*$^%^&*$ KAWASAKI Beer Can
+1. A 12-amp battery charger being used to start this bike is a recipe for bad things.
My motorcycle is a real bear to start when it's cold. Choke and some starting fluid will normally get it started. Once it's warm it runs like a champ. With 5 miles on your new ride, the motor is going to be tight which is probably adding to your issues.
When I have the kill switch engaged or the kickstand down, my motorcycle WILL NOT turn over. If your motorcycle turns over slowly or not at all, stop grinding with your starter and charge your battery.
Go buy a can of starter fluid, wait for a really warm day (if you're parked outside) or roll your ride inside where it is warm (warm the cylinder), go back outside and turn it over while giving the motorcycle a good (but reasonable) spray of starter fluid. I've had raw starter fluid come out as vapor from my muffler but, it usually started when I got the throttle position correct (partly open at ~1/4 throttle with choke).
After break in your motorcycle will start easier but, some (like mine) remain cold shouldered. When I rejetted to enrich the mixture starting became easier. These motorcycles are jetted extremely lean from the factory so, once you finished with the first 600 miles, definitely do the free mods and rejet.
When I have the kill switch engaged or the kickstand down, my motorcycle WILL NOT turn over. If your motorcycle turns over slowly or not at all, stop grinding with your starter and charge your battery.
Go buy a can of starter fluid, wait for a really warm day (if you're parked outside) or roll your ride inside where it is warm (warm the cylinder), go back outside and turn it over while giving the motorcycle a good (but reasonable) spray of starter fluid. I've had raw starter fluid come out as vapor from my muffler but, it usually started when I got the throttle position correct (partly open at ~1/4 throttle with choke).
After break in your motorcycle will start easier but, some (like mine) remain cold shouldered. When I rejetted to enrich the mixture starting became easier. These motorcycles are jetted extremely lean from the factory so, once you finished with the first 600 miles, definitely do the free mods and rejet.
Last edited by Sid Post; Feb 3, 2009 at 12:47 PM.
i'm very new at all this and just got my '09 a couple weeks ago. have 350 miles on it. what are these 'free mods' you guys talk about? sorry for changing the subject...
i've had to use the choke on my '09 every time i start it...so far...
i've had to use the choke on my '09 every time i start it...so far...
Starting fluid is the worst thing you can introduce to any engine period! Two things. Get a battery maintainer, and run the gas out if the bike is going to sit for a couple of days or a couple of months. It works every time guaranteed.
Oh and I hate to correct you, but I live in the rain capitol of the world thank you.

http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/2008...ght-mania.html


http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/2008...ght-mania.html
Nice!! PM me and we will discuss your starting problem further.
Damn - it now starts every time. Went up to a 7 heat range and pulled the air cleaner cover off.
Went for an hour ride and pulled the plug - it looks perfect. Let it cool for 4 hours and then started first time
Fingers crossed
Rik
Went for an hour ride and pulled the plug - it looks perfect. Let it cool for 4 hours and then started first time
Fingers crossed
Rik


