SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum



SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking Discussion and chat on all topics and technical stuff related to the SV650 and SV1000
Need Help: Try Searching before posting

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 21-12-10, 10:20 AM   #1
ranathari
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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?
  Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 11:57 AM   #2
Stu
Trinity
Mega Poster
 
Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Guildford
Posts: 8,027
Default Re: Cold starting tips

Start it up the day before you need it and run it for a bit.
Stu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 11:59 AM   #3
Roberrrrt
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cold starting tips

Had to bump start mine the other week, worked fine after that.
  Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 12:35 PM   #4
Drumming_Animal
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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?
  Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 02:51 PM   #5
Biker Biggles
Member
Mega Poster
 
Biker Biggles's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Barnet Herts
Posts: 5,071
Default 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.
__________________
On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.
Biker Biggles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 03:14 PM   #6
B1k3R
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cold starting tips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Biker Biggles View Post
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.
+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.
  Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 05:42 PM   #7
bhp.on.tap
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cold starting tips?

clean ya plugs and give it a little helping with a squirt of easy start, job done.
  Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 05:44 PM   #8
Dicky Ticker
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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?
  Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 05:52 PM   #9
metalmonkey
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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
  Reply With Quote
Old 21-12-10, 06:50 PM   #10
Bluepete
Member
Mega Poster
 
Bluepete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ex motorcyclist
Posts: 1,961
Default 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
Bluepete is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
problems cold starting steveg SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 4 21-01-08 06:53 PM
Cold starting with a little encouragement? cdrsimmonds SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 20 26-03-07 04:18 PM
starting on the cold mornings! suzsv650 SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 18 30-09-06 09:47 PM
Long Cold Ride (any tips) Diveboy Bikes - Talk & Issues 32 02-02-06 12:02 AM
Cold Starting SV Ste SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 3 04-02-05 11:02 PM


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:40 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® - Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.