cold starts

[kev10104]

My bike takes several tries to keep going from a cold start.I adjusted the clutck today and thought it would work but after work today it was the samething.Starts right away but dies.Ant ideas?

[h2olawyer]

How much choke do you use when cold starting?  Could also be low fuel level in the float bowls.  Try using the "PRI" setting on the petcock for a minute or so before starting.  That lets the carbs fill before starting.  That's what fixed the same issue with mine 25 years ago.   ;)

H₂O

[kev10104]

It actually leaks some gas after riding for a bit and I park it.Tiger figured it was the floats as well.

[YellowJacket!]

My cold start ritual is 1/2 choke, 3 twists of the throttle and hit the start button.  If its been sitting a while, it takes 2 tries, less than a couple weeks...it fires right up.
One important factor is a fully charged battery.

David

[Kid Jedi]

wow thats completly diff from me! full choke, starts right up, turn off choke after 9 sec and wait for her to warm up!

[QBS]

Sounds like you've got pretty clean carbs that are well dialed in, at least in the pilot circuit.

[kev10104]

I was giving it the full choke and leaving it on for a few minutes.I will try different things.With the warm weather it will fire up no problem.I am assuming it is dieing because it is not getting enough gas right away but I could and probably am wrong.I am learning and loving it.Tiger has been a tremendous help.

[h2olawyer]

I rarely need more than about 1/2 choke.  Set to PRI, wait a little while - 15 seconds or so - fire up.  Let idle a little bit, set petcock to RUN, start riding easy.  After about a block or two I can then shut off the choke.

H₂O

[inanecathode]

Before, with the custom vacuum leak system, i'd do full choke, two pumps on the throttle, crack it a bit and hit the starter. Then i'd have to clear the plugs out a bit then it'd idle fine and rev up when it wants the choke taken off.

[kev10104]

I noticed yesterday that I would have to put the choke on before starting it after riding and taking an hour break.The bike would die if i didn't.Usually when it was warmed up I wouldn't have to do this.

[Lucky]

i have an unproven theory that valve adjustment had a great bearing on cold starting...no proof, just 'cause i think so :)

[kev10104]

Lol.Sounds good to me Lucky.

[Rick G]

Lucky is right ! I have a MAxim in my back yard that needed the valves adjusted . It was next to impossible to start and had no low end.