Bike won't start

[ReggieGasket]

I can't get the bike to start. She started first click at the end of winter. The battery is fully charged, but now she won't start. I wonder if the bike is flooded and needs time to clear, but I've been trying once a week. I have had a similar problem before when I miss the first catch, but the bike would start if I switched the "choke" off and gave full throttle. That technique isn't working. I'd guess something was wrong but the bike did catch for 5 seconds the other day. I hear lots of popping in the cylinders when the bike is turning over.

Anyone got another technique or do I need to clean the plugs? I'm assuming bumping is out of the question??

[DavShill]

Hi Giles, just the usual technique which you seem to have tried. Other than cleaning the plugs etc I can only suggest a new battery. I had a starting problem back end of last year even though the battery was fully charged and had regular Optimate attention. I bought a new Motorbat and she burst into life.

If you want me to bob round I can bring my battery and see if she fires up.
Just give me a call.

[jonnie_r]

When were the plugs last changed? Mine starts getting funny about starting if the plugs aren't in good order.

Are you sure it's definitely just fuel coming out? I had a similar experience with water in the tank(albeit quite a lot in mine, about a litre), which combined with the plugs made it a right git to start.

[randomsquid]

How old is the fuel? The stuff round here doesn't seem to last long, especially from the little garage on the corner. I had a weird misfire on my kwak that was cured by using a different petrol station and the kwak isn't fussy by any means.

You could try shoving a can of fresh in and giving it a swoosh round.

[ReggieGasket]

Thanks guys, some good theories to test there. The plugs are probably a few years old now and the bike has been stood outside again in some heavy rain.

Thanks for the kind offer Dave, will text you

[fatboy]

Check the water drain in the filler cap (obvious amount of water if its blocked )
Then check the fast idle cable adjustment, the cable stretches and if its not adjusted prperly it wont open the butterflies enough for cold starting.
Then vacuum hoses ect

[NickyT]

When mine won't start it's always because I've let the battery go a bit flat so it floods before it can fire.

The following method always works:

Remove seat
Connect battery to car via jump leads
Lift tank
Remove airbox lid if you have one (I don't)
Open throttle and spray a load of Easy Start down the intakes
Follow normal starting procedure

I usually get one big bang that ignites all the Easy Start but doesn't start the engine, then squirt in a load more, then try again. Works every time.

This bike is more prone to flooding than any I've ever owned.

[GregD-UK]

Hi all,

Don't forget too git big cylinders with loads of fuel can cause flooding or sometimes if left outside condensation in there too-boot

try a blanmet then a electric blanket and a bike cover ontop, keep her warm... Just like a woman

[ReggieGasket]

Yes, I've read a woman must have warm feet before any sort of hanky lanky can take place

[Aladinsaneuk]

Squid says the same about hooves - it's why he wears thermal lined wellies