CaptainBob

That wasn't very nice. Maybe you are the pile.

Butch, your shock settings should all be at midpoint. The owners manual will tell you that. I put new springs (front and back) in my bike to accommodate my weight. I checked the settings and they were pretty much at midpoint. It was a piece of cake to remove the rear shock. Swapping the spring was even easier. Spring in the fork was a 5 minute job.

I am also on the side of.... See what you have first, before you change it. Ride it, break it in, get comfortable with it. After that, if you still need a change, go for it.

That is a significant gearing change. Being a newbie to Trials, is it a typical mod to gear down from stock gearing? I bet that thing putts rather nicely just idling in gear.

Great! Glad you find the starting technique working for you. Remember, do not use throttle when starting either a cold or warm engine. I started my cold engine up yesterday with just one kick. When cold, use the choke. When warm, do not use the choke. Interesting about the sprocket changes. With that gearing you have, you must have instant power at your wrist. That thing must be a wheelie monster. 😮 Scottro, I do not recall, are you riding a 23 300 TXT?

That is good news Butch! I figured it would start. It should, it's a new bike. Wait till you try the rolling method. You are going to crap when you see how easy it is. You will not need your big heavy boots. Like I said earlier, Last time I started mine, I was wearing sneakers. I do not recommend that but, it can easily be done. When on the compression stroke, it does take a heavy fast kick. That is why getting on a stand and kicking it is easier (but still difficult to start). But, when you try the rolling method, you are going to be quite surprised. Still give it a fast kick. The kick will go through a lot easier than when on the compression stroke. BTW, when I had the mechanic start mine when I picked it up, he couldn't do it flatfooted. He needed to get a bike stand to stand on. The dealer told me there is a trick to these and once I figured it out, it would be OK. He never told me the trick though! I will shoot you a PM if we head out your way. That is a really good possibility. Maybe, within the next two weeks. Do not worry about the speech issue. I am also person with cancer issues. 10 years ago, I was told I had less than 6 months to live. But that is another story.... 🙂

He Butch, I am sitting on the edge of my seat. 😬 Did you get the bike started? You are also giving me a good reason to take the wife on a road trip. We both are due. 😎

retromic, try that rolling back technique. It was a game changer for me. She starts so easy now. My right knee is bone on bone plus, being almost 76 doesn't help. Just not as limber as I used to be.. I have zero difficulties starting the beast using that technique.

Glayne, when you kick the bike with WOT, you have the fuel shut off. It absolutely helps. That technique is SOP on a flooded two stroke. I just cleared a 100cc Yamaha twin 2 stroke that had sat for 10 years and had a ton of fuel in the crankcase. The only way (without disassembly) I could get the bike cleared and started was to kick with WOT. Lots of kicks! lol In terms of the 300 TXT, I will further say, kicking that beast over from its compression stroke is extremely difficult, especially for us older folks. I weigh 265lbs, been kickstarting bikes all my life and trying to start that beast cold in neutral on the compression stroke is impossible for me flatfooted. I occasionally get it started when warm flatfooted. When cold however, I have to get up on a stand or something. I have had a lot of guys a lot younger than me tell me they use a stand, rock, or lean the bike against a tree and stand on the pegs to aid in starting as well. And even when use the stand (cold engine) giving it a sharp fast kick with choke on and no throttle, she doesn't start easily. These bikes have a reputation for starting hard. The rolling back techniques is child's play and she starts every time and works MUCH BETTER than the neutral sharp kick on the compression stroke. Maybe that's why they say different strokes for different folks? lol My guess is you are a much younger guy. I'm happy your TXT is an easy starter.

I have flooded my 300 TXT several times when I was first trying to figure out how to start it. I ended up having to kick it with a wide open throttle to clear it. Obviously, you turn it down when it starts. WOT is not an issue when clearing a flooded engine on these bikes. What is your reason for not using WOT?

Forgot to mention. Before, and when you give it a kick, hold the front brake lever to keep the bike steady. If you are old and feeble like me, you may need to lean the bike towards you a little to get your foot on the kick starter. That is why I mentioned to stand on a bike stand, stool or something, to lift you off the ground. Makes it easier. Once you get it started and see how easy this procedure is, you will not need the stand. Good luck!

What a great trick. I was struggling with this myself until I tried this. Definitely the way to go. And yes, the dealer is definitely the alternative if he cannot get this bike started. I'm thinking however, that he will get it fired right up.

I went to my garage and started my 300 TXT again today just for a test. It was a cold engine. I was wearing sneakers (a first!) and used the start procedure I outlined to you earlier. I did not use my stand this time but was flatfooted. It was a piece of cake. Started on the second kick. Choke was on and no throttle applied when I kicked it over. Very little resistance is felt when I kick the bike. BTW, I had forgotten to turn the gas on, and it still started. Don't forget to turn on the fuel petcock. It should be pointing downward. You need to remember.... roll the bike backwards in gear until you are up against the compression. You need to do this for every kick. Squeeze in clutch, pull out kick starter and kick. Do not try to set the Kickstarter on the compression stroke. Leave it alone and just back the bike up till you hit compression, flip out the kick start lever and give it a healthy kick. That being said, I think I would assume you have a flooded engine and you may want to try to start the bike a little differently. Do not put the choke on. Open the throttle wide open and follow the kick procedure I described. I would kick it that way a few times first just to clear any flooding condition out. Maybe 5 or 6 times. Use a stand to step on to make it easier. My guess is, she will fire up! You are about 7 to 8 hours away from me. I am in Berlin, MA. A road trip might be fun. Let me think about it. Maybe grab the wife and get her out of the house for a couple days. 😁 Try the method I described and let me know how you make out.

