Finding replacment carb (or carb parts)

[CSXfan]

Hi all,

Please excuse any incorrect terminology. I'm not a mechanic and I'm a newbie rider, but I'll do the best I can to explain what I mean.

A few days ago I took the carb apart (for cleaning) on my '81 Kawasaki CSR 250. In the process I broke the butterfly valve for the choke. More specifically the little spring that holds the flap shut. I tried to bend the spring back into position but with no success. When I reinstalled the carb the bike ran like s@#%. Backfiring like crazy and idling at 4500rpms. When I open the throttle the rpms die. I don't know how to fix the problem and neither does the local Kawasaki dealer (or they don't want to). So I guess my only option is to find a replacement carb.

I've been searching the web and the cheapest carb that I can find for a CSR 250 is $316. Kawasaki discontinued this carb a while ago so I'll have to get a used one. I'd like to only replace the butterfly valve but I am having no luck finding one.

So, my questions are... Where can I find a carb for an 1981 Kawasaki CSR 250 (for cheap)? Is there more than one carb that will fit this bike? If so which ones? Is it possible to purchase only the butterfly valve instead of the whole carb assembly?

And to add another twist to the story, I'm taking the MSF course this coming Monday (7/16/07) so I will need a fix by Monday morning. Am I out of luck? Sorry for the long post, I’m very frustrated at the moment.

[Johnj]

First off, they have bikes for you to ride at the MSF so that shouldn't be a problem.

Do a Google search for 'motorcycle salvage' and you will get a couple dozen pages of places where you can find used parts for your bike.

[thespirit]

Have your tried looking at bikebandit?

I'll look there and see if I can see what you are talking about.

I have a huge motorcycle salvage yard here. Since you are in Holland, I can probably get you the part quickly if they happen to have one, if all other options fail.

[thespirit]

I sent you a couple of PMs. The second one has the way to get to the parts diagrams for your model. If it's the same spring that you are describing, it looks like a $4 part.

[CSXfan]

thespirit,
Thank you very much for taking the time to help me out. The first PM (I never received the second) had exactly what I was looking for, and for a great price! I called the shop and now a replacement carb is headed my way in the mail. It should get here Thursday of Friday. Thanks again!

[jonnythan]

My MSF specifically prohibited us from using our own bikes, period.

Besides... how would you get the bike there, anyway?

[CSXfan]

You guys are right. I just got back from the first of 4 classes and they do prohibit taking your own bike. I'm not sure where I heard that I had to take my own.

Well, the carb I received in the mail Tuesday was even worse of than my original one. The one part that I needed was totally bent out of shape and unusable. Everything else looked and worked fine. I'm trying to return it to the dealer, but I'm not having much luck. $150 dollars down the drain.

On the bright side, I got the original carb working again. After 5 hours of fiddling with it, I bent the spring back to how it should be, but I don't know how long it will last. I went for a short ride today and everything seemed to be functioning as usual. Thanks again for the help.

[Axman]

The MSF class that is given in my area encourages riders to use the bike they will actually be riding. They also discount the fees for using your own bike. I suppose it's up to the instructor that gives the course.

[slimcolo]

Try contacting the manufacturer of the carb. 81 isn't that old. I have been able to find parts for Linkert (Harley) going back into the 20s. Also no problems with Bings (BMW) going back to the 30s. I was also able to find parts for my 66 Yamaha and 81 Honda from dealer.