Last ride was in Dec. Tried to start a couple wks. ago, batterychecked. Had to replace battery. Now it sounds like there's no firing. I smell gas when trying to start. Checked plugs cleaned them still nothing (maybe I should replace the plugs)Any other suggestions would be appreciated before I haul it off to the shop.
It's an 04 1200C

Thanks
Jane

 

Pull the plug hook the wire up and turn it over to see if you ar getting fire.

 

What is the temp the bike has been at & what is the temp at which you are trying to start?
Smell gas? Are you twisting the throtle (holding it open) while on the start switch?
Ask if you lost your manual and forgot how to start a carb HD at temps below 50*F. It does take a couple of tries depending on how cold and how old the fuel is.

 

If my wife lets her 1200 sit for a week without starting it, it will take a lot of cranking before it will even try to fire. She twists the throttle twice, then pulls the choke out and lets it crank for about ten seconds then stops for a few seconds and when she hits the button again, usually it will begin to fire. My 883 will take a lot of cranking before it comes to life if left unused for a week. They both sit outside all the time. The cold has an effect on how long before they fire up.

 

Same here....my Sportster is hard to start if sitting for a week. Hooked up to battery tender. I twist the throttle once, pull the choke out and hit the start button. I tend to flood (smell gas). Guess they're just 'cold blooded' creatures!

 

and remember the fuel shutoff requires enuf vac. from the cranking engine to open the valve then fill the carb. Yep takes what seems like a lot of cranking before the engine is even getting any gas.

 

AS, Jaktexas stated, I'd pull the plugs and check for firing there. It could be a number of things. The way you describe it, it sounds that it is actually turning over...Just maybe getting flooded or lack of firing. If there's no spark, you'll need to check for loose plug wires, bad ignition module, etc, etc........Check your ignition fuse....You say you replaced the battery...Not sure if a blown fuse would cause it to not fire or cause it to not even turn over...[&:]

Get to work...You got a lot of checking to do!!!

I've never had an issue of it starting in the cold or after leaving it sit for a couple months without a tender....Just turn the petcock on, twist the throttle 2 or 3 times, pull the choke, and hit the button &&&&& BAM!!!!

 

Mine was sitting in storage in my uncles unheated garage for almost a year...when we got it here it started but soon after we had the same problem...did stuff to the carb, changed plugs, checked battery, it was good...and decided to check coil...took it out and it was all corroded and cracked so we put a new coil on her and then she started right up. This was the original coil, so we figured it was just worn out and was bad and so went with a new one... Try this it may be what is ailing your bike...good luck!!!!.

 

Going to check if there's any firing with the plugs. Fuses were OK before I put in the new battery will check again, also will check out the coil.

I've had the bike a little over 3 years it is kept in my basement temp. ranges 65 It always started even when I kept it outside 20 and below.

Thanks for the replies every input helps out.

 

I agree with everything said. I live in Wisconsin and have to wait weeks and sometimes months in between rides. You need to check everything, and just give it time when cranking over. If the bike doesn't start wait a minute and do it again, just be careful not to flood it.