VFR 800 pre-tec starting problems

[MrPink]

My VFR 800 2000 model (Pre-tec) has become difficult to start. It will start in the end, but I have to try a few times. Feels as if it fires on one cylinder, but will only start if I let go of the starter-button at the exact moment I get a cylinder to fire. So it is a bit hit-and-miss. It used to fire up straight away, but particularly when it is cold, it is having a hard time. It is not the battery, as I experimented with jump-leads and a car battery. And it has a pretty new battery anyway. I put new spark-plugs in, but that didn't change anything. The old spark-plugs looked good anyway, right colour and everything. I am worried it may be the injectors, but once it is up and running, it idles well, just like it always has. It still runs and pulls cleanly and strongly ( Well, as strongly as it ever did, at least) Any ideas? I am wondering if it could be a bad electrical connection somewhere, or partially knackered injectors or something. Really don't know what to try next. I still use it every day, but have bought an old Firestorm so I can take the VFR off the road and sort it out properly.

[neatbik]

When were the valve clearances last checked?
How may miles has it done?

[MrPink]

It has done 64 000 miles, but the valve clearances were done 2 000 miles ago.
____________________
VFR 800 2000 (Pre-tec) daily commute of about 40 miles. Starting to get very tatty.
VTR 1000 Firestorm Bought so I can take the VFR off the road and sort it out. First impressions: Cheap, no manners and loud as hell. Fits me quite well...

[Vincent]

Check all the relays, esp the ones next to the rear master cylinder and make sure the connecters are clean. The main one is a pink grey wire on the engine start relay. It's also know for having a problem with the common earthing block which is taped up at the rear of the loom. These have been found to cause problems even when they look OK. Not easy on this bike I know but it would be worth looking at a plug when it's failed to start after prolonged cranking over, just to see if it's wet.
____________________
Space Is Deep

[Vincent]

BTW, do you know how to run the engine diagnostics test? This would tell you if there is a problem with the injectors.
____________________
Space Is Deep

[MrPink]

There is am engine diagnostic test!?!?!!!
..er.. I mean, ahum, yes, of-course I know. But just to, ah ... just to see if we do it the same way, how would you do that thing. The thing with the engine and er . . diagnostics?.
____________________
VFR 800 2000 (Pre-tec) daily commute of about 40 miles. Starting to get very tatty.
VTR 1000 Firestorm Bought so I can take the VFR off the road and sort it out. First impressions: Cheap, no manners and loud as hell. Fits me quite well...

[Vincent]

[Vincent]

Here you go:-

https://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/Drewskovitch/P3031331.jpg
____________________
Space Is Deep

[MrPink]

Nice one. Much appreciated, many thanks for your help, I'll definately try that. I am about to start doing a bit of work on the old VFR, as my VTR is now on the road. Got the tax sorted out yesterday, going to ride it for a couple of days to see if it holds up, then it's time to give the VFR some much needed attention. The VTR is a fun but slightly odd bike. And with Scorpion cans, incredibly loud. I am going to have to swap them out for originals, don't want to piss the neighbours off too much.
____________________
VFR 800 2000 (Pre-tec) daily commute of about 40 miles. Starting to get very tatty.
VTR 1000 Firestorm Bought so I can take the VFR off the road and sort it out. First impressions: Cheap, no manners and loud as hell. Fits me quite well...