Question about starting hot bike

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Dec 14, 2011 | 10:30 PM

DannyZ71

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Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 12,653

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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Question about starting hot bike

Not really worried about this issue, but it does have my curiosity aroused. When I start my bike when it's cold (operating temp, not ambient air temp), it always starts on the first revolution of the starter. Usually not even a full revolution. But after I've been riding it a while, if I stop somewhere for just a minute or two (like when I run in to buy a pack of cigarettes), it seems like it is harder to start and the starter has to make 4 or 5 revolutions to fire up. If I'm taking a break, and there for at least 5-10 minutes minimum, it fires up like it does when it's cold (not at operating temp).

Anyone else experience this kind of thing? Sorry if my terminology isn't correct. Maybe "cranks" would be better to use than revolutions. Bike is stock and has done this since I first got it.

Dec 15, 2011 | 01:05 AM

deepsea

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 355

Likes: 2

From: Aiken, SC

Im not a mechanic but Ive heard the old kicker bikes were designed to start on one revolution of the engine and fuel injected motors are designed to start on the 3rd revolution. My RK starts on about the 3-4th revolution. I did notice my 1200 sporty would strip sometimes starting a hot motor.

Dec 15, 2011 | 06:39 AM

Lonewolf176

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 2,458

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From: Vancouver Island B.C.

It's heat soak. About the only thing that will help is using a tuning device that will allow you to add cranking fuel at that temp.

Dec 15, 2011 | 06:44 AM

Notgrownup

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Snow Hill, NC

If you have a power commander it has been said to hit the start button as soon as you turn the key (like mine) if not???

Dec 15, 2011 | 07:19 AM

Hecklerboy

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 1,736

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From: West Virginia

Yep, my new SG does the same thing.

Dec 15, 2011 | 09:03 AM

paulhog

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 527

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From: Sequim, WA

Quit smoking... you should be fine.

Dec 15, 2011 | 09:21 AM

rh8234

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Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 3,968

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From: Lockport Township, IL

My injected Ultra starts the second you hit the button - wether the engine is Hot or Cold makes no difference. My wifes carbed Sportster requires about 2 to 4 seconds of cranking when the engine is cold before it will start, but when hot, it fires up the second you hit the starter button. My carbed '03 Dyna always starts the second you hit the starter button when the engine is cold. When the engine is hot - it can be a real beotch occasionally! Especially if it backfires while cranking. Sometimes, I need to remove the key - go smoke a cigar, and then it will fire right up with no problems.