this problem started when i swapped out my old dead battery for a new one,  at first it did spark but would only backfire and this only happened a couple of times. now it just cycles with no explosion in the cylinder.  i checked the fuse and both spark plugs for a spark, it was present. also cylinders have compression. i thought it could be flooded so i tried turning off the choke and opening up throttle but, that didnt work either.  I NEED HELP! any ideas

Are ou sure the battery is charged?  Are you sure fuel is getting to the engine?

Quote from: makenzie71 on April 11, 2006, 09:26:08 PM
Are ou sure the battery is charged?  Are you sure fuel is getting to the engine?

ha! ya if the battery wasnt charged it wouldn't have cranked the engine over for the last half hour!!   also just in case i swiched my tabk to reserve even though i dont think it's that low.

Some bikes are finicky about the charge they get...my old Bandit would crank and crank and crank on 12v but wouldn't start up unless she was already warm.

Are you sure fuel is actually getting to the engine?

Don't take this as an insult because I have done this myself
Make sure the screws on the battery are tight. My bike cut out on me but luckly I only got to the end of the street and had to push it home and found the battery screw loose.

Also you say you switched it to reserve, if you ran out of fuel in the on position of the petcock then the carbs may be empty of fuel. Put the petcock in the prime position which will let fuel into the carbs with the engine off and then try to start it.

Also check the voltage on the battery!!!

what should the voltage be?

Umm... I'd need to run a search to be sure, but I have a test in 20 minutes. But I think it's   really close to 12, and closer to 13 when the bike is running? Search "battery voltage", that should tell you everything you need.

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on April 12, 2006, 06:21:46 AM
Umm... I'd need to run a search to be sure, but I have a test in 20 minutes. But I think it's   really close to 12, and closer to 13 when the bike is running? Search "battery voltage", that should tell you everything you need.

I read on here it should read 12.5V

Don't ignore the fuel issues mentioned here. Those guys might be onto something.

you have compression.

the battery is working fine, if it is turning the engine.

and you have spark.

now ensure you have fuel. even spray a bit of starter fluid/gas/ or even wd40 .  just to see if she'll bang.

whatever you do. don't turn the engine over for 30 minutes without a plan.

if you have good compression, good spark, and good fuel mix. it will pop. one way or the other.

This has happened to me in the past the bike would not start at all. All it would do is crank until I killed my battery. When you are cranking the engine are you giving it some throttle?? My bike wont start in the morning if I am holding the throttle so try just puting full chocke and just press the start button without giving the bike any throttle.

Thanks all for your help I have figured out the problem!!! the spark plugs were a little damp with oil or fuel or a mixture of both. anywho i just replaced them and VOILA! instant purrrrrr! thanks again all!