2002 Ninja 250EX HELP! First time working on my own bike

[brumley77]

Here is what I have done.

My bike was running and I learned one of the rocker arms had worn down and came out of its position.

So, I replaced the rocker arm and put everything back together.

Last night the bike wouldn't run unless I used full throttle (it would stall)

Tonight when I attempted to start it the bike backfired loud and it wouldn't start.

What did I do? I am a rookie so please bear with me. I can't put the bike in the shop so I have been forced to try and repair this on my own.

Everything seemed pretty straight forward as far as the tear down and re-assembly.

Any thoughts or help will be greatly appreciated!

Brad

[Johnj]

Hi Brad and welcome to the forum. So I think one of your valves got loose, and you replaced the little forked thingy in the top of the engine. Have you checked the clearance in all the valves. Back off the lock-nut (two per valve) and set the clearance, then re-tighten the lock-nut and check the clearance again. Make sure your using metric feeler gauges.
It may be time to get the carbs cleaned and adjusted.
I had a Ninja 250 this spring, they're a fun bike to run around on.