CB500 Takes Ages To Start

[Motorhate]

My CB500 takes ages to start. Not sure why, but I'll turn over for ages and not fire. Just when I think it won't start (after about 5mins trying to turn over) it'll fire up. When its warmed up its fine - can stop and start with no problems. I don't think its the battery or plugs as I'd assume it would have problems starting all the time.

Don't think its carb issue as the bike starts without choke, just takes a long time to start.

Any suggestions?
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Current - Harley Davidson FXDB Street Bob | Harley Davidson FLTR Road Glide | Harley Davidson Road King
GONE - Honda CB500 Ratbike | Yamaha FZ750 | Yamaha XVS1100 | Kawasaki VN2000 | Kawasaki ER-6 F | Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster

[P.]

Put full choke on.

I'm starting all my carbed bikes with at least 1/2 choke, maybe more these days.

[orac]

when were valave gaps last done? cold engine will almost always need choke - it will take an age to start without choke.

how old is the battery, how fast does it crank.
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Current rides - 2016 Triumph Street Triple Rx, 1994 Suzuki Bandit 400 VM, TGB 204 Classic 125cc
"with nothing left to lose, there is everything to gain. It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog"

[Motorhate]

[orac]

do you give it any throttle when starting, there seems to be a thing that people like to twist the throttle when starting a machine. some need about 5 mill off the stop when starting without choek ona luke warm engine, but otherwise the throttle shoudl ne be touched.

also have you looked at plug gaps, i had difficulties with mine a while back, the irridiums and warn to 1.3mm gpas from the quoted 0.7mm
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Current rides - 2016 Triumph Street Triple Rx, 1994 Suzuki Bandit 400 VM, TGB 204 Classic 125cc
"with nothing left to lose, there is everything to gain. It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog"

[P.]

[Motorhate]

[P.]

I've never really bothered gapping a plug, it "works" but hey.

I would say full choke, no throttle, use the starter for 2 seconds, then a teeny bit of throttle.

[stinkwheel]

How to start a CB500:

Fuel on. Choke on full. Ignition on. Killswitch to run. Make sure it's in neutral. Press button. Do not touch throttle.

Why would you only use half choke?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[map]

Possible issue with starter motor. Bushes probably. There was a thread on here a bit back about repair (do a search).

I know this as I have an issue with mine. Occasional hit starter and get nothing, maybe a few clicks (so maybe not like your issue). Put in 2nd and run forward, like a push start. Hit starter again and all fires up.

I have never ever been able to start the CB500 without full choke.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Motorhate]

[Conzar]

CB500, Though you would have to use a pull cord for one of those.
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Current ride: ZX6R 636 ------- Previous:KTM EXC 450 Supermoto --- ZX6R B1H --Hornet 600--CBR 600--SV650
11:05:35 Rob Fzs: i just wanna own an rd350 valve before they send us to war with durkadurkastan

[P.]

[davebike]

I say either air filter or plugs
I have a look to see what plugs were fitted Should be CR8EH-9 or better CR8EHIX-9

I seldom need choke on mine or my previous CB500 or any of the Loan ones we had

I have Owned and serviced Lots of CB500's
Hardly ever seen one needing the valve clearance doing but air filter plugs and oil are common sources of problems

Dave
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Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

You do *not* need any choke to start a CB500 - if it's been garaged and used regularly. Assuming we're talking the '90s twins. Bit of throttle - should catch within first second or two. Then hold it at 500 to 1000 rpm - should come on two in about half a minute or so. After a minute or two it should be able to idle at 1250rpm with no trouble at all, while you get the rest of your clobber on to give it a little more time to warm. The CB5 is no cold arsed breed and gets to a healthy temperature with ease if it's in decent nick.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Motorhate]

Not garaged unfortunately and does seem to start a bit quicker in the warm weather or when the bike is warmed up.
____________________
Current - Harley Davidson FXDB Street Bob | Harley Davidson FLTR Road Glide | Harley Davidson Road King
GONE - Honda CB500 Ratbike | Yamaha FZ750 | Yamaha XVS1100 | Kawasaki VN2000 | Kawasaki ER-6 F | Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster