Trouble starting cold - choke doesn't help

[ArizonaKev]

Hi everyone

It's been awhile since I've been on here, largely because my bike has been running awesome - until this morning anyway. I went out to start it after not having ridden it in about a week, and it just would not start. It was about 38 degrees, which isn't extremely cold, but cold for Phoenix.

I typically use the choke when it is cold, and don't have any issues. But this morning, it seemed like the bike was having a much harder time even turning over the more I put the choke on. With no choke at all, and no throttle, it would at least hit a few times and then die immediately. But with choke, it wouldn't hit at all, and sounded like it was killing the battery.

I checked some older posts on here, and I can't think of any advice that was previously given that I didn't try. I have been running some good Lucas carb cleaner in the gas about every 3rd of 4th tank, and up until this morning when I couldn't get it started, the bike has been running great.

Any ideas, advice, or wisdom from anyone out there? As always, it's greatly appreciated :2tup:


AzKev

[patrick_777]

Your battery needs charging. The cooler temps have hurt it.

[ArizonaKev]

Thanks Patrick - I was wondering about that. You think I can get away with just taking it out and getting it charged, or might I need a new one? I guess I can take it in and get it tested to find out. Do you trust the usual auto parts stores, like AutoZone, Checker, O'Reilly's to do that, or do you think I should take it to a motorcycle shop?

Probably silly questions, but I have been known to be silly at times! :retard:

Thanks :2tup:


AzKev

[jonathan180iq]

Also, make sure you have no vacuum leaks and that gas is flowing cleanly from the tank.

[jonathan180iq]

Splurge $30 on a real battery charger.

[mrlmd1]

Those batteries should be charged at a 2 amp rate - much higher can damage them and boil them out.
Don't go out and buy a new battery, just charge yours up - the inactivity and the cold have discharged it low enough so that the bike won't start.
You can try and jump the bike from a NON-RUNNING car using battery cables to see if you can start it, but running the bike in the driveway for 1/2 hour will not recharge the battery sufficiently for you to start it again if it's that cold. Get a small battery charger or trickle charger and you'll be OK and use it appropriately to keep the battery topped up for the winter. You do not have to take the battery out of the bike - most of the small chargers/maintainers come with cables that can be permanently attached to the battery, with a plug to go the charger, Hook this up and it's real easy to use any time you need it.

[ArizonaKev]

Thanks jonathan and mrlmd1. I think I will do just that - go out and buy a battery charger as you suggested. I'm not sure about the vacuum leaks, I suppose I could check for that too.

Thanks guys -- you rock! :2tup:

AzKev

[ArizonaKev]

joanathan - question for you : where can I get a charger for $30? Every one I am seeing is at LEAST $60 - any tips?

Thx....

AzKev

[jonathan180iq]

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-6-amp-6- ... 45005.html

And you can usually find coupon codes for HF as well. Best tool website you are ever going to find.

EDIT: For vacuum line testing, simply follow all of the rubber hoses that come out of your carb and make sure they are all tight and snug on both ends. IIRC, it's only a couple of hoses. Just to cover your bases.

[ArizonaKev]

Awesome dude - thanks! I think there are even some Harbor Freight stores here in Phoenix. For some reason, I was under the impression that most of the stuff there was cheaply made - any truth to that at all? Of course, sometimes I just want something quick and cheap, but for some stuff I want something I know will last. What has your experience been with HF?

Thanks again

AzKev