Cold Start?

[grubsie]

Didn't notice the problem when I first bought my 08 RSV last fall, but here it is.

 

When I first start the bike, I pull the choke, then hit the start button. The bike will fire but not start. I have to crack the throttle open a little for it to fire up and run. It then idles at a very low rpm for a little bit, like 10 seconds, then goes up to a higher idle although not as high as my 02 RSV or my previous 06 RSV. Everything works fine other than the initial startup without cracking the throttle open. The second it fires up with a twist of the throttle, I can twist the throttle all i want and it revs up like normal.

 

On my 02 when cold, I pull the choke, hit the start button and it fires right up instantly to high "choke" idle. Also like my previous 06 did.

 

What should I be looking at/for on my 08 to get it to start normally like the other bikes without touching the throttle?

[bongobobny]

Hmmmm, my first guess will be air filters...

[grubsie]

Hmmmm, my first guess will be air filters...

 

With only 7K miles on it?

[bongobobny]

Only 7K miles on a '08?? My God, that bike needs riding!!

 

My theory was based on the fact that you have to crack the throttle which in essence is getting more air volume in to compensate for something restricting the air input but it was just a thought. Maybe something is restricting the air getting to the filter?

 

A second thought is to check the fuse for your carb heaters.

 

I'm hoping you don't have to pull the carbs apart and clean them due to a residue in them from storage. Have you thought of trying a can of seafoam in your tank followed by a session of "Drive it like ya stole it?"

[Flyinfool]

The air filters themselves may be fine, but mice love to nest in the air filter housing and exhaust pipes.

 

It sure sounds like gummed up carbs, gas does that when left sitting. A heavy dose of Seafoam often helps a lot. Followed by rid it like ya stole it.

[BlueSky]

If you have to crack the throttle to start, that seems to mean to me that the fuel is too rich. Perhaps, don't pull the choke out all the way and see what happens. Perhaps the idle mix screws are too far out, too rich. But, some serious riding with a cleaner in the gas might help out.

[grubsie]

Checked the air filters and they are like brand new, air boxes clean also.

Checked the carb heater fuse checked out OK while checking the filters.

I have put 2300 miles on it so far this year and have been running seafoam every other tank fill.

I think I am going to have to give the carbs a good cleaning but will wait until this winter to do it as the bike runs great otherwise.

 

I was just hoping it was something simple that I have overlooked.

[videoarizona]

FYI, my 89 will not start first time with full choke. However, with 1/2 choke, she fires right up with no help from the throttle. Try that and see.

The 05 needs full choke to start first time. No throttle.

 

But I agree...this winter do a nice carb cleaning. Change fuel filter, air cleaners, etc. Might just be time....

[SlickSpot]

Bought my 04 with only 3700 miles on it last winter. Original owner had a health problem, couldn't ride it and traded it in for a slingshot. Dealer cleaned the carbs to get it running. It needs a crack of throttle to start up cold. I figured this was normal since I have nothing to compare it to. Runs perfect and gets around 44 mpg on average, so I don't plan on worrying too much about it. Maybe i will run seafoam through it.