02 R1150R hard to start when hot

[slowrider60]

I seem to be experiencing an intermittent problem that I hope someone can help me with. It has happened to me twice and on one occasion, I was about 50+ miles from home. I had been riding for several hours, pulled over to strech my legs and when I hopped back on, she would turn over, but not start. It finally took about 5 or 6 tries before she would get going when this happened again yesterday. She would turn over, but not fire up. The battery did sound like it was struggling by the 5th or 6th attempt. I have 23k for miles and other than this issue, she has been running perfectly. I just bought it in Aug. and am the 3rd owner. The previous owner rode it very little and could not find any of the service records.
I would appreciate any thoughts on this issue.
Thanks.

[towerworker]

No running issues prior to pulling over? No engines misses, etc?
Can you get a dealer to check for error codes in Motronic?

Appears heat related--makes me think ignition--coil or possibly Hall sensor. Or check this---when it happens again....open fuel cap....if there appears to be a vacuum you have some venting problems.

[R1150Rclean]

And remember, if the engine is turning over and gas is entering the cylinder head and not igniting then the gas is going to get into your engine oil (will get past the piston rings). May want to change the oil once you sort it out. Though if it is a vacuum problem due to lack of gas tank venting, maybe no gas is getting to the cylinders initially.

[Boxer]

Have you done anything, maintenance-wise, to it recently? If not, I'd say it's a coil issue.

[sweatmark]

intermittent problem, happened twice
riding for several hours, pulled over, would turn over, but not start
took about 5 or 6 tries before she would get going, would turn over, but not fire up
battery struggling by the 5th or 6th attempt
23k for miles and other than this issue, she has been running perfectly
3rd owner, could not find any of the service records

Unless you know otherwise, it might be wise to buy a new battery for reliable performance.

The intermittent hard-starting problem is unusual: all of our Oilheads have been easier to start warm than cold.

The side-stand safety interlock prevents motor from running, but does not prevent starter operation. I've experienced "hard starting" myself when I've left the side-stand down and cranked and cranked the starter... but you're probably smarter than me and would never do this.

Unless you're located in a desert climate, it's unlikely that heat soak would vapor-lock any part of the fuel system... frankly, I don't recall anyone ever claiming such a problem.

My only other experiences with hard-starting were occasions when I assumed the bike still warm from prior riding, but the bike would not start (or run smoothly at idle) until I pulled the 'start' lever forward to advance throttle.

[slowrider60]

Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts. I am considering changing the battery soon anyway because I don't know how old it is. I will be doing a 24k service soon and will look at everything that all of you had suggested. I am also wondering if I could have a poor ground in the starting system?

[towerworker]

Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts. I am considering changing the battery soon anyway because I don't know how old it is. I will be doing a 24k service soon and will look at everything that all of you had suggested. I am also wondering if I could have a poor ground in the starting system?

I suppose that's possible but I would think you'd have starting problems other than when the engine is hot. Check the simple items first--oft times it's those that befuddle us.


Boxer--I see you have grown up a bit by virtue of your avatar photo. I bet you got tired of wearing that hat all the time!!

[cwhy]

Just another outside possibility-do you smell any gas when trying to start -look at fuel lines going in/out of fuel pump.
Mine started leaking bad in all the hot weather and just replaced the factory crimps(known to fail) with the proper fuel injection style
hose clamp. Prior to the hose failing badly(noticable) it was much harder to start than normal. I would not pursue this as the
most likely cause but just be aware of it- there is a factory recall on it

[slowrider60]

I am a few weeks away from performing the 6k tuneup and will look at that. thanks again for thinking of me. I appreciate it!