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Having problems starting my Falco. Its been getting progressively worse over last couple of weeks. Warm starting is worse and often takes a good 6 or 7 cranks of the starter before it will kick into life. Is my sprag clutch on its way out? Any tips would be much appreciated.Thanks Phil

Start with the simple things. Make sure the plugs are clean, properly gapped and done up tightly (and while they are out, check they all spark OK.

Also check that your battery is well charged.

When you've done that, see whether it's any better - if not we'll move on to the next phase

Agrees with Andy - check simple stuff first.

(including battery terminals are tight...)

Yes, all have been checked and in order. It has just been serviced and it is no better than before.

How recently? Probs didn't start when it was serviced did they?

stick some redex injector cleaner thru it.

If the problem is worse when warm then I would start checking the vacuum hoses ....

Its always been a poor cold starter, used to take a couple of gos to fire up but I put that down to poor use of the choke thingmy. Warm starting was ok but recently(well since I've started riding this year) it has become worse. Will try the injector cleaner and have a look at the vacuum hoses. Thanks guys will let you know how I get on. cheers.

Looking increasingly like the sprag clutch guys. It is making painful clanking/grinding noises before eventually firing into life. Next question, anyone near Glasgow who can supply and fit same for a reasonable price. The clock is ticking, leave for a 2500 mile trip to Spain and back in less than a fortnight. Any assistance would be most appreciated.

Have you checked the cable is tight on the cold start? so its opening fully? When I bought my current Falco there was so much play on it, at fully open it was having zero effect at the throttle body end.

Once I had tightened it up she nows starts first time (almost) every time.

Long periods of cranking this engine over without it starting have unfortunatley nearly always resulted in eventual sprag clutch failure.

It sounds like the sprag clutch could be on its way out so even if you do fix the cold starting issue you're still left with getting the sprag clutch replaced. Quite a few on here have replaced theirs so I'm sure someone can talk you through the process. Failing that its down to you're friendly local mechanic or Aprilia dealer as Griff is probably too far way for you

F9

philgro64 wrote:Looking increasingly like the sprag clutch guys. It is making painful clanking/grinding noises before eventually firing into life. Next question, anyone near Glasgow who can supply and fit same for a reasonable price. The clock is ticking, leave for a 2500 mile trip to Spain and back in less than a fortnight. Any assistance would be most appreciated.

Cant help I'm afraid being darn sarf but count your lucky stars it didn't go in the middle of Spain.

Have you looked at

http://www.apriliadealers.com/

anzacinexile wrote:Cant help I'm afraid being darn sarf but count your lucky stars it didn't go in the middle of Spain.

Have you looked at

http://www.apriliadealers.com/

Thanks have tried the 2 nearest me Avuus in Paisley, and Jim Allan in Falkirk but both seem to be closed today(what is it with motorcycle dealers being closed on a Monday).

philgro64 wrote:Looking increasingly like the sprag clutch guys. It is making painful clanking/grinding noises before eventually firing into life. Next question, anyone near Glasgow who can supply and fit same for a reasonable price. The clock is ticking, leave for a 2500 mile trip to Spain and back in less than a fortnight. Any assistance would be most appreciated.

Have used Jim Allens in Falkirk a couple of times for things beyond my basic spanner skills - tho not for over a year now. They may sound/appear a bit dis-organised but I've always been satisfied with results.

I reckon your battery's on the way out if the sprag's clattering as well now. Do you have a way to try jumping it from another vehicle?

Have used Jim Allens in Falkirk a couple of times for things beyond my basic spanner skills - tho not for over a year now. They may sound/appear a bit dis-organised but I've always been satisfied with results.[/quote]

The bike has been towed there by the AA and awaiting parts from France apparently. Fingers crossed they arrive in time.

Nooj, think you may be right new battery on order too so new Sprag doesnt go same way.