Fuel/Starting problem?

[monkeyboy44]

Firstly know very little about bikes, so go easy!

Had the baby varadero for about 3 months, ive only filled her up twice in this time. First time i did about 155 miles on the main tank then filled her up again.

I have noticed a problem that I think happened again this morning...

Again i could be talking a load of b*lls.....

I understand the philosophy about the main and reserve tank, two pipes etc.

my question is, when the main tank is nearly empty and the bike has been left say for 3/4 days is it hard to start?

this morning i turned the bike over about 5 times , choke was out and it was having non of it, it happened when i first had the bike and filling up the tank (took a can to the petrol station) sorted it.

i didn't try the reserve tank this morning which was a bit dull according to my brother.....

also the bike is out in the back garden covered with a tarp, do the varaderos suffer in the cold? again my brother said its a Honda and should be fine. He said maybe as the tank is empty the fuel hasn't got into the system and as the bike has been left for a few days it doesn't help.

would changing the plugs help? the bike was 'apparently' serviced 5 months ago by Honda.

[z-weiser]

hello matey - dunno about the baby dero but the big carbadero can be a pain in the ass in the cold!!

mine was giving all kinds of probs at the start of this cold snap but i put a product in with the petrol to get rid of water in the fuel system - apparently it builds up eventually and then freezes on cold days causing all kinds of probs!

try that with the next tank of fuel - may help!

it was called dry fuel got it from halfrauds!

(mine lives under a cover in the back garden too!)

Z

[monkeyboy44]

cheers fella,

i'll go and check it out

[Ian1970]

Is it fitted with an immobiliser? They can play up too, causing starting probs...

[monkeyboy44]

No immobiliser...

I did fill her up last night, this morning she turned over twice and fire into life, bit of choke the second time.

i really do think its combination of letting the tank get low and the cold mornings.

have to learn though i guess, the ice was fun this morning

[Critch]

if i dont ride mine everyday, she gets all grumpy and upset and takes a while to start, esp after leaving her for 3 days or more.

so poss just that and the cold weather !!

[Austin]

Firstly know very little about bikes, so go easy!

Had the baby varadero for about 3 months, ive only filled her up twice in this time. First time i did about 155 miles on the main tank then filled her up again.

I have noticed a problem that I think happened again this morning...

Again i could be talking a load of b*lls.....

I understand the philosophy about the main and reserve tank, two pipes etc.

my question is, when the main tank is nearly empty and the bike has been left say for 3/4 days is it hard to start?

this morning i turned the bike over about 5 times , choke was out and it was having non of it, it happened when i first had the bike and filling up the tank (took a can to the petrol station) sorted it.

i didn't try the reserve tank this morning which was a bit dull according to my brother.....

also the bike is out in the back garden covered with a tarp, do the varaderos suffer in the cold? again my brother said its a Honda and should be fine. He said maybe as the tank is empty the fuel hasn't got into the system and as the bike has been left for a few days it doesn't help.

would changing the plugs help? the bike was 'apparently' serviced 5 months ago by Honda.

Could be condensation forming in the cold weather under the cover on/in the tank and causing various problems. But putting it on reserve just in case would be wise precaution - is the tap on the same side as the stand - just in case when its leant over the fuel drops below the tap, but when its straight its above.

changing plugs also sounds like a good start. Other things to check while you are doing that is the security of the HT leads connections to the plug caps - should be good and tight. Also look for any sign of dampness - corrosion on electrical connectors, salty water sitting coils or whatever. Give HT leads, plug caps, coil, and CDI a spray with WD40.

Try draining the carbs - I don't know about Baby Vara's but most carbs have some means of draining them usually a small screw set in the float bowl - look for water.

A lot of engines also have a bit of technique to start them and you just have to learn their various foibles. My TA needs no choke and about 1/4 throttle, except on very cold days or after about 1 week of standing - when it needs full choke and no throttle. If I use choke when I shouldn't it is a pig to to start even after I have realised my mistake.

My son's Hornet 250 needs no choke at all, except if it is very cold when you need to start with no choke but then quickly and gently get the choke on to keep it running.

It is sometimes easier to deliberately flood the engine then do the flooded engine starting routine - leave for 30 secs or so, choke off, throttle wide open and hit the starter. Should start after 5-10 secs on the starter - keep the throttle open coz it will cough and splutter for the first few secs but as soon as it starts to clear getthe throttle closed coz you don't want to be revvingthe buts off it cold. Keep it running on the throttle and ease the choke on as necessary. If it doesn't start it might still be flooded but the full throttle can clear things so go back to normal starting routine first.

good luck