9857]

Kyle, great video, my bike has a throttle position sensor. When i went to change the needle I noticed this extra metal piece over the slide. Just making sure that the proper way to reassemble is to have it sitting over the slide when doing the reassemble operation. Thx for sharing your experience

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

Orange patient undergoing surgery in front of blue banner in backdrop appreciated in the closing shots - cool vid. This is the kind of stuff that I grew up on and I see nothing has changed in the last 40 years of carburetor tuning. Good to get the new crowd knowing what to do. ThumbsUp.

[@VA-NJdevilsfan]

Appreciate the CYA/cover your butts, I watch your videos with my kids (4 and 7) cause of stuff like that!

[@Natedoc808]

I always jet my bike for the upper elevation and upper temperature range of what I'm expecting, by doing this it runs well as the day progresses from heading out of camp to way the heck up in the mountains and it warms up. Also, this creates a scenario where the worst that happens is I run too rich and at worst will foul a plug (which hasn't happened in a very long time) as opposed to going too lean and melting pistons.

[@ponydown418]

Thanks for the video. I never seen the spring trick you did. I'm always learning something new.

[@64bruceb]

Good trick with the spring if you have trouble getting it together with the spring fully on the cable. When you start you can just pass the cable thru the top of the spring and then out the side a couple coils down the spring. Makes it easier than trying to start the spring on after the cable is in place. Also, I'd immediately take on of those screws from the slide cover to the hardware store and replace them with some socket headed cap screws. Where on earth did they find bolts with 7mm heads? Someone must have been trying to make it difficult. Also disappointed to see those bolts aren't captured in the slide cover.

[@qtubin]

Tip. At 11:11 Pinch that cable with some vise grips, preferably needle nose vise grips, where your left hand is pinching it. Spring fully compressed exposing as much cable below it as possible. This way the spring can stay on the cable and make re-inserting the cable much easier without having to twist the spring on.

[@qtubin]

DenkertM Just make it tight enough to hold the spring back. Not real super tight. It wont hurt the cable or break it. Then you can change or adjust the needle and come back and its still holding on ready to re-install. Been doing it for years, no issues. Just tight enough.

[@familybusyness8075]

I'm not afraid of carbs anymore 😂😂 grat vid 🧡

[@tomnekuda3818]

Torque on the float bowl drain plug...."Doesn't need to be too tight....." Then he gives it some more. Torque until it spins freely.....LOL. Something I did to help me hold the spring when replacing cable in the carb slide.....I cut a slot in a quarter (illegal....ha!) that the cable fits in.....use it to compress spring (EZ on fingers) and slip it out when you want to. Also use small, flat magnet to press clip on/off.....it "captures" clip and has saved me a lot of misery on the trail. You'll know what I'm talking about if you lose a clip in the dirt on the trail and can't find it.....all the cursing and prayers will not find that clip sometimes......trust me. Of course, you have great new equipment.....I have inferior old bikes.....or, "in fear of your equipment" is the way I have to live......sigh....

[@Firestorm637]

Altitude and heat makes bike RICHER.

[@rz350yam]

I've always jetted my own bikes and been fairly successful using the KTM manual charts. I must say, though, having run a JD kit in my 2013 KTM 250 XC-W and now recently run one in my 2012 Husaberg TE300, they simply work. Best $79 you can spend, to get them running well at all altitudes from 4000-12000 feet.

[@jayppop3333]

Did you listen to the jd chart or do the one up one over like he did

[@CW-up7xv]

Good insight on where you run your bikes jetting vs the manual's chart. Thanks!

[@jesse469]

Great video, now confident to jet my carb

[@737diesel]

How nice to have a chart for starting point/ reference point. Never seen one for a KDX.

[@matthewturowski8281]

Right on Kyle. Everything that I need to get my 17 300 XC-W jetted right was in the extra parts kit that came with the bike.

[@gordonstimmel4590]

I'm very happy with my 2019 ktm250xc carb model an it is also jetted an has a different needle than stock an I will own this bike soon by far the funnest bikes I ever bought so far this is my first ktm an I plan on keeping it forever lol

[@chiboreache]

*The greatest explanatory, thanks!*

[@Natedoc808]

Lost me at Mikuni... never had one that ran well and wasn't finicky. I'll take a keihin any day of the week.

