Odd Starting Problem

Mogan · Nov 3, 2006

My '05 machine has about 13k on it and has been sleeping patiently in my garage for the last three weeks as I did some routine maintenance (engine oil and final drive fluid change). I was waiting for a fairing part replacement that just arrived and everything got put back together today.

The gas tak was low so I rolled it out to take it for a spin and fill it up but she wouldn't start. It wasn't the battery. It was cycling okay but she just wouldn't turn over. After about 5 minutes of intermittent trying and really getting on the gas it gradually caught and started. I struggeld for a second, but revved up fine and idled at about 2k until it started to warm up.

I took it for a ride, filled up the tank and it seems to be okay now.

Any ideas?

Feejer/Weejer man · Nov 3, 2006

This has been reported repeatedly especially when they hibernate for awhile. The trick is to make sure thee battery is charged, open the throttle up and crank away is 3-5 second burst. Seems to start the majorityof the bikes that have this symptom.

wheatonFJR · Nov 3, 2006

I've had that happen a few times...usually after it has sat after a couple of weeks in a row after a long trip as I try to get caught up at work or bad weather etc.

Others have posted the fix...pin the throttle until she starts.

vfr2fjr · Nov 4, 2006

I also had this problem after a long ride. I did wash it while it was still warm, but I didn't think it was hot, then put it away for several days. Would crank fine but not fire. Tried the full open throttle, then key, then crank. Still no start. Had it towed to dealer who found no fault codes but after installing new plugs, it started. He had no particular reason for trying the new plugs but it worked.

My "guess" for the cure was that maybe I had cracked the insulators with the cold water while washing while it was still warm. I definitely did spray a lot of water on the backside of the radiator to flush the bugs out the front of the radiator.

I haven't had another repeat of the problem, but I don't wash it until it's cool and I ride it until at normal temp after washing. As the other post said, others have reported this same problem, but the full throttle before key on doesn't always solve it.