COLD START PROBLEM

RHBIKER · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 Nov 2014 Karma :

I have a 2008 Aprilia 750 Shiver that I bought this summer, I love it and it has been fine for several months, now the weather has changed I have hit a problem, the bike will not start when cold, its a nightmare, almost flattens the battery before it fires up.

The battery is kept on a trickle charge and has been tested so its not that, the starter is also ok, engine turns over it just want start, I do notice a strong smell of petrol, any idea's what is wrong with it.

I have bought some new plugs but not convinced this will resolve the problem.
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Fisty · Super Spammer Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Karma :

Just because it's on a trickle charger does not mean it's not the battery. Cold weather kills them. I'd bet Smilers virginity that the battery is your problem.
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alt tab · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 01 Apr 2014 Karma :

Have you checked the subframe? It is commonly known that the 2008 Shiver's have big issue with the subframe warping during the colder months of the year, leading to issues with starting.

As you rightly say, you've trickled charged the battery, so that is definitely fine. Personally, I would go to a local motorcycle garage and ask them to measure the subframe dimensions. They have laser rigs for this purpose, it should only cost around £15.

HTH Thumbs Up

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

alt tab · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 01 Apr 2014 Karma :

DottyDuck · Nearly there... Joined: 12 Nov 2012 Karma :

maybe the bike is shivering? put a quilt on it.

https://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/434/244/817.png
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Fisty · Super Spammer Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Karma :

RHBIKER · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 Nov 2014 Karma :

Thanks for the replies, will try a new battery and a duvet cover, may even treat it to a hot chocolate, will try anything at this point.
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DottyDuck · Nearly there... Joined: 12 Nov 2012 Karma :

ADSrox0r · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Oct 2012 Karma :

If it makes you feel any better I have a similair issue with the Viffer. Starts fine until the temps drop below 5 degrees, then when you crank it over the revs drop to 800 or below then stall out unless you hold the throttle till it warms. Fast idle works fine normally and will fast idle once stabilised. I suspect wax idle unit fuckery but it's a dog to diagnose.

If your bike has a wax idle control then check that out, see if it's sticking.
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