[@taylorlonghurst7710]

Kyle, this is LITETALLY the best video on KZbin about jetting your bike. I’ve spent hours looking for this info before I stumbled upon this video. Thank you SO much for the content you produce. Any suggestions on where I can buy jets? Is it oem? I’ve looking on Rocky Mountain but don’t find much for options... thanks!!!

[@markgunnison]

Nice video. I like the spring trick. KTM does make jetting easy with their chart.

[@stampydragon2739]

I use precision gun smiths screwdrivers for working on carbs as there less likely to strip jets

[@davewait6469]

Yep. Very. Good. And thank you. !!!! Its. Not hard to do. Up. Here in. Washington. State. !!!!!! Thanks so much.

[@NirHason]

I came home and was about to install the S-4 needle jet I just got and 42-75 needle - great video! especially the method to install the spring back! :)

[@sgtunix]

Note that these Mikuni carbs are known for jet block gasket failure. That's a tiny little gasket you can get to and replace, but you will need to remove the carburetor from the bike. This may make the bike perform badly on idle and up to mid RPMs. Take off the jet block and inspect it if you have a chance.

[@kevinoneil6032]

Just to add. You can either make the gasket or buy one off the JD Jetting site.

[@jackbauer9347]

2017 KTM 250XC here.The problem with the mook (for me) was under the same (ish) elevation and temps on different trips it wasn't consistent...not by a long shot. Then I went to the Lectron which was a huge mistake..no bottom end (and yes I adjusted the rod and spoke to Lectron a few occasions). Sold the Lectron and went with the PWK w/STIC. Bam! Bike runs great now and it's consistent. Fueling is instant, zero burbles, clean, and the power band transition is very very smooth.

[@Cereal_Killr]

You can always use bowl drain line first, and empty gas into a gas can before taking off bowl too. Keeps bike and hands clean!

[@shawnclark4151]

Thanks Kyle for the info..I’ve recently gotten back into riding dirt bikes again and I’ve been dealing with some jetting problems on my KX125...I think I’ve got it dialed in now so fingers crossed! I love watching your videos they are very informative!

[@daradigney]

Man that was great camera work and great informative video, thank you a lot for doing this

[@niconine268]

Oh. 😂😂 i thought I do it with a lectron billatron & V force reed valves. Yes they are hella expensive. Thanks for the tutorial. I can afford this

[@pe47115]

I’m not picky about jetting at all but my TX300 has been pretty bad from day 1. I’ve jetted bikes before and obviously it’s not difficult but I have to go “off chart” to get mine to run decent. I got the mid/top cleaned up using the advice in this video (one up and one over on the chart) but down low it’s still way too rich. I’ve got the smallest pilot jet that came with the bike in now. Is that all it is? That the manufacturer is just protecting the bikes by suggesting very rich settings? This video has convinced me this might actually be the case. Ordering smaller jets now. Thanks Kyle!

[@kevinoneil6032]

I know your reply is older, but your jet block gasket is probably the cause. JD Jetting has a great replacement. The original gasket is junk, but the carb is very good once that gasket is replaced.

[@pe47115]

Yep. I had to do exactly that. You are 100% correct.

[@pe47115]

Yep. I had to do exactly that. You are 100% correct.

[@flyinghigh9106]

You can’t beat the Lectron It’s the best mod you can do to a bike But if you like pulling jets constantly they do work I ride 50% moto 50% enduro and you just can’t jet for both it has to be one or the other With the Lectron all I had to do was adjust the idle and it been spot on for both riding conditions 💪

[@cr-fc5rb]

That's true if you don't know how to jet a carb. Lectron flat on power compared to a keihin. I swap jets once per year for winter once temp get under 8c

[@flyinghigh9106]

Flat on power I don’t think so Smooth and predictable yes

[@brianh8484]

I don’t get it when people say power is flat with a Lectron. I’ve been riding smokers for 30+ years and my 17 250xc flat out rips with the Lectron. I run the 5-1 needle, tweaked a couple of settings on the needle and top end screw, installed Vforce reeds (which I felt the improvement from before I even left the parking lot) and couldn’t be happier. Plus I can ride pretty much all day on my stock tank.

