Motorcycle Repair: hard start, compression stroke, battery cables


Question
QUESTION: I HAVE A 75 SPORTSTER THAT STARTS HARD IN COLD TEMPERATURE ITS IN THE 40S. I USE 60 WEIGHT OIL AFTER THE FIRST START AND ENGINE IS WARM IT STARTS RIGHT UP SHOULD I CONSIDER A 20W50 OIL I NEVER USED A MUTI GRADE OIL IN THIS BIKE SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW

ANSWER: Make sure you give it a couple shots of fuel with the throttle if you have a pumper on the carb. It needs to be chocked more when cold.
You can go with a lighter oil, like a 70 weight, but dont use it when it hot outside
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

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QUESTION: IT DOESNT CRANK FAST ENOUGH WHEN TEMPERATURE IS COOL. HAS NEW BATTERY & STARTER IS ACOUPLE YEARS OLD. ISNT 70 WEIGHT OIL THICKER THEN THE 60 WEIGHT IM USING?

ANSWER: Sorry, finger hit the wrong button. Use 50.
If it not cranking fast enough, check yoru battery cables to make sure they are tight and not worn out. A bad cable will cause a bad voltage drop
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

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QUESTION: ITS KIND OF WEIRD IT TURNS OVER TO THE COMPRESSION STROKE STOPS GOES TO THE NEXT COMPRESSION STROKE STOPS DOES IT A COUPLE TIMES THEN IT STARTS UP.AFTER ITS WARMED UP IT SPINS RIGHT OVER AND STARTS UP. THAT IS WHY I TOUGHT THE OIL MAY BE TO THICK.I HAVE 12.5 VOLTS AT STARTER AND ENGINE HAS ALSO A GROUND OF 12.5 VOLTS SAME AS BATTERY VOLTAGE. IM I MISSING SOMETHING? THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU MIGHT HAVE.

Answer
Even though you say the battery is new, it might still be weak, so I would have it tested. Your test on the cables needs to be a test of voltage drop. What you have at the starter when the starter button is pushed. It sounds like your battery is being dragged down. I would try replacing the positive cable and see if that doesnt help
Good luck and happy riding
Mike