Engine Info and PVL

[Jeffrey Bruce]

Can anyone assist with helping me identify what KTM engine this is?
Serial number 8-5419020
Also, what if any, issues do any of you have starting your engines with a PVL. Any weight need to be added to flywheel or not?

Thanks in advance!!

[chicagojerry]

that's a 78 250...    pvl's work great. yes. i would put a heavier flywheel weight on it. what is your intended usage? mx or off-road? some big bores. 465 yamahas as an example have trouble spinning the engine over fast enough to obtain initial spark. i run a pvl on my mint 400 and it has always started well. chicago jerry

[Jeffrey Bruce]

My engine builder is recommending I stay with the Motoplat and not use the PVL. Planning on just hare scramble racing the bike, no lights.

[JP Morgen]

I would stick with a Motoplat, also less likely to stall. I worked on a friend's 400 and it was impossible to kick it over fast enough to get the PVL to spark, with no added weight. Throw a Motoplat on, started first kick! On my vintage mx race bike with reed valve and more, I added 3 lbs. of brass to the outside of the external Motoplat flywheel to make it rideable.

[Jeffrey Bruce]

Thanks all!