ZZR sticking when starting

[stuartadair]

Hello all,

1990 ZZR400. 90% of the time it starts first time and runs really nice. Gearbox is a little clunky but nothing out of the ordinary.

However, on occasion I'll go to start from cold and the starter turns but then sounds like it hits something and there is a clunk and the engine wont turn over. When I try and start with the clutch out its like the starter is jammed, and with the clutch in it sometimes turns but its as if the clutch isnt fully disengaged and I can feel the bike pulling.

To fix I put in first gear, rock the bike and it usually goes after that.

It only happens occasionally and only when starting from cold.

Any ideas .....

Stu

[Frost]

Sounds like clutch drag and the bike not being properly in neutral. Worn selector forks and barrel cause the problem, but the clutch drag will be making it much much worse. Give the bike a rev as you knock it into neutral to make sure its properly in there and adjust your clutch.

[stuartadair]

I'll give that a try, many thanks.

[stuartadair]

Bit of thread resurecction here but just to give you an update. I've found that if I try to start the bike when its upright and I'm sat on it with the clutch pulled in, 50% of the time it locks up and I have to rock backwards and forwards to free whatever is stuck.
Weird thing is if I start it sat on the side stand without touching the clutch, it starts perfectly every time.