Oh dear, my bike won't start

[Smousie]

When I bought it last week it started fine for a few days. On Sunday it took a few goes to get it started. On Monday it wouldn't start and the kind people on this forum advised that I had flooded the engine, eventually it started after drying out for a bit. Tuesday and Wednesday it wouldn't start at all, even on full choke.

The bike is sitting outside on my drive with a cover over it, I know it's a bit chilly but it's not exactly arctic weather so surely it should start on full choke? The damn thing was serviced less than a fortnight ago by the previous owner, it has fuel and the engine sounds like it's turning over but it just won't start.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm a newbie and know nothing about bikes so be gentle! My partner has suggested putting WD40 on the spark plugs as he thinks the problem is caused by dampness from the bike sitting outdoors, but I dunno if that will solve the problem? Any advice would be gratefully received!

[Mr.Everready]

Try taking the spark plugs out and give them a clean up.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[Phil_P]

For your first attempt at starting each time, leave the choke off. That way, if your bike doesn't need it then you won't risk flooding it.

Cleaning the plugs is a good place to start ('scuse pun) as is warming them on a gas burner just before you put them back in the bike and try to start it. Get the threaded end and the electrodes good and hot, it'll get rid of any carbon and fuel, and help the start too. While you've got the plugs out, turn the petrol off, open the throttle wide and kick or turn it over a few times. That'll get rid of any unburnt fuel sitting around.

WD40 round your plug caps won't hurt, give them a spray inside the cap before you put them back on the plugs. Some bike are notorious for being sensitive to damp/rainy conditions.
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It is not enough to win, others must fail.
Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport Injection '96

[Pie-Roe]

Have you been starting it up and then just listening to it/showing it to people for a couple of days? Not really letting it run for more than 5 minutes? My bet is on the battery, I have a um. 'Friend' who had lots of other friends round who insisted on starting it up each time just because it was a new toy.

I, er He, charged the battery up, slung some more petrol in and it started on the button. Remember once you got it started, go for a quick run on it, or keep it idling for 10 mins or so on your drive to get the battery good, and give it a run through, as you have been trying numerous times to start it, choke on off and all else.

Pyro
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