Start Up

[PhilD]

HI All, has anyone had start up issues??  This is what happens....

When starting the bike up from cold, the engine turns over but does not start.  I push the starter button a second time and the bike turns over and backfires and the clock resets itself to 1.00pm.  Hit the starter button again and the bike starts up.  The bike runs well and starts every time after that.

All I have done is change the petrol to Super unleaded as I want to continue using E5 petrol, not the new E10.  The bike is to be serviced and I will be changing the spark plugs.  Any other advice/comments will be welcome.

Thanks in Advance

Phil

[gsxbarmy]

Changing to Super Unleaded would not have made any difference. If the clock is resetting itself, to me that sounds like a battery issue. However, given its only just started doing this, maybe check your earth's, may be ok on the battery but just check that where they attach to the frame is all good and clean. A few on here have had issues with the battery earth wire needing replacement due to deterioration over the years. Alternately try fitting a second earth wire to see if that makes any difference https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=4828.0

You might also check your clutch switch is clean and working properly. At start-up you run a slightly different map which is controlled by the clutch switch, so if the clutch switch is sticky or dirty then that may be your issue. Easy to check, pull both wires off and bridge with a paper clip. If bike starts first time you need a new clutch switch (but don't leave it disconnected whilst you get one!)

[Hooli]

Aye as Barmy says, battery or earths. The clocks resetting are the giveaway.

[Mick_J]

I had the exact same problem recently, replaced the battery and all is good.  It's odd that the motor will spin but not start on a weak battery, none of my other bikes does this but the 14 does.

[SpongeBob]

Got exactly the same issue... with my MVAgusta Brutale, I first suspected a poor/loose connection a the battery although I was pretty sure it was fine and after checking it was. And the battery was fairly recent. Long story short, it turned out that, although the battery seemed to be fine, was charging correctly, had the appropriate voltage, but had a tad too low CCA rating (Cold Cranking Amps), and as soon the outside temperature was a bit low, then I had this issue.
Morality: don't be cheap when buying batteries :-)

[grog]

Yeah, had same on 14. Cranked fine, backfired loudly. New batt solved it.