r/XR150L

My 2025 Honda XR150L has about 2,000 km on it. After a roughly 30 km/h fall on a dirt road, the bike was flooded and there was a small amount of oil in the air filter. I got it running again and rode about 15–20 km, although I’m not sure if I accidentally left the choke at the half position during that ride.

The bike then sat for about three weeks. When I tried to start it again with the old air filter, it wouldn’t start. I removed the air filter and was able to get the engine running, but then found that it would not idle with the choke off. I replaced the air filter about a week later, but the problem was exactly the same.

On half choke, it idles steadily at about normal idle speed. With the choke completely off, it runs normally if I keep some throttle on, and it rides normally at speed. However, I have to hold the throttle slightly above normal idle speed to keep the engine running. If I reduce the RPM toward normal idle, it sounds like it is dying and eventually stalls.

So far I have:

• Replaced the air filter.
• Removed and cleaned the #35 slow/pilot jet twice. The jet and its small side holes are open.
• Flushed the pilot passage through the slow-jet hole with carb cleaner; cleaner comes through to the engine side of the carb.
• Checked the float; it moves freely and looks normal. The float level has never been adjusted.
• Visually checked the intake manifold/flange and O-ring; no obvious cracks or damage.
• Gently pushed the carb while the engine was running to check for an intake leak; no noticeable RPM change.
• Tried running it with the fuel cap open; no difference.
• Fully warmed the engine and rode it 8–10 km; no improvement.

The carburetor looks very clean inside. I’m wondering if there could still be a problem somewhere in the pilot/idle circuit, pilot screw circuit, float level, air-cut valve, or a small intake leak.

Has anyone had a similar problem with an XR150L? What would you check next?