Can anyone advise possible diagnoses and what to check... last few days I've been experiencing starting problems. Bike turns over but just doesnt catch as it usually does. If I keep trying it eventually starts after A LOT of churning... Battery is fully charged, starter motor turning healthily (I have the upgraded Exsct battery cables). It starts first time from warm, the problem is only after overnight. Yesterday had long run and left bike for about 4 hours, and it started later in the day fine. Any suggestions? i'm no mechanic, but competent diy-er and have the Haines manual... would rather have a go myself before calling my service guy, if no specialist tools needed. thanks.
It had sat for months before last week, but tank was probably four fifths empty it and started fine... I then filled the tank with Shell Premium on the forst outing. It's been topped again since: could it be crappy fuel from the station? The problem developed just a few days ago.
Doubt it very much. If it had been sat all winter then it might have been your issue. You are using the cold start button I assume (no insult intended)?
None taken LOL! Yes using the cold start button (fast idle). After all that churning, It actually seems to start better if I leave that off until it catches... but I try first with it on. it's only been the last two mornings I've experienced this. I can try again tomorrow morning... went out for quick spin today as sun was shining, and it started first time after about an hour long stop for a coffee at the beach.
I wonder if the Intake Air temp sensor or coolant temp sensor is faulty ? From a duc workshop manual AIR TEMPERATURE AND COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORS The sensor (1) measures the external air temperature; the electric signal created is sent to the electronic unit and is used for correction in accordance with the air temperature. The sensor (2) measures the temperature of the coolant in the engine. The electric signal created is sent to the electronic unit where it is used for correction in accordance with the required mixture. Both sensors consist of a body which contains an NTC type thermistor (NTC means that the resistance of the thermistor drops as the temperature increases). Also from workshop manual Start stage When the ignition switch is turned ON, the I.A.W. unit feeds the fuel pump for a few moments and receives the throttle opening angle and engine temperature signals. When the engine is started, the unit receives the engine RPM and timing signals which allow it to proceed with injection and ignition. To facilitate start up, the rider uses the choke control and there is also an enrichment in the basic dose in accordance with the coolant temperature. During starting, the ignition advance is fixed (0°) until the engine starts. When the engine starts, the unit starts the advance control. It could be its not getting the cold start enrichment due to a duff temp sensor.
thanks so much for the detailed reply... I'll check the Haines manual for how to test... thanks for the pointers.