Slow cranking

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Lou D

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When I start the bike, it cranks slowly at first, then it speeds up then starts. Can anyone suggest how I diagnose this problem? I replaced the battery last year when it first happened. It seemed to be better for a while but now it is cranking slow again. Two weeks ago, I left it outside for a few hours in 30 degree weather and it wouldn`t start. When I trickle charge the battery, it reaches full charge within 10-15 minutes. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks

 
Pull the battery and do a load test. Some (cheaper) batteries can go bad in a few years.

The FJR needs a strong battery to turn it over well, and open the FI... so try a different battery or replace yours w/ a Yuasa (or similar).

 
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If it's a conventional lead-acid battery that was at fault, it's most unlikely it would increase cranking speed during the start.

So, connections or starter motor.

Unless you've fitted one of these lithium batteries which don't like the cold
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.

 
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^^^^^^^^ If your FJR has a lead-acid battery almost nothing will make it crank faster, in fact almost everything will make it crank slower or stop cranking. An exception may be sticking clutch plates when starting with the bike in gear, but you would probably feel the bike try to move when you hit the starter.

Lithium iron batteries don't like the cold like mcatrophy says. LiFe batteries will 'self heat' as you try to start in temps below ~40°F and crank stronger/faster as they heat. The LiFe battery manufacturers suggest that in real cold weather you put a load on the battery first to get it to warm up before trying to crank the engine, just the opposite of a lead-acid battery. Turning the key on and just leaving it for a few minutes will help a little bit, better is to turn on driving lights or non-OEM heated grips or turn on heated clothing. (I don't think your family or neighbors want to listen to the horn for 2-3 minutes
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)

If you don't know what kind of battery is in your FJR you need to find out. LiFe batteries are a lot smaller and lighter than an equivalent lead-acid battery, you may be able to feel around the battery and see if it has foam insert fillers or if there is a lot of open space. If you can't use a mirror to look and/or can't feel the battery you need to pull a panel and take a peak.

If your battery is indeed a conventional lead-acid battery you need to review how often you ride and how long you ride to see if the battery ever gets fully charged. If you ride enough that the battery should charge then you need to check the charging system. Do you have any electrical add-ons? Earlier Gen II FJRs often have a significant voltage drop between the Rectifier/Regulator and the battery. There are a number of electrical, instrument and ECU recalls for a '06, they shouldn't affect your starting but should be done. You can call a Yamaha service department, give them your VIN and they can tell you what work has been done and what work, if any, should be done.

 
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