Cold weather riding w/ "cold start" bike

heytootz

My motorcycle was given to me about a yr ago. Yea!! It is 26 yrs old, Kaw 440 LTD. It's in good condition but it is and from what I'm told, always was a "cold start". It's just a small inconvenience in the warm months but in the winter it can take a lot of time and effort to get it going long enough to get warm and ready to ride. A real concern for me if I try riding w/ a group. Say we go somewhere for a meal. After.. everyone is ready to go and I'm still trying to get the bike started. Crying or Very sad

I keep it in the garage (unheated) but that doesn't help a great deal. Even starting it every day doesn't do a lot of good. If anyone has any suggestions/opinions/idea/experiences to share I will be grateful as I really want to enjoy it all winter.

Blessings!
'Tootz

lespring · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 12:01 pm Post subject:

What if you plug it in? In MN we keep our cars plugged in if we never want to worry about a rough start. Unless you have a new (or newer) battery, plugging your vehicle in insures a warm battery.

So I wonder, with a motorcycle battery, if you hook it up to a charger 10 minutes or so before you need to start it up? Your battery may not need charging, but it will warm it up slightly.

The other thing is the fuel line. I have a yamaha that tends to be a cold start. My husband taught me to crank the throttle 3-5 times before turning on the choke, THEN hit the ignition. This has made a big difference on the days we've already had in the 50's. This morning it was 48 here and my bike started right up without a problem. Now, I do have to keep on the throttle longer than when the weather is warm.
_________________
~Leah~
www.gardenofeagan.blogspot.com

MIchick · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:19 pm Post subject:

I have an old cold-starter too! I ride a 1982 Yamaha Maxim 750 that has always been tough to get running smooth enough to ride - even in warm weather it is a cold beast. The other folks I've known with this bike have had the same problem. I've learned (from my husband) to turn the gas valve to "prime" for a minute or so before turning on the choke and then hiting the ignition. (Of course, be sure to turn your gas valve back to the "on" position after the bike is running.) Even with this technique, mine still needs to be molly-coddled for a while 'til warm.
_________________
MIchick
Always listen to your little inner voice!