She's Not Starting Captain

My SV isn't currently very well. She's a curvy 650S and isn't starting. I took the plugs out last night and cleaned them. These were getting fuel to them as they were damp. The bike is turning over fine and the rate of turn over increases if I increase the throttle. However she just won't fire. She was running fine a couple of months ago then started to run a little rough followed by running on what felt like one cylinder.

The bike is rarely used to be honest as it's a second bike but I'm after getting her going again.

If any more info is needed just ask. I'm not much of a spanner monkey so please keep things simple(ish).

Any ideas?

Any help is massively appreciated.

did you check they were sparking?

Nope

There was only me working on the bike and I couldn't hold the plug on the block, pull the clutch in and hit the starter at the same time. I did try but it proved impossible. I'll give that a go tonight.

Anything else to try?

Originally Posted by Heed

Anything else to try?

Well you could always try hitting it with a hammer.
Just make sure it's a Number 3a = Rubber Mallet.

3a eh? I'll bear that in mind!

as said before try and see if the plugs are sparking it sounds very like plugs 2 me!

if you cant get someone else 2 help 2 see if ther sparking then stick a cable tie round the clutch onto the clip on and do it your self!

[yorkie_chris]

Yeah or bypass the clutch switch, it's an annoyance anyway.

Check for spark, has it got fuel? How long has the fuel been in there? Does the exhaust smell of fuel?

As mentioned, the quickest and easiets way for one person testing is to get a rubber band or zip tie around the clutch lever.

Thanks for the clutch tips guys. I worked it out for myself luckily by putting a pipe wrench around the clutch lever and the handlebar

She's sparking like a good 'un on both plugs. The fuel has been in there 6-7 months so could it be that? Everything else seems fine to me, ttery is good and turns the engine over easily.