[@cr-fc5rb]

It's more to do with until you've tried the other options you don't know what your missing. Lectron does exactly what it says on the tin but there's definitely more to be had with a keihin 38mm with correct jetting. I've just ordered a STIC to improve things further

[@nolanfoutz3472]

I got a cheap Honda 150 and had a local shop rebuild the engine,i gave them all the parts some how they lost the carb and the exhaust.then and gave us some really cheap pice of shit replacements so I'm hoping a jet will get it close to where it needs to be

[@about_midnight]

Thanks a bunch, Kyle! As a newbie, I needed someone to stipulate this information just to confirm it. Now I feel more confident getting my hands dirty :P

[@benzeneAndCordite]

This video is a great resource. I've been messing with the carb on my '18 300 XC-W for a couple months now and it's nice to hear someone else's take on jetting. I started off with a JD jet kit but it was way too rich and my bike lost its low-end grunt. I went back to the default KTM spec and have been afraid to change the settings until now. Thanks for posting!

[@RobertMarkowicz-f9l]

Kyle I have 2 2019 tc250s I live right about 1000 to 1100 ft nothing but sand in northern mich. I was reading in my manual I need to do a different set up for sand. Can you give some insight on the subject? Thank you Bob 😊

[@richardbaker7025]

I use a zip tie on the spring then cut it off 💯

[@nuutti69]

You make really good videos and i love to watch them with my son. Keep on good job 👍🏍

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

Kyle. I have excellent luck with JD jetting kits, but my experience is that I have to set things up a little different than what is shown on the jetting chart.

[@jayppop3333]

Really why don't you go by the chart just wondering

[@MrStryperfan]

Thanks for the great video what about sand dune riding any tips or tricks for jetting then? I’ve always had trouble jetting my older two strokes on the sand not sure if it’s the coastal influence or what. getting a 21 250sx I would imagine follow the temp guild lines with sea level and be safe? Thanks!

[@mikeeckles7998]

Thanks for the vid..great camera work. Did you know you can change the needle jet as well? Those carbs come with an S4 needle jet, you can change it to an S1 and it helps the bike lug better. Again, thanks for sharing, I like the spring trick.

[@01plumberman]

Kyle great informative videos as always. I completely get the jetting chart and am more than capable of changing the jets/needle/clip as needed but these charts are based on a stock bike. In your opinion, do you think these charts should still be fairly accurate considering I have an FMF GNARLY AND FMF SHORTY exhaust? In other words, how much does an aftermarket exhaust make to the jetting chart? Keep up the great work, hope the knee is going strong. From London UK 👍🏻

[@equalizer4633]

Not sure if i missed something but i haven't learned anything from this video. Everyone should know how to follow a chart and adjust accordingly. We need to learn how to adjust it without a chart. How to tell if the pilot or main is too rich or lean, how to adjust the air screw, when to change the needle or adjust the clip position.. None of it was explained :(

[@aspirinchung1363]

Thank you !i just need the video!

[@nastysoda9212]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@tonza3086]

Anyone know what i have to change on my 26mm molkt on a lifan 125 to get rid of bogging? I have tried from 100 to 122 main jets (102 is the stock one) and nothing is helping, i have also tried 10 sizes bigger pilot jet, im not sure if it helped, but maybe it did a little. I tried a cloth around the air cleaner that removed the bog but it doesnt work well with it on. So do I have to get bigger or smaller main jets and/or pilot jets? I appreciate if someone could help

[@MrStryperfan]

Any tips for taking a bike to the Sandunes i’ve always had trouble getting my older two strokes when I go to the Oregon Sandunes getting a new 21SX 250 and I imagine if I follow the guidelines for sea level and the temperature it would be safe to run? Awesome video! Like the ktm charts

[@andremardian3532]

Have you ever tried using a JD jetting kit and if so what are your thoughts?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Yes, very over priced IMO.

[@justinpeterson8754]

Great solution if you don’t have patience to find the right jet settings. Japanese manufacturers generally don’t include jetting charts like KTM.

[@bstimpy2227]

Hey Kyle! Quick question. Where do you buy your jets and needles at?

[@Quinton_treecutter]

Good question I would like to know I bought my jets on amazon

[@EddiNice]

The spring technique is top-Great video Kyle. By the way, why would you go up in elevation and up in temperature? Does not the temperature drop when you go up a mountain?

[@kobiisrael10]

I would be happy to receive your help on a problem I have with the carburetor as soon as I start the motorcycle I have a leak from the excess pipe I did a test and all the signs indicated a problem with the float or the valve after countless attempts that failed to solve the problem I decided to replace the carburetor and after the replacement the carburetor was on another motorcycle And it was normal. But my motorcycle again had leaks from the excess pipe, do you have an idea or a solution to the problem

[@McNamEvan]

This video would benefit from more details on determining if lean or rich on each carb circuit. You(I) never get it right first try.

