QuestionHi there. I realise you prefer to answer questions on Hondas, but given that the problem is fairly fundamental, I figure the resolution will be univresal.
My bike has been sitting cold for about 1.5 months now. When I last started it 1.5 months ago it worked fine.
I tried starting it yesterday, and it would not fire. I connected it to a car via jumper-leads and the starter motor (or whatever it is) turned over, but the bike just wouldnt fire. All the electrics seem to be working fine. I do not have much experience with motorcycle repair, so the problem could be something as simple as the spark plug. Thanks for your help, I look forward to your reply.
AnswerBen, you don't mention the year of your bike, so I can only guess at some of the functions. Later model machines have CDI ignitions which are self-powered. All you have to do is spin the motor over and the sparks are always there, battery or no battery.
Jump starting a dead/low battery with a car is not a good idea. When batteries are low/dead you must charge them SLOWLY with a motorcycle battery charger. Pumping a lot of amps into them with a car battery is a recipe for killing the bike battery permanently.
The battery function is to operate the electric starter and supply voltage for the lights.
The bike's charging system function is to keep the fully charged battery.. fully charged. When the battery is real low, the charging system cannot fully charge the battery due to the other loads being put upon it...lights and electric starting.
Yes, your spark plug could be the problem. Find your tool kit, remove the spark plug lead, unscrew the plug and then connect it back to the plug wire and lay the plug/wire against the cylinder head to ground the plug. With a charged battery, the electric starter will spin the engine over quickly (no compression due to plug being out) and there should be a visible spark across the plug gap. No spark, no run. If you do have a spark, then problems lie elsewhere. CHECK YOUR KILL SWITCH position on the handlebars! IF the plug is all black and oily looking, the plug is probably fuel fouled and needs to be replaced.
Gasoline is not very good about being left for long periods of time and still being volatile enough to run an engine. The fuel in your bike could have gone stale, especially if you left the bike with a half empty tank. Always use a fuel stabilizer if the bike is going to be sitting for an extended period of time. STA-BIL is available at most auto parts stores.
If your fuel has lost its kick, then you may need to either fill a half empty tank or drain the fuel and put fresh gasoline in the tank.
Try the spark plug first, then go deeper as necessary. You will probably have to replace the battery now, if it won't hold a full charge.
After long term storage, check the air pressure in the tires, the oil level and lubricate and adjust the chain.
Check your manual for these maintenance items. IF you don't know how to do these things, get help! Overlooking key items like this can ultimately cause you harm. Motorcycles are not refrigerators..... they just don't run and run without attention. Low tire pressures can cause you to have an accident. Low oil levels can cause engine damage. Loose drive chains can jump the sprockets and lock the rear wheel suddenly. Take care if it and it will take care of you...
Bill Silver
