Popping sound happens from a cold start

[Reyji]

Hello,

A popping sound has been happening for awhile when I start my bike from a cold start. I searched in the forums that it could be a worn head gasket causing the problem or could it be something else causing the pop? I'm not sure where to check first and whether or not it is something I could fix on my own. I'm not very mechanically inclined so I'm concerned if this is something I need to take care of by taking it to the shop for repairs. I'm also concerned if I prolong the situation that this could cause damage to the motor in the long run.

Your advice and suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks very much in advance.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Reyji

A popping sound has been happening for awhile when I start my bike from a cold start.

How loud is it.....and how long does it persist ??
Are you using the choke ?
When it pops, does it continue to run or does it stop.

Might be as simple as a loose exhaust pipe.

It would help a LOT to know where the noise is coming from.

[Reyji]

It's a pretty loud popping sound (like a small firecracker) that lasts for a second as soon as I start up the bike when the motor has cooled down like over night and its guaranteed to happen. It never happens when I start the bike warm. I believe its coming from the front of the bike. Yes I use the choke half way thru. Don't think its a loose pipe. I read this is a common problem with this bike. Not sure what to check. Thanks for asking.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Reyji

It's a pretty loud popping sound (like a small firecracker) that lasts for a second as soon as I start up the bike

I read this is a common problem with this bike.

So.....it only pops ONCE and then runs right along ??
How long does it take to start up; guessing at engine revolutions.....2, 5, 10 ??

Just exactly where did you read about it ??

I don't think we've EVER heard it here, at least in the past 3 years or so.
Or at least not described that way.

This might have more to do with how you STOP the bike than how you start it.

You don't race the engine, or put the choke on, or stop it with the kill switch or side stand, do you ??

If it only pops ONCE when first started cold but seems to run normally at all other times.....I don't think you should worry about it too much.

Take it to a dealer's service department. After they park it, take the key with you. Come back the next morning so you can demonstrate the problem while the mechanics are present. I can't think of any other way to put your mind at ease.......or to discover what the problem IS......if there really is one.

[Reyji]

Hi,

Yes it pops once only at the very start of firing and runs fine after that. Not sure what you mean by engine revolutions. I read it on here I did a search and found a similar situation. viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1625&p=25280&hilit=popping+sou nd#p25280

I don't race the engine, or put the choke on or use the kill switch or side stand.

Maybe I am getting ahead of myself and worrying for no reason.

I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on a harmless situation.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Reyji

Not sure what you mean by engine revolutions.

When you eagage the starter, you should be able to hear a little "poof, poof" from the exhaust.
That is the engine turning over but not firing. Each "poof" is a revolution.

Mine never went past 3 "poofs" before it started......unless I forgot to set the choke.

Are you using the choke at start up.....and how many "poofs" before it fires up ??

I suspect that you don't really have a problem.......but your report is rather unique so it's hard to say for sure.

[Reyji]

Hi Easy Rider,

Hmm I dont really notice the poof poof from the exhaust when I start it. Next time I start it I'll keep that in mind but I think its less than 3 poofs for sure. I always use the choke when I know the engine has cooled down for awhile. Usually half way since the weather is quite warm these days. But yeah it still fires out a popping sound sometimes loud sometimes not from a cold start. I hope it dosen't turn out to be a problem but I will keep monitoring the situation. For now it dosen't seem to be affecting the motor or when I'm riding but its always a concern with these little things. I appreciate your thoughtful responses. The folks here are cool and this forum Rocks!

[GTGZ]

Are you still having the "popping" noise when you start your engine?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by GTGZ

Are you still having the "popping" noise when you start your engine?

He may have jumped ship. Last visit here was June 12.

[ncff07]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

He may have jumped ship. Last visit here was June 12.

He'll be back when he needs advice or something. :retard: