I have a 220 bayou that had been very reliable. Now it starts like new and idles, but as soon as you touch the throttle it acts exactly like the reverse rev limiter acts, except in forward,I tried pushing the over ride button but it doesn't help. It's not acting like a lean misfire, there's no backfire, it sounds exactly like your backing up.

SOURCE: bike backfire

Yes, it could (and probably is) be an air leak. Check to be sure the carb is tight in the intake manifold, and make sure the hot-start isn't loose and is sealing properly. Also make sure all of the exhaust system joints are tight, an air leak in the exhaust will make a four-stroke pop and backfire like an old work truck with no muffler...

SOURCE: backfire

Yes, it could (and probably is) be an air leak. Check to be sure the carb is tight in the intake manifold, and make sure the hot-start isn't loose and is sealing properly. Also make sure all of the exhaust system joints are tight, an air leak in the exhaust will make a four-stroke pop and backfire like an old work truck with no muffler...

SOURCE: kawasaki 300 bayou won't rev up.

No guarantees but try this. Pull the slide from the throat of the carb. Now move the clip on the jet needle down one notch. This will richen the low end mix. Two notches may be needed but do one notch at the start.

SOURCE: i have a 94 polaris 400l it runs but acts like it

I have a polaris 500 ranger 6x6, it starts alright but when you take off it backfires

SOURCE: I have a 88' Kawasaki Bayou 300. It will start

buy a bottle of gasline anti-freeze. it will absorb any water in your fuel. add a half a bottle now and a half next time you fill the tank. should improve the operation of the engine