When I go to start my bike, it turns over but usually doesn't run on its own. When it does, its only for a second, then it dies. Usually to start it, I have to give it a little bit of throttle while cranking it.

The dealer said I need to clean my carburetors. Does this sound right?

Yeah that sounds right. I had a Ninja 250 a while back that wouldn't stay running unless the choke was on. So I took the carbs off and removed the bowls. The one pilot jet was completely plugged; you couldn't see any light through it. No wonder it wouldn't stay running. So I removed and soaked the other jets and bought a new pilot and it idled fine after that.

Rob





Sold 2/2/05

GM Top Engine Cleaner ... ?

Do I need to remove the carbs, or is there something I can spray into them (seafoam?) to clean them?

Just remove them & do it right... You most likely either have @!#$ in the bowls or a clogged jet somewhere.

Could be fouled plugs, bad gas, but definitely sounds like gunked up carbs. How many miles, when was last valve adjustment, and have you emptied the float bowls to check for rust? All are possible problems with a bike that is 13 years old.