Occasionally, my bike has some difficult starting. It had been fine for about two weeks, but last night the bike sat at work for about 12 hours prior to me leaving again for home. The bike did not turn over for about 8 tries. I turned the bike off and back on thinking I did not let it start up properly. It finally started but was embarrassing because all my coworker riders were gawking at my bike again.
I just went to move my bike to the other side of my garage to put on my fender eliminator and it took 5 tries before starting. It sits in a garage at work and at home so it always 70-80 degrees if not more. Any ideas why this may be happening or how to prevent. I looked in the manual and it says to let the bike start on it's own before turning on the fast idle.
I have about 500 miles so far. Usually it starts right up, but occasionally this happens. I do not think my coils are crossed because I have not experienced any other issues described.
If memory serves me, the dealer said the same thing about my S2R 800, start then use the fast Idle lever, then I read on TOB that that was the reverse of the dealer's procedure (always thought it was wrong)
I always set the fast idle lever to fully on (Cold start EG: engine has not run for about 4 hours) or a little less on a warm day, I then switch on the ignition let the Gauge's sweep, wait for the fuel pump to finish priming, then hit the starter button.
I then adjust the lever to settle the Idle back to about 1800 RPM while it warms.
Starts first time, every time since I started setting the lever before I hit the starter button.
i agree that turning the cold start level FIRST will help.
My 696 has about 1100 miles, and unless it's like 85+ in the garage I need the cold start on.
Don't overestimate or underestimate the problems the switched coil wires will do. get it checked. It's free for the dealer to do so.
I always use the cold start because I was having the same reaction as you,( new bike, would not start some times, would not start even though it is warm outside) now I always crack the cold start open, if just a little, to start every time. ;)
Quote from: Raux on August 24, 2008, 08:10:52 AM
i agree that turning the cold start level FIRST will help.
My 696 has about 1100 miles, and unless it's like 85+ in the garage I need the cold start on.
Don't overestimate or underestimate the problems the switched coil wires will do. get it checked. It's free for the dealer to do so.
I'll definitely get the coils checked, just waiting for the first service. Thanks for the input, I'll just use the fast idle from now on.
From a PDF of the owner's manual:
QuoteCold start lever (fig. 36)
The cold start lever is used to assist starting from cold and
to raise the idle speed after starting.
The cold start lever should be used while the engine is
cold (1 or max. 2 bars lit of engine oil T). The cold start
lever should be adjusted while the engine warms up to
maintain an idle speed of around 1500 rpm.
Lever positions:
A) = lever not activated;
B) = lever fully applied.
The lever can be placed in intermediate positions to help
the engine warm up gradually (see page 60).
Important
Never use the cold start lever when the engine is warm.
Do not ride the motorcycle with the cold start lever activated.
Starting the engine
Notes
Follow the “High ambient temperature†procedure to
start the engine when it is already warm.
Warning
Before starting the engine, familiarise yourself with
the controls that you will use when riding.
Normal ambient temperature
(between 10 °C/50 °F and 35 °C/95 °F):
1) Turn the ignition switch to position (1, fig. 50).
Check that both the green light N and the red light
on the instrument panel come on.
Important
The oil pressure warning light should go out a few
seconds after the engine has started (page 11).
Warning
The sidestand should be in rest position (horizontal),
otherwise the safety sensor prevents the engine starting.
Notes
The engine can be started with the sidestand down
and the gearbox in neutral. If starting with a gear engaged,
pull in the clutch lever (in this case the sidestand must be up).
2) Move the cold start lever to position (B, fig. 52).
3) Make sure that the stop switch (2, fig. 51) is in the
RUN position, then press the starter button (3, fig. 51).
This model has servo-assisted starting. To use the servoassisted
starting feature, press the start button (3) and
release it immediately. When you press button (3) the starter
motor runs automatically for a period of time that varies
according to the engine temperature. The system
disengages the starter motor as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine fails to start, wait at least 2 seconds
before pressing the start button (3) again.
In other words, below 95, use the fast idle lever to start the bike.
Yep, unless the engine is hot (meaning you've just been riding it), move the cold start lever down a tad before you hit the starter button - everytime. That's how she likes it. [thumbsup]
I'm having the exact same problem. It has been taking around ten to twelve times of pushing the ignition button for the engine to finally kick over. I just took it in for it's 600 mile service so we will see what they find...I'll let you know when I hear back from the dealer!
Quote from: Roy on August 26, 2008, 07:08:31 PM
I'm having the exact same problem. It has been taking around ten to twelve times of pushing the ignition button for the engine to finally kick over. I just took it in for it's 600 mile service so we will see what they find...I'll let you know when I hear back from the dealer!
Roy, did you try what people suggested above?
To clarify, I'm curious to know if the cold start lever didn't solve your problem and thats why you took it to the dealer.
Quote from: JBubble on August 26, 2008, 07:25:24 PM
Roy, did you try what people suggested above?
To clarify, I'm curious to know if the cold start lever didn't solve your problem and thats why you took it to the dealer.
For some reason I wanna say that he took it to the dealer for the 600 mile service. Not sure why I would think that though.