So this morning i was going to take the tuono to work and get the rear tyre swapped over, unfortunately when i tried to start the bugger it wouldn't have it! Its never failed to start until this morning, i have a feeling that its possibly partially my fault because as it sparked to start i took my finger off the starter before it properly caught, due to feeling sorry for the neighbours at 6:30 am getting woken by my very loud exhaust. The problem is that where as the VFR800 would just fire and start again no problem, this tuono then wouldn't have it. I tried connecting up my jump starter (powerpack) to give it some helpnin case it was due to poor battery performance but still no joy! I had to give up and just come to work in the car instead. I'm sure i read somewhere about them being a bitch to start if not started 1st time, is that normally the case? And if so is there anything i can do to get it started once im home tonight? Any help appreciated
Was there a strong smell of petrol? Sounds like it may be just flooded. It will probably just start ok after you have left it and the excess petrol has evaporated. If it happens again, you could try starting it with a wide open throttle, but don't keep twisting it open and closed, because that will make it worse.
Yeah i've been reading about others having the same problem and basically it just starting fine after being left a while, will find out tonight i guess, will also fit the baffle tonight so my exhaust isnt quite so anti social and i wont be tentative about starting it
So i got home and tried to start it. No surprise it didn't start. so how do you un flood a flooded engine? Any help would be greatly appreciated Im assuming spark plugs out and cleaned? Battery is on the charger overnight. Just need to know how to remove the excess fuel before i get it started again i guess?
These bikes can be tempermental on start up fella. I don't think it's flooded as the petrol would have evaporated by the time you returned from work. There is a knack to starting them from cold ... but you've also gotta be careful of the dreaded sprag clutch too. Griff at Aprilia Performance is THE UK guru on Apes - He's good to know and also worth getting service/info from him. http://apriliaperformance.co.uk/ This site is also useful for Ape riders too http://www.apriliaforum.com/ Cheers,
+1 re Griff. He knows all there is to know about Aprilia's. Really nice guy with it to. The Aprilia forum is a good un also.
The sprag clutch is fine im pretty sure, and its started 1st time every time until this morning and in colder conditions too, thats why i think it was me trying to start it quietly that caused it. Fitted the baffle earlier an new back tyre going on tmw so will hopefully get a go at sorting it all tmw night. A charged up battery should help and 24hrs to evap any fuel too. I've been on the aprilia forum (though maybe not that one)
I'm no mechanic but the petrol evaporating and a fully charged battery will help. But fitting a baffle and a new back tyre won't. I know, I know. I'll get my coat. :whistle: Hope you get it sorted soon.
So re - fitted the battery and followed the usual start up procedure and still not starting. It was almost there but didnt quite catch again. Im off work tmw so will leave it overnight, charge the battery again and try again tmw. New tyre is on though no chance to scrub it in yet
just at well its at Home Jim..if you had been out on it ??? just get it sorted before you dash off any where on it
Am assuming you've got the cold start lever set to full? If it's still no joy then you could try a full throttle start. They need a hefty battery to crank that big old v-twin lump though and when the weather turns cold an immediate starting issue can indicate a tired battery. You need a 230cca (cold cranking amp) battery so I'd recommend a new battery (I have a Varta Funstart I think) and if you get chance look at fitting a 150amp starter relay too. Basic stuff (loads of info on rsvr.net) but makes the bike a lot more reliable on starting. Also worth keeping the battery on a trickle charger if poss too.
Worth noting too that repeatedly trying to start the bike with a poorly battery that's less than full strength can damage the sprag clutch.
Wish i had a bloody garage! Rain has definitely stopped play! Had a go earlier at refitting the battery and starting but no joy, so decided to get the spark plugs out and I'll get a new battery and plugs and try that, can i fuck get into the front plugs! Rear ones are easy but the fronts need a 4year olds hands to get in, im guessing its a tank and airbox out job really, and thats not possible in this rain today. Im off for a new battery and plugs anyways and if it clears up later will tackle the fronts
Yep tank lifted and airbox off to get to the front plugs. Just be careful with the 6 little bolts that attach the airbox to the throttle bodies! Also Check the HT leads. They tend to be a strange 2-piece type and the lead itself can pull clean out from the connector so just make sure the lead is pushed firmly into the rubber right angle piece that then press-fits over the plug. Is it turning ok? You can also get moisture in the starter button - I cured this by loosening the screws holding the RHS control assembly together, levering it open half an inch and then squirting WD40 in there. Turned a dodgy starter button into a rock solid 100% reliable starter button
Yeah it turns over fine, its just not firing, will see if the new battery and plugs sort it. Cheers jim
No worries mate. Definitely check the leads - one of them on my first Mille was loose where the lead joins the connector and they're just interference fit, so you just push it back in lol.
AND THAT MY FRIENDS IS WHY I WILL NEVER EVER EVER BUY ANOTHER ITALIAN PIECE OF SHITE!!! I HAD EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE DUCATI,PUSHED THE BASTARD MORE THAN I RODE IT.
