Cold starting tips?
 

Had a quick search for this one but there's a lot of false positives.

What's the best way to get a curvy SV to start in the freezing cold?

Mine's been standing for a couple of weeks but I need it to travel to my parents for Christmas. Shovelled the snow off it this morning and it won't start - it keeps turning over endlessly but the engine never kicks in. The battery's fine - it kept the starter going without conking out and I've put it on charge anyway. Tried using the choke and tried twisting the throttle a little but no joy.

There's plenty of petrol in it and it's otherwise fine. It's always been temperamental in the cold and I've never tried to ride it when the weather's this bad.

So, tips for getting it to start?

Re: Cold starting tips
 

Start it up the day before you need it and run it for a bit.

Re: Cold starting tips
 

Had to bump start mine the other week, worked fine after that.

Re: Cold starting tips
 

how are your spark plugs? sounds like its turning but not burning
are your fuel lines frozen?

confirm with other people first but maybe try heating some bits up with a hairdryer on low heat?

have you tried wheeling it around a bit?

Re: Cold starting tips?
 

As above.Bare in mind a lot of cranking without firing may flood it,especially if you have had choke on and tried opening the throttle at the same time.I always find it best to not touch the throttle unless the choke is off completely.You may have to put your woolies on and take out the plugs for cleaning.

Re: Cold starting tips?
 

+1

No throttle. choke on. push the start button. If it fails to start either clean the plugs and start again.

Or you could or get a tin of quickstart. Choke off. Spray it into the airbox and push the starter. if it catches then put the choke on. Easy with the throttle.

Re: Cold starting tips?
 

clean ya plugs and give it a little helping with a squirt of easy start, job done.

Re: Cold starting tips?
 

Highly unlikely the fuel or lines are frozen as petrol is a spirit.Dampness may be the problem, causing a frozen switch i'e kill,stand or clutch Try using a hairdryer on the switches.Quick start or Easystart is only any good if you have a spark and use sparingly.
Not enough information to give an answer,basically do you have a spark at the plugs?

Re: Cold starting tips?
 

You could try squirting some WD40 into the sprak plug cap on the HT leads, if its water/mostiure in there it should clear it and allow it to fire up.

Had a similar issue with the car, did the above not a problem since. I'll look at the plugs when its a bit warmer.

Or you coud do what this guy did;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78b67l_yxUc

Re: Cold starting tips?
 

Don't laugh.

Get a fan heater, point it at the bike, right under the front cylinder, pointing upwards.

Leave for as long as you have patience and give it a go!

Pete ;)