 |

22 Feb 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
|
|
At the risk of stating the obvious, you shouldn't need to back up the bike's battery with a van! The XT battery is small, but is well up to starting a bike in good condition. Running the starter for long periods on a bigger battery risks burning out the starter motor and giving you another headache.
The usual mantra is that if you have a spark at the right time and fuel in the right quantity, the bike must start. As you have a spark and fuel, it follows that either the spark is happening at the wrong time or the fuel is not reaching the engine in the right quantity - too much or too little. Your investigations need to start with this. (That's assuming there is no significant mechanical fault, such as a broken camchain, of course. As you can get it to run eventually, you can discount that.)
|

22 Feb 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bath UK
Posts: 10
|
|
Thankd BDZ. I know the risks of the van, but a man needs his bike and when it won't go, well, by any means necessary, I must start it !
Seriously though, I'll now focus on the fuel and spark timing. Once it's running, it runs fine, I have it ticking over at 1,000rpm as normal. Stopped and started OK until I left it for 10 days and back to square one.
Cheers
XTC123
|

22 Feb 2010
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
|
|
If the starter doesn't sound healthy have a look at the connections in the starter relay, they can get corroded.
Is the carb clean and properly adjusted? No blockages or holed diaphragms?
Al
|

22 Feb 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bath UK
Posts: 10
|
|
Cheers Todderz, the starter sounds OK I think. Turns over fine when the battery's charged up. Bike's good when it's running which tells me fuels flowing but I think it's time to get that carb off and give it a good going over.
Cheers
XTC123
|

22 Feb 2010
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
|
|
I take it you're sure that the battery is healthy? Good voltage?
|

22 Feb 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bath UK
Posts: 10
|
|
Yeah good. Held a charge over winter without dropping. Just dies with prolonged starting action but charges up again well enough.
|

22 Feb 2010
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 72
|
|
Just wondering,have you checked for air leaks from the rubber between the carb & cylinder head? Is the choke working properly?
If you've got fuel & a spark have you checked the valve clearances?
Mark
|

22 Feb 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bath UK
Posts: 10
|
|
Hi Mark,
Not checked around the carb though will give it a thorough going over shortly. Choke seems to be fine. Valve clearances not checked yet.
Cheers
XTC123
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|