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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??

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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