Butch, here is what to do. For your first time doing this, I suggest you stand on a bike stand or a stool placed near the bike so you can kick it downward with you right foot. With a cold engine, put the choke on and without any throttle, put the bike in gear and roll it backwards until it is against the compression. flip out your kickstarter, hold the front brake and with your right foot, give it a swift kick downwards.. Do not worry about where the engine is, just kick it straight down. You may need a couple of kicks. It may feel a little weird at first. Remember to roll back against the compression before each kick. The kicks will be fairly easy to do because you are not up against full compression. When warm, do the same except do not put on the choke. Once you started the bike this way, you will see it is easy to do flatfooted. You may have to lean the bike to the right a little bit to get your foot on the kickstarter (I do). Now, as much as you have been trying to start your bike, you may be seriously flooded. Use this technique but with no choke and hold the throttle wide open. Stand on something and kick away. I say stand on something because it is easier and you may have to kick it a few times. You may have to kick it a lot to clear it out. It could have a crankcase full of fuel. Just keep kicking it, it will start. I hope this helps. Just out of curiosity, where are you located? If you were near, I would come over and help you out. BTW, if you cannot get it going, take it back to the dealer and tell him to start it period. They sold it to you, tell them to start it. That dealer is giving you BS. It is just a two stroke with high compression and a kickstarter that is placed physically higher than normal. It will start. Let us know how you make out.

Forget everything I said in my previous post. I finally have it figured out. Thank you AprilJo and others who may have previously suggested this technique. Cold engine, put choke on, put it in gear, rock it back until up against compression, using no throttle, give it a kick or two. Rock it back before each kick. Mine easily started on the second kick. When warm, repeat the above except do not choke it. One kick and it just sits there purring like a kitten. My worn-out right knee is saying... Thank you! I tried that technique once before, but with no luck. I probably was doing something wrong then. Can't recall. Doesn't matter. She easily starts up now. Thanks again!

Interesting. That was my thought as well. The sleeves may pick up and trap dirt, moisture, whatever. Probably better off without them.

I bought a 2023 GasGas 300 TXT Racing this past April. The Dealer started it before I took delivery. The tech stood on a bike stand so he could get a solid downward kick. He was about your size. I am 75 (soon to be 76), 6ft tall and weigh 260lbs. When I got the bike home, I tried to start it flat footed. Like you, I have been doing bikes all my life. Aside from my road racing days I did MX on 2 strokes back in the day. No way could I get this bike started. I then grabbed my bike stand and stood on it. After a few kicks, I got it going. For a while I could not ever start it flat footed. Now, when it is warm, some of the time I can start it flat footed. My 44 year old son has better luck at it then me. I am finding that a cold start may be better tried without the choke, give it a fair amount of throttle and kick it. You may need three kicks. There are some folks who talk about a technique involving rolling the bike while in gear backwards till it hits compression. Then, pull in the clutch and kick it. I have had no luck at all with that approach. Try using the stand to raise yourself above the bike. You will get a more powerful downward kick which is what that bike seems to need. You may find that will work for you. If stalled in the woods (as I have been), you can lean the handlebar grip against a tree while you stand on the pegs, or even better, find a rock to stand on. Here in New England, we have lots of rocks. The tree idea is rough on the rubber grip ends. I believe the bike will become easier to start as it breaks in. Just need to be patient. Don't give up on it. The bike itself, is fantastic! Hope this helps!

Jitsie sells these sleeves that Cover the inner tube portion of the forks. and the seals. Intent being to keep dust, mud and other debris from messing with the fork seals potentially creating leaks. It seems like a good idea but, I notice the pro's do not have them on their bikes. Does anyone have any thoughts on these sleeves? Good idea? Bad idea? Any and all thoughts are most appreciated.

Hi Butch, I am also a newbie with the TXT 300 Racing. We have spoken before I believe. I am an older guy and also had a bout with cancer. Looks like most of your questions were answered. Non-ethanol fuel in the 90 plus octane range is good. I run race gas. Anywhere from 94 to 110. Depends on what I can get. I use redline 2t oil. If I recall, that is what was recommended in the manual. I could be wrong on that of course. You will not wear out the magnet. I have gotten used to it. I thought about switching to a traditional teathered kill switch but am sticking with the magnet. It is super simple and will not ever break. I have had traditional kill switches go south. pay attention to your tire pressures. Keep them low. Use the recommended pressure in the book. How are you doing starting the beast? She needs a pretty healthy straight down kick. lol

Excellent explanation!

I am sure you are right. I hadn't thought about that. I have been practicing clutch control but did not necessarily connect those dots. Thank you. I also need to explore higher gears a bit more as well. I do appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions. Thanks again!

I just checked the throttle tube. It is a Domino throttle assembly. It has a grey grip and the tube under the grip is white. I guess I already have the faster action? I guess I just need to man up and twist that throttle a bit more. I will definitely try upping the gear when riding as well.

Good input. I will check the throttler tube color and also rachet it up a notch and see what happens. What could possibly go wrong? lol

Although experienced in motorcycle racing/riding, I am brand new to trials. I have a 2023 Gas Gas 300 TXT Racing. As I ride the bike, I am sometimes feeling like I need more throttle on demand. Perhaps, a larger ratio throttle tube. Maybe something like a 1/4 turn. Am I out of my mind or, is this something others have done to their bikes. Is the stock throttle tube OK and i just need to learn to use it better or what? Appreciate any and all comments.

Thanks for the welcome. Unfortunately, my experience isn't helping me. The old bones are preventing me from doing what I used to do. However, I am having a blast with the GG. Still trying to master static balance. That is not easy. The pro's make it look like a walk in the park. lol