QuestionHi Chris,
I purchased a Honda CM today and the bike was starting and running well so the seller and i completed the sale. I went to work for the day and when i returned and tried to start the bike it would only turn over and on occasion would start for a brief second and then return to just turning over. The bike has brand new battery so i don't think this is a problem. Do you have any other ideas. Its electric start.
This is my first bike so please be aware of that when replying with solutions. I am a quick learner and will try to keep up with any information you provide.
Thanks, James
AnswerJames, my first thought as "does it have any gas in the tank?" Do you know about ON/OFF/RESERVE?
Once the fuel level gets down to below a quarter of a tank, you will have to select the RESERVE fuel level position, to ensure that you are getting enough fuel to the carburetor. You must always be aware of how much fuel is in the tank. Practice finding the petcock/fuel valve lever and know which way to turn it, if you find yourself running out of gas while you are on the road. This skill is VERY IMPORTANT!
Looking at the illustrations here:
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cm250c-custom-1982-usa_model1045/partslist/F++12.html
The fuel lever position will be ON with the lever DOWN. OFF with the lever at half way and RESERVE with the lever handle turned straight up.
Another new rider mistake is that sometimes the KILL switch on the handlebars is knocked into OFF position. Make sure that it is in the RUN position.
Did you use the choke to start the bike's engine?
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cm250c-custom-1982-usa_model1045/partslist/F++04.html #1
These engines were calibrated for EPA emissions and are jetted very lean at idle. They need a good full choke to get the engine lit and the built-in fast idle function will keep it running until it warms up to idle on its own, when the cable knob is pushed back in again.
Did you get a tool kit with the bike? If so, find the spark plug socket and remove the spark plugs to see if they are 1. WET/BLACK 2. Dry 3. Dry/Sooty 4. Gapped to about .28"
IF you crank the engine too long with the choke on, it can flood the engine and foul the spark plugs.
IF you didn't get tools with the bike, then go buy some! You can get great deals on whole metric mechanic tool sets with wrenches and sockets, screwdrivers, etc. from Harbor Freight, COSTCO, Sears, K-Mart, etc. You NEED tools to keep your bike maintenance up to specifications. You need a TIRE GAUGE, so you can keep the recommended amount of air in your tires. You need to keep an eye on the oil level in the engine. You will have to learn to hold the bike upright, then dip the dipstick into the crankcase and pull it back out again to check the level. DO NOT turn the stick in, then remove it to check the oil level. Just DIP it in and take a look.
Make sure that the battery is full to the upper marks. When it gets low, add DISTILLED WATER to the battery through the little filler caps (unless you have a maintenance free gel battery).
Your safety is reliant on your ability to control a well maintained motorcycle. Be sure to get good training from the MSF courses, available around the country.
A motorcycle engine requires air/fuel mixture/compression/spark to operate. When they don't start, then one of the ingredients is missing. Find a good repair manual and the owner's manual online or from www.helminc.com
Bill Silver
