Bike starting hard-??
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Bike starting hard-??
Lately, my bike never starts on the first attempt, after holding the starter for @ 5 seconds or so. It can take 2 or 3 tries, and sometimes a sputter and a slight backfire. Though 1 time there was a huge backfire, sounding like a bomb went off, but started right up after that and ran fine. The bike always runs fine once started though. Any thoughts as to why? Is this normal?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 36
From: Montana
If you have the stock efi setup you have to wait for the fuel pump to prime and the yellow light to go off . I have never not been able to start my bike right away when i do this. If this doesn't work or if you have a carb Id look at possible leaks somewhere . Hopefully one of the more knowledgeable folks will join in with a response. Id post the year and type of bike your riding and any modifications you have made to help with that .
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
I have a 2009 with ECM flash download, SE air kit, and slip-on mufflers. I do wait for the priming to stop before I hit the start button. I've had this setup since shortly after my purchase in 2009 and it's been fine up until a few weeks back.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
From: Kennewick, WA
With the PC you need to hit the start button before the fuel pump shuts off. Once the fuel pump kicks off, so does the PC's program, resulting in hard starting.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
Yes.
Another cause could be a pin hole leak in the internal fuel line for the pump. Making less fuel pressure will affect starting. They can be hard to detect but when a tank that is half full or less you can hear the gas squirting against the inside of the tank when you turn on the fuel pump.
Another cause could be a pin hole leak in the internal fuel line for the pump. Making less fuel pressure will affect starting. They can be hard to detect but when a tank that is half full or less you can hear the gas squirting against the inside of the tank when you turn on the fuel pump.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
From: Kennewick, WA
No need to feel dumb. I had to learn the hard way, too. The PC instructions, to my knowledge, didn't address the issue. I had to learn that trick on this forum, just like you.
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