[@spacemanspiff559]

How do I know which jets to use with a Raptor Exhaust Systems pipe? I know that it’s too lean with the stock jets, but idk which jets to use.

[@717Chris]

How do you know what size jets and needles to get

[@theblishknovk]

Looks like he has a ktm chart for his bike. But you could buy a jd jetting kit to make it easy. Comes with a few jets and low and high altitude needles with very detailed instructions about what jets and needle setting for your specific carb and bike as well as riding style and altitude you ride at.

[@717Chris]

@@theblishknovk thanks....fuel Injected for me lol

[@grand3lyfecuhh798]

I Need some advice, I have 99 yz250 2 stroke with keihin carb...how many turns out on the main jet? I dont have the manual I bought bike from a stranger..

[@Luui2x]

What jet should I put on my Kim 125 sx 2002 with v force 3

[@JWA_F]

I just swapped from my EXC-F 450 2013 to a 300 EXC 2012 and had the surprise of high fuel consumption on Enduro circuit. Mostly traditional Enduro style track. About 34miles with the 9.5L tank. Would that be a thing of jetting or would I be better off using the JD Kit? Thanks in advance

[@FunTube4You]

Does this chart apply to GasGas 200ec year 2002?

[@norincobro6421]

What size is the hole is a "470" main jet ? Who made up this weird sizing ?

[@pimp-named-fatback2663]

Can you do one on the 2020 85sx

[@GTRliffe]

You can gauge too rich or too mean buy slightly engaging the chock and ride if the bike runs better your too rich if it rides worse your too lean

[@dbikekid2169]

hey Kyle after you jet your bikes do you still end up with spooge coming out the silencer?

[@woodworm3615]

Where do you buy your lean and rich needles main jet and idle jets

[@rickywhite9403]

Where can I get one of those jettings

[@moto_head-u2t]

Is some smoke normal or is it still too rich? Trying to setup carb for a kx100

[@treycannington3583]

Excellent Info...Thanks!

[@woodworm3615]

This is for a 2019 KTM 300 XC Mikuni

[@paulabsolom1230]

Thanks very helpfull video

[@SKO307]

thx, great video!

[@vincelosito215]

Perfect! Thanks kyle!

[@lenny3394]

What do you do if you don’t have a jetting chart?

[@cody.g1218]

Where do you get your jets?

[@stone4858]

God Bless TPI 🤣 thank you KTM

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

Next time you and "God" are having a conversation, ask him to get rid of Corona virus huh...

[@brendanmccarthy7063]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@Desertmoto]

Is this a new intro? It looks good!

[@brentnewberry3103]

Do you run 60:1 like it calls for?

[@mrsmit4381]

but how do you know what jet your bike needs?

[@johnpopazoglo1762]

Why is my kx100 2004 not running in its full potential? Top speed hits 45

[@cliffcampbell8827]

I can't pop the clip off my needle because my work bench is made of wax.

[@xhulkdieselx]

It’s not about the correct arrangement of jets with these carbs. You need to do the slide, vent, and bowl mods or you’ll never get it perfect.

[@TheRIrider]

Can anyone confirm Kyle's up one, over one, theory?

[@SkinnySkinch]

no lol

[@WJamesBeoch]

Watching Kyle over the years he seems to like a leaner snappier bike. He also is not a "ride a gear high and lug" kind of rider. I watch his riding videos and think "shift up dammit!".. Soo, this jetting philosophy is not going to work for everyone.

[@kevinoneil6032]

Exactly how I did mine before I saw the video. It just works.

[@enduronorthnz6437]

totally dependent on what terrain you are riding ,could have gotten away with stock jetting for the open terrain like you ride

[@Trex-ds5nw]

Funny to see a Yamaha flag on a KTM channel:)

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Funny to see all those other bike reviews on here too. Beta, Sherco, Honda, Yamaha....

[@garonburwell9008]

although this is a well produced video, this guy breaks the cardinal rule of carb tuning and that is making more than one change when you go into the carb. this is the most common bonehead move by people trying to tune a carb. if your trying to figure out what's what, never do that. it'll usually burn a bunch of time and if your lucky maybe an engine! (bonus!) i used to know a guy that always made 2 or 3 changes every time he opened a carb. his bikes ran like crap. but they were really pretty and he had the talent as a rider to ride around crap and still blow my doors off so it didn't matter.