Motorcycle Repair: Raptor 660, seasonal storage, compression test

Question
Sup I have a 2001 660 raptor and it will not start when it has set over night I can crank and crank went the exhaust gets hot I can wait a little bit and it may start but I can push start it and it will start right and ride it down the road then I can shut it off it will start right up HELP!

Answer
Hi Brandon.

Here are a few possibilities;

1)  Valve gap and timing is off.  How many miles does the bike have?  Is it due or overdue for the valves to be adjusted?  If so, then get it done.

2) Low compression.  Test the compression with a compression testor while the engine is cold.  Match what you find against the specs in the repair manual.

3) Does the bike spend any time in seasonal storage?  If so, then the carbs need cleaning and the fuel system (including the tank) needs cleaning or resealing as well.

4) Check the exhaust headers.  Are they all tightened down properly and securely?  A loose connection to any of them from the head could prevent a cold start.

Start with those and let me know what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON