i cant get my bike to start. when i try to start it it makes a big 'cluncking' noise from somewhere around the engine, the starter motor then starts to rotate but the engine wont fire up. ive charged the battery and the fuel filter and cleaned the carbs out and ive also just changed the oil and oil filter, and ive tried spraying holts cold start into the air intake

 

Gregg, welcome aboard. (I've re-typed this about 6-7 times...) Does the starter engage the engine, or does the starter "clunk" and then spin as if the solenoid kicks it out? Good fuel in carbs and plugs are making spark? (Be careful using an excess of starting fluid; OK to use some, but repeated use will do bad things to rings and cylinder walls.) The engine is turning over, but just not firing, correct? Why did you "clean the carbs out?" (Guessing gas sat too long and went sour?) Is the "clunk" almost a "SNAP!" kind of sound? How old is the battery and why did you charge it? How long, and at what amperage? What is the bike's recent history? Give us more details; glad to help if we can.
Welcome again.

 

when i try to start the bike the first time it makes the load noise which is more like a snap noise like you said, the starter then engages and the enine turns over but wont start.
i clened the carbs out because the bike was sitting in my shed for a couple of months and when i tried starting it it run for a few minutes with the choke on but then cut out.
im not sure how old the battery is as ive only had the bike for a year, i used a trickle charger to charge it and the voltage got to about 13v. it was about 11.5v before i charged it.
i havnt changed the fuel yet, but i would have thought if it was bad fuel it would start then cut out?

also when the bike was running it used to backfire sometimes when i first started the bike up, now it makes that clunking or snaping noise instead.

 

Drain your old fuel out first, then clean your carbs. Not draining the bad fuel out will cause carb issues again, right????

The loud snap on start up may be the starter clutch which can be checked later, at least the starter turns over. (related to Jeffs questioning I suppose)

I would still suggest the basics....good battery, clean fuel and carbs, clean plugs and verify spark. and as mentioned above,,,,easy on the starter fluid. You have proved that you have issues now.

Welcome to KF

 

(Yep^, you're readin' my mind, Drag.)

 

If it is bad gas it is a definate possibility that it will run for a bit and not start again. I have had it happen before. I agree with drag, drain, clean and try again.

 

ok will try that on the weekend.

 

How did it go?

 

I also had a problem with my bike not running either because the previous owner left it for dead for over three years untouched and I ended up flushing out all the old gas entirely, removing the carbs, dismantling the carbs, cleaning every square inch of the carbs and jets, replacing the sparkys and making sure you get a spark from each, I replaced the battery as well but that was only because mine was completely toast. I added new gas, switched the gas valve to prime, let it sit for a few minutes, then I tried starting it which took a few minutes then BAM! She was purring like a kitten!! The guys above helped me out alot and my old a$$ bike runs pretty darn good for an old left for dead 85 kaw ninja 600r!

 

Hey im bo I have the same bike and it was sitting bout 1 year when I bought it the breather box wasn’t there so I figured I’d use pod filters. Took the carbs off cleaned them and the jets as well changed spark plugs, oil, battery gas etc. when I crank it it will turn over but not run and I keep hearing a deal clunk I have no idea wat to do no can u possibly help me get this thing purring too