Pilot Screw Adjustment for the Recon 250 ('97 and up)
This may also be suitable information for the same year 250SX quad.
Note:
-The pilot screw is factory pre-set. Adjustment is not necessary unless the carburetor is overhauled or new pilot screws are installed.
-The engine must be warm for accurate adjustment. Ten minutes of stop-and-go riding is sufficient.
-Use a tachometer with gradations of 50 rpm or smaller that will accurately indicate 50 rpm change.
1. Turn the pilot screw clockwise until it seats lightly, then back it out to the specification given.
CAUTION: Damage to the pilot screw seat will occur if the pilot screw is tightened against the seat.
TOOL:
Pilot screw wrench 07908-4220201
INITIAL OPENING:
'97 (except California type): 2 7/8 turns out
'97 CA type: 2 3/4 turns out
'98 - 2001: 2 5/8 turns out
After 2001: 2 turns out
2. Warm the engine up to operating temp.
3. Stop the engine and connect a tachometer according to the tach. manufacturer's instructions.
4. Start the engine and adjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw.
IDLE SPEED: 1,400 +/- 100 rpm
5. Turn the pilot screw in or out slowly to obtain the highest engine speed.
6. Readjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw
7. Turn the pilot screw in gradually until the engine speed drops 100 rpm.
8. Turn the pilot screw counterclockwise the number of specified turns.
FINAL OPENING:
'97 (except CA type) 3/4 turn out
'97 CA type/'98-2001: 7/8 turn out
After 2001: 1/2 turn out
9. Readjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw.
For those who do not know, the throttle stop screw is on the right side of the carb. right behind the mounting stud where the carb. attaches to the intake rubber.
The pilot screw is on the front center underneath side close to the engine cylinder.
The above info. was taken from Honda's '97-'04 Recon service manual, and I hope this helps many. Print it out, and get it covered with your greasy fingerprints, and then throw it away!
I do not have a tach or a pilot screw wrench, but I do have ears and a screwdriver. I used these baseline settings to dial my wife's bike in perfectly. You can too.

Hey everyone, having an issue with my bike and would like some input/suggestions.
I have a '96 fourtrax 300 4x4 which sat for almost a year. I couldn't get it started with a new battery, so I took apart the carburetor and gave it a good cleaning. Popped it back in and then it started with some choke help of course.
I then took for a ride down the road and noticed some throttle issues - basically seemed like it was starving for gas as I switched gears, which I was not getting the old power thrust I used to. I also noticed a different smell - not quite clutch burn though. Also, if I did not stay in motion, the motor would kill.
Two things to note regarding the carburetor cleaning:
1. When I removed the jets, I removed the idle mixture screw (pilot screw) without noting its original position, on accident. So I decided to place it back not too tight nor too loose.
2. I purchased one of those little $20 packets which contains a few replacement parts (ie: o ring, jets, springs and washers)
I noticed that when I removed my main jet, there was no emulsion tube in the hole (like stated in the instructions I was following) This tube was however in my replacement packet but would not fit below the main jet if I tried to re-install, so I left it out.
Any of you Honda gurus out there have any ideas/suggestions for this not so tech savvy bike owner? Would be much appreciated.