Starting the Bike effectively

[Shipman515]

I'm still fairly new to riding (less than a year and a half at this point).

During the cold weather (anything below 40) I have a lot of trouble getting the bike running. It just turns over repeatedly until it drains the battery.

I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions for ways to get it started without running the battery down.

[bonehead]

This is how I start MY bike, Key on, choke at 3/4, one twist of the throttle, and hit the start button. Most on here will say that you do need to apply some choke in the cold.

Now, that said, what have you been doing to start your bike?

[Shipman515]

I usually have to apply choke any time I start it. I don't usually apply throttle.

[bonehead]

I usually have to apply choke any time I start it. I don't usually apply throttle.
Ok, now we will need the specifics of your bike, i.e. year, miles, services done on it etc. A little history will help eveyone help you.

[Shipman515]

Its a 2003 with 7200 miles. All stock, no recent services as I've only put a few miles on it. Definitely less than 1k.

[Water Warrior 2]

Try this. Full choke, add just a smidgen of throttle and hit the starter. If it starts, back off the choke to 3/4 or less.

[Easy Rider]

Its a 2003 with 7200 miles. All stock, no recent services as I've only put a few miles on it. Definitely less than 1k.

Your symptoms might be an indication of a weakening battery. If it is OEM then it's 6 years old and probably due for a change. Does it start better if the battery is fully charged (do you have a charger). If you do get a new battery, then the charging system needs a quick check.

As has been mentioned in another thread lately, the low speed jets in the GZ carb seem to be especially sensitive to gum. A dose of Original Gumout or Berryman's B12 Chemtool in the gas would be a good idea too.

You might want to consider changing the plug too; fairly simple and cheap.

[Shipman515]

Okay I'll do the gum out and plug. Brand new battery.

[Easy Rider]

Brand new battery.

Was it fully charged before being installed ??

[Shipman515]

Yes. at a 2 amp charge rate.

[Water Warrior 2]

You might want to invest in a Battery Tender. They are smart little trickle chargers that will maintain a battery without overcharging it.

[alanmcorcoran]

I put the choke on all the way. I don't give it any gas prior to pushing the starter, but I do give the throttle about an eighth of a turn once I hit the button. I hold the button in until it catches - which is sometimes a few seconds. Once it catches, I give it a second or so, rev it once or twice and just let it run for a little. If it's been recently ridden, that's it. If it's been sitting for a while (a week or more) I let it warm up a bit before I take off. I listen to the revs and as they creep up, I back off the choke. Typically, after a few minutes I can take it off completely.

I don't ride mine everyday anymore ever since I got the bigger bike and unless I devote a week to it (or a 150 mile ride to nowhere) it's just not going to run like it once did. But even with frequent layoffs of a week or two (or three) it still starts up relatively easily and runs decent. It's a little sloppy/choppy in second gear until I get a few miles in, but pretty good in third, fourth and fifth. Mine is an '08 and I completely ran the battery down on it twice. (I have a charger.) I also have a tender but I haven't ever hooked it up.

Keep in mind, I am in Southern California. It hardly ever gets below 40 here, so naturally mine will start easier. The cold also has a negative effect on batteries, so it's kind of a double whammy. mrlmd has posted on here about jumping from a car battery. I'd try that if I were you and see if it works better. Then you know your battery is the issue. If not, it might be the carb needs cleaning.

[burkbuilds]

Pretty much all of the above, also I was wondering if you've ever had the valves adjusted? I noticed how much better my GZ cranked right up after a valve adjustment and I did mine about every 5,000 miles, and I noticed that you had over 7,000 on your GZ.

[bonehead]

Pretty much all of the above, also I was wondering if you've ever had the valves adjusted? I noticed how much better my GZ cranked right up after a valve adjustment and I did mine about every 5,000 miles, and I noticed that you had over 7,000 on your GZ.
:plus1:

[johnd]

Hi to all and I especially reading from Easy, Sarris, WW and Bb. Yesterday I rolled out my bike and it would not spin fast enough to crank. I jumped it off with lawnmower cables. My MotoFino 49cc would not start either. It has been very cold here for a long time considering this area. The GZ is a year 2000, and the scooter is a 2007. I expect I need two batteries. This has been discussed much, but I still would appreciate any opinions. Does any vendor double up on shipping and save us some money? I am on a budget that is equilavent to the US Government. I am nearby to AutoZone, PepBoys, NAPA, O'Rileys, and others.
Thanks to all,
John D.

[Easy Rider]

I jumped it off with lawnmower cables.

Sometime soon you need a small battery charger or tender.....really.

They can be had for about $20. Both your batteries might survive another year if given a good charge......although the 2000 model certainly needs one if it is the original in there.

Keeping the batteries fully charged while in "storage" will greatly lengthen their life (usually).......but that doesn't necessarily mean keeping a tender connected ALL the time.

Some of the online battery vendors offer free shipping on orders of more than XXX dollars from time to time. Plug "motorcycle battery" into your favorite search engine......and then compare the results with those local stores.

If you can possibly afford it, an AGM battery is highly recommended over a conventional wet-cell type. They typically have twice to three times the life span.

[johnd]

Thank you Easy.

[primal]

Sometime soon you need a small battery charger or tender.....really.

They can be had for about $20.

Harbor Freight. $12. Works like a charm for me.