"Popping" noise when starting
 

I have a 2008 GZ250 that I've put 3500 miles on this summer. Lately, when I start from a cold start there is a loud popping noise that seems to come from the front of the bike and then when I give the bike gas I get the same sound until it warms up. Sorry I can't describe this any better. I'm going to take the bike in for the 3000 mile service but my local dealer is a complete douche so I'm not terribly confident with them. Any ideas?

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

Could it be just the pipes heating up and expanding? Hope so.
If that's what it is, your header bolts might be a little loose.
If you check them, be careful; they should just be snug, not TIGHT.

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

That was my first thought as well. I tightened them up a bit and the sound did seem to go away for a day or two, but it's back now. I'll report back after the service...

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

Is it popping or pootting. Could it be coming from your carburetor. My old Yamaha 350 Big Bear will get out of kilter every once in a while and will register a loud poot, kind of like a back fire, only it is more like a front fire.

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

lol, I'm not sure if it's a 'poot' or a pop, but I definitely describe it as a 'front-fire'.

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

I just don't know about you young rookies........... :)
A real back fire comes BACK through the carb. That is why it is called a BACK fire.
What is now commonly called a backfire really isn't; it is an AFTER fire.....in the exhaust system.

EDIT: OK, that really isn't right either. One just needs to distinguish between an exhaust backfire and an intake backfire......which has all but disappeared with widespread use of fuel injection.

Brought to you by a charter member of the old farts club ! :crackup

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

Thus, he is VERY familiar with things that make "poot" sounds.

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

[quote=patrick_777]Thus, he is VERY familiar with things that make "poot" sounds.[/quote:yn9k0031]

:shocked: :neener: :skull:

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

My 2000 with just under 10,000 miles makes a poot from the front of the engine when I start. The head gasket appears to have developed a leak. It is a very unusual sound. It has been doing it for a while, I just ignored it. Last Friday when leaving work. I noticed a small puff of smoke accompanied the sound from the front of the engine. It took what seemed like a dozen restarts to figure out where it was coming from. That could be the prob. but I would doubt it on such a new bike.

Re: "Popping" noise when starting
 

Well I've FINALLY got my service scheduled, so hopefully the mystery of the poot will come to a close. ;)