 Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
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My 03 BA struggles on cold starts. I thought that was characteristics of the engine, now I do not think so. Yesterday I rode about 30 miles in high 40's or low 50's and after stopping for 25 minutes, the bike seemed to run nearly like it was setting over night. It struggled as I gave it gas for a couple of miles then smoothed out. I have never experienced this in the summer months quite to that extent and after it sets over night in this weather it is hard to start. Is this normal or should I start checking. I use to ride a 1976 Bonn in Britain (in the 70's so you know how old I am), can't recall the bike being so cold natured. And it was kick and ride. Thanks folks, wealth of info here.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I usually have to adjust my idle mixture screws a little in the cold months or the bike doesn't seem to run as well. Haven't actually done it yet this year but I think I turn them out in the winter? and back in when spring comes back around. Or it could be the other way around...
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
I use to ride a 1976 Bonn in Britain (in the 70's so you know how old I am)
Actually, your screen name gave it away. lol!! 
Is it just the the bike cranks over slowly when cold? The question of "what oil are you running?" comes to mind. If you are running say 20-50, switching to 10-50 might help.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 82
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I have a problem with cold starts... I first thought it had to do with the procom igniter as it surfaced about the same time I changed it out but Nemo is having similar issues using the stock igniter.. thinking it might be an ethanol issue.
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Is the bike still stock or have you done any changes recently (removed the snorkels, rejetted, different exhaust, etc)? You didn't state whether you were running with the enrichener on or off.
I'm guessing you might be running a little lean and the cold weather is reminding you of it. Check to see if your intake rubbers are a bit loose of the vacuum caps are degrading.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
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OP
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Quote:
I usually have to adjust my idle mixture screws a little in the cold months or the bike doesn't seem to run as well. Haven't actually done it yet this year but I think I turn them out in the winter? and back in when spring comes back around. Or it could be the other way around...
Never thought of the idle screws, but will check it out Monday along with an array of stuff. Thanks
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Quote:
Quote:
I use to ride a 1976 Bonn in Britain (in the 70's so you know how old I am)
Actually, your screen name gave it away. lol!!
Is it just the the bike cranks over slowly when cold? The question of "what oil are you running?" comes to mind. If you are running say 20-50, switching to 10-50 might help.
YOU GOT ME ON THAT ONE, NO POKER FACE HERE LOL!!!!! It is not so much it turns over slow as it just takes along time keep running. Lots of firings and stops if ya know what I mean. Oil is Mobile 1 15-50 synthetic.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Quote:
I have a problem with cold starts... I first thought it had to do with the procom igniter as it surfaced about the same time I changed it out but Nemo is having similar issues using the stock igniter.. thinking it might be an ethanol issue.
Gas is for sure an issue, I have seen gas tanks rusted out, on tractors to. And carbs that looked a site, almost too far gone to rebuild. Thanks
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Quote:
Is the bike still stock or have you done any changes recently (removed the snorkels, rejetted, different exhaust, etc)? You didn't state whether you were running with the enrichener on or off.
By enrichener I assume you are talking about the choke. I should have pulled it out and I bet that would have helped, but quite honestly I was surprised it was struggling to accelerate after only setting for 25 or so minutes. It was a cold high 40's, cloudy and a bunch of wind....for an old man anyway.
I'm guessing you might be running a little lean and the cold weather is reminding you of it. Check to see if your intake rubbers are a bit loose of the vacuum caps are degrading.
I think you are right on running lean. I say that cause when I give it gas it acts as if it is starving, predominantly in cold weather....actually very predominant.
AI removed, Bub pipes, all else stock. I removed the AI when I bought it in 05, the pipes were already installed. I have had the nipples rupture so I check them often. And yes, I have had the rubbers slip off, I will check them first Monday AM.
Thanks a ton folks....and I wish I would have never sold my old Bonny.....kick and ride but again, I do not remember it that hard to start in cold weather and Britain can get some damp cold winters. My BA fires a short period then stalls, repeat repeat and repeat, then goes. I'll check things out as suggested and report back Monday. Thanking all
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
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roadworthy,
I took the liberty to go to your photo album, very nice machine.
The connection between the intake and the carbs, I assume that is a aftermarket retro available? Appears a nice neat mod to alleviate allot of potential problems. Am I correct?
