Need help 14 ktm 65sx

Edited Date/Time 11/23/2023 7:15am

My son has a 14 KTM 65 I have tried everything to get this thing to idle it's got 213 hours on it. New top end was done at 185 hrs running 50:1 ratio 93 octane. Main jet is 195 5n13 needle clip in Position 2 stock pilot jet I have tried a 22.5 pj I've tried 2 turns out and up on the idle circuit jet no matter what I cannot get it to idle once it starts, it runs like a top something I have always noticed is it's always spewing oil out the exhaust. I know my son does not ride it as hard as it should be. any help would be great I've even thought about putting another set of rings in it.im just at a loss right now

some also told me to run a 60:1 ratio on oil

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4DAIVIPAI2K5
Posts
1126
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
Coshocton, OH, USA
11/23/2023 7:25am

No advice on the jetting,  but at 30 hrs it's probably due for another top end. 

 

2
Anonymous (not verified)
11/23/2023 8:10am Edited Date/Time 8/31/2026 9:15pm

Have you changed the slide?  My daughters 2012 65sx had same type of issues. The slide showed some wear but nothing that made me think it was bad. I changed it anyway after chasing idle issues and now it runs, starts, idles perfect.

2

The Shop

Anonymous (not verified)
11/23/2023 8:13am Edited Date/Time 8/31/2026 9:15pm

Prior to the new slide I’d have to turn the idle screw in all the way to get it to almost idle okay.  The worn slide lets to much air/fuel though. 

motodad805
Posts
329
Joined
4/8/2021
Location
Reno, NV, USA
11/23/2023 8:39am

Air box leak, damaged reeds.

1
11/23/2023 8:43am
Anonymous wrote:
Prior to the new slide I’d have to turn the idle screw in all the way to get it to almost idle okay.  The worn slide...

Prior to the new slide I’d have to turn the idle screw in all the way to get it to almost idle okay.  The worn slide lets to much air/fuel though. 

Ill have to check the slide I have the idle screw all the way in as well i did check the reeds they are good

 

1
11/23/2023 10:12am

is there a way to measure the slide and check spec

1
Anonymous (not verified)
11/23/2023 10:19am Edited Date/Time 8/31/2026 9:15pm

is there a way to measure the slide and check spec

Not that I know of. The way that rectangular slide drops is there’s like 5 diff wear marks. 

11/23/2023 10:45am

Definitely has some wear!!ill have to call my local dealer tomm see if he has one

Anonymous (not verified)
11/23/2023 1:25pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2026 9:15pm

I think getting a new slide will make all the difference. My slide was not nearly that worn.

Kiernan mx
Posts
169
Joined
9/10/2023
Location
Rotorua, NZ
11/23/2023 1:56pm

I had that exact model for my son. Got it brand new. They run extremely rich stock. The recommended fuel/oil mix from Ktm is 60:1. I went for a leaner pilot jet as the air screw had to be as far out as I could get it. And turn the idle up too. That model had to idle or it would foul plugs. The idle adjuster  is on the left side of the bike and air screw is on the right next to the shock. I still have a really long thin screw driver for that one. 

1
11/23/2023 2:26pm

Take it to ktmtalk.com 

1
mikemike214
Posts
29
Joined
7/21/2019
Location
Hammonton, NJ, USA
11/23/2023 3:13pm

Not a 2014 but on my kids 19,23’s I run stock 210 main, stock 20 pilot and the 13 needle on the second clip from top with the air screw about 2.5 out. This and 60:1 with pump 93 and they run great. 

11/24/2023 8:19am

Just orderd a slide keep my fingers crossed it works this bike has been kicking my butt

1/3/2024 6:59am

Just a quick update i'll change both crank seals. Still it doesn't wanna start or idle but if I push it off to start it runs fine as long as you keep it wrapped up so I decided to do a quick compression test kicks with a throttle open and with closed 7 kicks each and it had about 116 psi ish of compression 

1
1/3/2024 7:00am Edited Date/Time 1/3/2024 7:18am

IMG 2996Maybe closer to 100

1
4/24/2025 6:41am

I ended up doing a top amd bottom end and still the same problem it almost has to be the slide or carb i ended up tight the throttle up just a bit and sent it i know thats not the correct way i just got feed up with it.Im gonna eventually order a carb or slide to see if it takes care of it

4/27/2025 2:14am

I just rebuilt top end on mine as well and it still is doing the same thing, getting sick of chasing this down as well about to do the same thing as you did after rebuilding top end and no success. But I did notice on the throttle slide there is a pretty decent sized indent on the spot where the idle adjustment screw hits the slide and I am pretty sure that that is the problem, its not letting the slide to adjust up enough allowing it to idle. Gonna try a new slide and if that doesn't fix it I'm at a loss and will be shortening the cable like you did. It runs perfect besides the idle issue. And after replacing jets, reeds, top end, and adjusting over and over again if this new slide doesnt do it I could care less if its wrong to shorten the cable lol as long as it idles I'll be ok with it.

4/27/2025 3:42pm
I just rebuilt top end on mine as well and it still is doing the same thing, getting sick of chasing this down as well about...

I just rebuilt top end on mine as well and it still is doing the same thing, getting sick of chasing this down as well about to do the same thing as you did after rebuilding top end and no success. But I did notice on the throttle slide there is a pretty decent sized indent on the spot where the idle adjustment screw hits the slide and I am pretty sure that that is the problem, its not letting the slide to adjust up enough allowing it to idle. Gonna try a new slide and if that doesn't fix it I'm at a loss and will be shortening the cable like you did. It runs perfect besides the idle issue. And after replacing jets, reeds, top end, and adjusting over and over again if this new slide doesnt do it I could care less if its wrong to shorten the cable lol as long as it idles I'll be ok with it.

Lmk if that works

4/30/2025 1:41am

If I can even find one online, having a hard time finding the same flatside throttle slide.

4/30/2025 2:50pm

If I can even find one online, having a hard time finding the same flatside throttle slide.

I had the exact same problem 

4/30/2025 3:49pm

Rocky mtn atv in the oem parts. $125

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