QuestionHi, Mark
My name is John. How are you doing?
I just bought a secondhand Aprilia RS125 (model 2000, 2-stroke) a few days ago and it's started giving me trouble. Since I'm neither a machenic nor familiar with motorcycles, I'll try to describe the problem to the best of my ability.
For the past few days, I've been having real trouble starting the bike (it's not an environmental issue as it is summer here). The engine doesn't sound any strange so I assumed it's not a major problem. I went through the manual and realised that the battery was quite flat so I had it recharged but it didn't solve the problem. I also checked the fuses and sparkplug. All 3 fuses are fine and the sparkplug has been cleaned. However, almost everytime I tried to start the bike, it just wouldnt start. I followed every single step of starting a cold engine, choke on, fuel on, no throttle...There have been a few time that the bike starts almost straight away and if the engine is left running for approximately half an hour then the problem ceases to exist. However, if I try to ride the bike straight away, even after the engine has been warmed up for a few minutes, chances are the bike will stall at some point, for example at intersection or just when I fail to keep the rev up.
Extra info: The bike has done 4400 km (approximately 2100 miles) and all the fluids seem fine and sufficient).
I'm not too sure the description above provides enough infomation. Any suggestions or ideas are welcome. Thanks a lot for your time and help. Much appreciated.
AnswerHi John,
I am well, thank you. God be with you.
You have an awesome MC. I wish we could have two-stroke MC's in the USA again.
I'm not absolutely sure, but I think you have a carburetion problem, such as varnishing (obstructed jets). If so, the fix is to clean the carb.
Describe the condition of the spark plug prior to cleaning.
Send me your address so I may return repair information files. Send to my email: mshively1@woh.rr.com
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