Ok, I ran a google on Billet Intake Manifolds and I see the mod, guess I would need to do an airbox as well. Looks like a small winter project if I save my pennies.
BTW, the cards pulled off a beaut this year....stone destiny. Hope they resign ALbert
thanks
Last edited by Geezer; 11/20/2011 6:18 AM.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
roadworthy,
I took the liberty to go to your photo album, very nice machine.
The connection between the intake and the carbs, I assume that is a aftermarket retro available? Appears a nice neat mod to alleviate allot of potential problems. Am I correct?
Ok, I ran a google on Billet Intake Manifolds and I see the mod, guess I would need to do an airbox as well. Looks like a small winter project if I save my pennies.
BTW, the cards pulled off a beaut this year....stone destiny. Hope they resign ALbert
thanks
Thanks. The intake manifolds I have are a one of a kind set made by a guy that decided to go the way of the thief than the honest parts provider. A shame too because he had some really nice stuff that made good power. I think British Customs has some that are similar, but not the same.
The post season was awesome, I was at every game for the NLCS and the World Series. Being an employee of the Cards has some very good benefits. I guess we'll have to see how many pennies they saved to resign #5.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Butch,
You might want to richen the main jets with the Bubs installed especially if the snorkels were removed. You probably have 120 mains and should go to at least 130s with the snorkels removed.
Richening the idle mixture screws should also help as Roadworthy already mentioned.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91 |
Quote:
Quote:
roadworthy,
/quote] Thanks. The intake manifolds I have are a one of a kind set made by a guy that decided to go the way of the thief than the honest parts provider. A shame too because he had some really nice stuff that made good power. I think British Customs has some that are similar, but not the same.
I think I seen 95% of you pics and I noticed the pods. I am not ready for that investment just yet, but maybe one day.
The post season was awesome, I was at every game for the NLCS and the World Series. Being an employee of the Cards has some very good benefits. I guess we'll have to see how many pennies they saved to resign #5.
Yes, it was one if not the greatest post season run. We attend some regular season games and I have toyed with the idea of joining the retirees clan working as an usher or whatever. Well 23 mil for 9 years is on the table and I guess he is testing the market. If we had DH I assume the pot would be sweeter. Middle in field another sore spot. Furcal has some steam if he can stay healthy. I think Metheney will be fine, another catcher like Yadi who is into the game. Thanks
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Quote:
Butch,
You might want to richen the main jets with the Bubs installed especially if the snorkels were removed. You probably have 120 mains and should go to at least 130s with the snorkels removed.
Richening the idle mixture screws should also help as Roadworthy already mentioned.
Ok, snorkels are in place and will tackle the mixture screws post haste. Have already verified vacumn nipples and rubber boots in place. I think you need a special tool for the screws, but I will probably make one.
This is a colder weather issue and like I previously stated I was really surprised Friday when it would not take medium acceleration after a 30 mile ride and a 20 minute stop. Never happened in warm weather. Surely they are not that cold natured....or are they....and I guess that was somewhat the purpose of the post to see if other BA owners experience the same. What ya think?
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
they really do take a while to warm up if you are in the colder climates, i am in Alberta Canada and even on a nice "our" day it will run rich for the first 5 minutes or so until she is up to temp.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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 Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Check out the Jetting Calculator. http://dinqua.com/Triumph/Executables/JetCalculator2010.exeA little change of Brass just might save your...you know.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
Quote:
Quote:
Butch,
You might want to richen the main jets with the Bubs installed especially if the snorkels were removed. You probably have 120 mains and should go to at least 130s with the snorkels removed.
Richening the idle mixture screws should also help as Roadworthy already mentioned.
Ok, snorkels are in place and will tackle the mixture screws post haste. Have already verified vacumn nipples and rubber boots in place. I think you need a special tool for the screws, but I will probably make one.
This is a colder weather issue and like I previously stated I was really surprised Friday when it would not take medium acceleration after a 30 mile ride and a 20 minute stop. Never happened in warm weather. Surely they are not that cold natured....or are they....and I guess that was somewhat the purpose of the post to see if other BA owners experience the same. What ya think?
I think you need to get your mixture right. Even on a cold day I can pretty much ride it the way I want after about 1/4 to 1/2 mile and when starting all I do is pull the choke and hit the button if cold, no throttle.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Butch,
You might want to richen the main jets with the Bubs installed especially if the snorkels were removed. You probably have 120 mains and should go to at least 130s with the snorkels removed.
Richening the idle mixture screws should also help as Roadworthy already mentioned.
Ok, snorkels are in place and will tackle the mixture screws post haste. Have already verified vacumn nipples and rubber boots in place. I think you need a special tool for the screws, but I will probably make one.
This is a colder weather issue and like I previously stated I was really surprised Friday when it would not take medium acceleration after a 30 mile ride and a 20 minute stop. Never happened in warm weather. Surely they are not that cold natured....or are they....and I guess that was somewhat the purpose of the post to see if other BA owners experience the same. What ya think?
I think you need to get your mixture right. Even on a cold day I can pretty much ride it the way I want after about 1/4 to 1/2 mile and when starting all I do is pull the choke and hit the button if cold, no throttle.
OK, I am headed to mixture settings, then if no soap I'll dig deeper. You guys pretty much get immediate firing on cold weather starts???? I sure don't Thanks.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
No, I have to crank it for a few seconds before it starts when it's cold but no throttle needed. Sometimes it stalls after the first time when it's cold out and I have to restart but no throttle needed.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
Sometimes mine flat ass refuses to start and I'll kill the battery cranking it. Hopefully it will be different now that I have a house with a garage, every winter before it's been in a shed outside.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Quote:
No, I have to crank it for a few seconds before it starts when it's cold but no throttle needed. Sometimes it stalls after the first time when it's cold out and I have to restart but no throttle needed.
Yep, unless I mess up, I never hit the throttle. When its cold it will only fire momentarily...several times before it runs for a second or two. Roadworthy told me to adjust the idle up some and that did help. I road an old Bonn in Britain on many a cold mornings and it was kit and ride. Just seems this newer machine should fire better.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
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OP
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Quote:
Sometimes mine flat ass refuses to start and I'll kill the battery cranking it. Hopefully it will be different now that I have a house with a garage, every winter before it's been in a shed outside.
My bike sets in a cold garage....no heat. I have nearly run the battery down as well. I'll see what happens after some adjustment with the mixture. May have to see Brent for a couple of toys.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
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What about the EFI machines? My instincts tell me they would start much easier in cold weather.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Even though I live in South Florida, I've still had to deal with a 36 degree morning. Full choke, no throttle, after about 5 seconds crack the twistgrip a tiny bit, Vroom! 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Quote:
Even though I live in South Florida, I've still had to deal
with a 36 degree morning. Full choke, no throttle, after about
5 seconds crack the twistgrip a tiny bit, Vroom!
Do you mean after 5 seconds of cranking it starts?
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
I have a bunch of Triumphs from 1954 through 1972 and they are all 1 kick bikes. Tickle the carb and kick it once and off I go. Some times I may have to kick it 2 or 3 times dead cold. I like the longevity of the new machines but I like a kick start, points, carb ticklers, and the valve adjustment was soooooo much easier on the old twins.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
Quote:
Even though I live in South Florida, I've still had to deal
with a 36 degree morning. Full choke, no throttle, after about
5 seconds crack the twistgrip a tiny bit, Vroom!
Do you mean after 5 seconds of cranking it starts?
Only on that 36 degree day. Normally it starts right away.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Member
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OP
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Quote:
I have a bunch of Triumphs from 1954 through 1972 and they are all 1 kick bikes. Tickle the carb and kick it once and off I go. Some times I may have to kick it 2 or 3 times dead cold. I like the longevity of the new machines but I like a kick start, points, carb ticklers, and the valve adjustment was soooooo much easier on the old twins.
Absolutely!!! I do not miss the oil leaks and vibration. Please do not misunderstand, I really like the way this BA handles and rides, its just a bear on cold starts. Obviously I am not alone. Thanks, great post.
03 America
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Re: Cold Starts
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
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OP
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Quote:
Only on that 36 degree day. Normally it starts right away.
ok and thanks, Sounds like you may (may) experience more challenges on starts if you were in my neck of the woods. Warm summer days are normally no problem with me. I have not seen a reply yet, but I imagine the EFIs start a little better, just a guess. Thanks for sharing.
03 America
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