Bike won't start.

[deliriousthun...]

Checked the usual things (kill switch, fuel tap, fuel).

Engine turns over, splutters a little but doesn't actually start. Choke/no choke/medium choke, no throttle/blips. Nothing does it. Every now and again it makes a "pop" noise, at various levels of volume, sometimes just a small pop, sometimes so loud it makes me jump.

I considered the possibility the pops were something similar to backfires (since I was feeding fuel without managing to get the engine going), but it seems unlikely. I don't know how the fuel would ignite (to cause a backfire) when the engine and exhaust are both cold.

I've never heard a backfire without the engine running and my helmet on, but I'd say this sound is more similar to the pressure release you hear in air brakes when a bus pulls to a stop.

I've had the bike for a couple of years now, never failed to get it started no matter the temperature.

Next thing I would check as routine is sparks, but the plugs are very difficult to get at (it's a v4), and I wonder if anyone here has any idea what coule be causing the popping noise.

Thanks,
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Tom

[Paxovasa]

The pops are it back firing, you would have flooded it.

Leave it for a while (10-15 minutes) to let the petrol evaporate and Try starting it again, in the way you normally would.
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[Kickstart]

Hi

Suspect the above it right.

However I assume it has an electronic tacho. Does the rev counter move when you are cranking it over? If not then seems likely that it isn't triggering a spark.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[deliriousthun...]

The rev counter flicks a little when it sounds like it's about to start, but obviously doesn't move much.

I should mention the back story though, back before Christmas, my uncle was going to the garage to fire up his bike, and I asked to do mine while he was at it. I spoke to him later in the day and he said he couldn't get it started, he'd run the battery down trying, and mentioned the same popping noise I described. No real surpise there, it's a 16 year old bike, there's a knack to getting it to start in the cold weather.

So I forgot about it (wasn't using the bike anyway), until last week. I charged the battery overnight, and I couldn't get it to start either. (I noticed he'd left the choke on, but I closed it before leaving the bike).

Left the battery hooked up to the charger for a week to make sure it was properly charged, and tried again today. Same problem, so I doubt 10-15 mins is going to make a difference.

Sparks it is then?
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Tom

[Kickstart]

Hi

Not sure on your rev counter but would expect it to read something while cranking over, rather than just occasionally spiking. However if the tacho starts at a fairly high reading then entirely possible it will only show a reading when it is running (or just trying to run).

However it is easily possible that the plugs have just got fouled up.

Backfire through the exhaust can be REALLY loud. Loud enough to leave my ear ringing for several hours with the FZR once.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[deliriousthun...]

Ok, well I suppose I should be happy to hear that, means it's probably nothing serious. Just a pain to get the plugs out.

Thanks for the tips, I'll post back again if cleaning/changing the sparks doesn't help.

Much appreciated,
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Tom

[Vincent]

There must be tools available to help you get the plugs out. Have you not got the orig tool kit? I know mine are a real pain without the right spanner.

Sounds like your Dad might have flooded the bike big time. AFAIK, backfires are pockets of unburned gases igniting but with your description, (bus brakes), sound more like a "hiss".

Deffo want to get the plugs out and take a look, roll yer sleeves up

[DAVE1952]

Hi has the fuel tap got a prime when i had my xv750 it was the same if i left it a week or two put fuel tap to prime she would start no problem .

[blinky]

sounds like you've got the same problem a lot of people have had recently, incl. myself (see the hornet thread just below yours). I've been told its ultimately due to this record-breaking, cold climate bastard of a winter!

i'm going to check the plugs and carbs today myself, or at least try too

...just wish it was warmer!


good luck
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Better to ask forgiveness than permission!
Oh i miss my first love, the lovely lil CG!
Rouser 135 2012... Enfield 25... Hornet 600 2002... CG125 2000