I purchased my first ever motorcycle last September and didn't ride at all. During the winter I tried to start it up and the battery was dead. I hooked it up to a batter tender and got a full charge (I guess).

My question is...two or three times now after normal riding, I'll stop. If I try to start up after a few minutes it'll chug, chug, chug then start. Every cold start is fine, it's only after it's warmed up, shut down, then starting in a few minutes. Is this my fault for letting the battery crap out or somewhat normal?

Thanks in advance for the replies,

2013 Street Bob

 

Do you put it in neutral before starting? Its much easier to start that way.

 

Someone told me to start it in first. I will try neutral after it's been running.

 

If the engine is hot, don't wait for the pump to prime. Just throw the stop/run switch to run and hit the starter.

 

Could I ask why?

 

You might also want to have the battery checked for cold cranking power. It might show a full charge sitting there but it needs a full test. If the bike is under warranty the dealer should replace it.

 

Also, use a battery tender as often as practical. Especially if not riding for extended periods of time.

 

If the bike is hot then it doesn't need more fuel just dumped into the intake to start. Mine starts right up, when warm, if I just turn the ignition on and go to run, and hit the starter. It's common for a hot fi bikes to be hard to start if you let them prime. Like vapor lock in a car, not enough oxygen for the fuel to light off...If you just continue to crank it, after it hot primes, it will eventually start because you are pumping in O² with each intake stroke.
Also, if mine are in the garage, they are on a battery tender.

 

Huh? For over forty years of riding I've started bikes in neutral. I suppose you may avoid wearing down the shifting dog when shifting into first with a cold transmission but seems like a dumb tradeoff compared to starting the bike.