Besides the things I mentioned above, I would make sure that you change the coolant on a more regular basis. I run Engine Ice and it works great, but I change it out a couple times a season so it is always fresh. Thumpers are a bitch when hot to start, that is why the hot start lever. ever watch supercross when one of those bikes stall, they kick and kick. Those things get hot and don't start. On my 07 YZ450, my lever is for cold starting and not hot starting. The key is to get the kick starter at the top and have a good healthily kick through. Having long legs like I do helps. Geekster, remember are last ride when we at the hill climbs and the larger guy was struggling with that hill and then could not get his bike started? His buddy came back and kicked forever. I felt bad, so I offered my leg and one kick lit it up. just need to power through the stroke...