I'm stumped here. I pulled the tank (Thank you CycleRob for your step-by-step instructons.) and replaced the battery with an Odyssey PC680-P. While I had the battery out, I also pulled and cleaned the starter. I cleaned the air filter and checked the alternator belt as well. After putting everything back together, I tried starting the bike. It cranks fine (much better than ever) and did "pop" a couple of times, but it won't start. Yes, I did turn the ignition on, twisted the throttle full open two or three times, and shut the ignition off before trying to start it. I did check to make sure both throttle cables were seated. Earlier, I managed to get the engine started with the old battery, but it stalled and wouldn't restart with the weak battery. That's why I bought the new one.
Is your fuel pump starting up when you turn on the key? Did you get the connector plugged back in under the right edge of the tank? Are the hoses connected correctly?
You didn't say how many miles are on the bike, etc. The fuel QDs may not be connected well. Sometimes they seem to be but aren't...and it won't start.
Yes, the fuel pump starts up and pressurizes. After cranking for a few seconds, it kicks on again to repressurize the fuel lines. I pulled the tank again to see if anything was disconnected, and the lines had pressure. When I reconnected the QD fittings (originals), I made sure they snapped back home. The bike has 35K miles on it and ran fine when I put it up for the winter.
CycleRob wrote:Kill switch?
All the wires on the starter connected to where they go?
Both QD's still fully connected AFTER the fuel pump runs?
blown fuse?
Kill switch: Off
All the wires on the starter connected to where they go: Both reconnected
Both QD's still fully connected after the fuel pump runs: Yes
Blown fuse: All seven in the fuse box and the 20 amp inline check out OK (non-ABS model)
I connected two wires to each of the battery terminals, too.
When you put it up for the winter, did it have a full tank of gas or was it empty or near empty? Condensation over the cold months may be causing a fuel problem.
I'm beginning to suspect a fuel problem, too. The tank was nearly full with Stabil in the gas, and the bike was in my unheated garage all winter. I'm going to replace the spark plugs today. I want to see what the current ones look like. This is very frustraing!
Starting off with a complete tune up would be a good place to begin, then you know the plugs, filters and all settings are set to factory specs. I'd also think fuel being a problem if you hadn't used the Stabil. Since your in the wet N/W, water in the fuel may still be a problem, water sits at the bottom of the tank, and that is where the fuel pick up is.
2004 Ferro R1150R the stealthiest color
When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
While trying to start where you holding the hand "choke" all the way up? If so try it once more and when it pops give it a little gas and see if you can keep it running albeit bucking and backfiring. You have water in your gas.
It's at the bottom of the tank. so you'll have to drain it, treat it or run it through the bike while it bucks and backfires.
Member #312
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
Success! It turned out to be water in the fuel--at least I think so. I pulled the tank and shook it really well to mix up whatever was in there. Then while starting, I tried holding up the fast idle lever and twisting the throttle if it sputtered. It did, and I was able to keep it going. Good suggestion, boxermania. It smoothed right out and settled down in a nice idle with the lever in the middle position. After that, it's been running fine.
Thanks to all who confirmed what I had done and helped me troubleshoot the problem. I love this forum! I also enjoyed the total lack of starter screech when I released the button. I picked up the step-by-step procedure for cleaning the starter here, too.
I pulled the tank (Thank you CycleRob for your step-by-step instructons.) and replaced the battery with an Odyssey PC680-P. While I had the battery out, I also pulled and cleaned the starter. I cleaned the air filter and checked the alternator belt as well. After putting everything back together, I tried starting the bike. It cranks fine (much better than ever) and did "pop" a couple of times, but it won't start. Yes, I did turn the ignition on, twisted the throttle full open two or three times, and shut the ignition off before trying to start it. I did check to make sure both throttle cables were seated. Earlier, I managed to get the engine started with the old battery, but it stalled and wouldn't restart with the weak battery. That's why I bought the new one.
It turned out to be water in the fuel--at least I think so. I pulled the tank and shook it really well to mix up whatever was in there. Then while starting, I tried holding up the fast idle lever and twisting the throttle if it sputtered. It did, and I was able to keep it going. Good suggestion, boxermania. It smoothed right out and settled down in a nice idle with the lever in the middle position. After that, it's been running fine.
I also enjoyed the total lack of starter screech when I released the button. I picked up the step-by-step procedure for cleaning the starter here, too. 
