Question Hey Chris, I just bought a used 2001 Suzuki SV 650, with 10K miles on it. I've driven it around a parking lot to get some practice riding it for about four or five times. Just this morning I start the engine and I noticed that the engine did not have the same "growl" to it, it was sort of sputtering, then it just cut off. I left it alone, came back to it about 6 hours later and tried to turn it on and it wouldnt even start. The lights and horn work. So i know its not the battery. I figured it was the oil, so i bought some Penzoil SEA 10W-40, and poured the entire bottle in, and still it doesn't start. I was holding onto the ignition switch/button and all that happened was it "chirped" and died out. Also, I had put some premium gasoline in it about three days ago, about $2.00 dollars worth before it was full, so i dont know if that could be the problem. Any help you could provide would be greatly aprecciated. Thank you very much.
AnswerHi Larry.
Do you know if the bike spent time in seasonal storage before you purchased it? If it did or if it was left unused for a long period before you purchased it, then the battery could be bad and the carbs would need a proper cleaning.
You would need to check the battery with a hygrometer to know if any of the cells are bad. If any are, the battery may provide enough voltage for lights and horn, but not enough amps to turn the starter.
You said that you poured a whole bottle of oil into it. Was the oil level low? If not then it will be spitting out an extra quart of oil.
You also need to check the fuses, fuse connections and all of the other connections for the ignition system and starter. Check the wires for shorts as well.
Let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON
