Tried going to work this morning on the bike, it started but sounded pretty rough, then cut out after about 20 secs. Tried to start it again, but just get the noise of the starter motor and every now and again I get a backfire. Didn't know backfires were so loud, my ears are still ringing. Battery's started to go now, so pulled it out and put it on charge and getting the bus. Any ideas where to start when I get home tonight?
Sounds like a fuel problem Stu, you've got compression and a spark because its backfiring. Is it flooding, choke stuck on, floats in carbs stuck mate?
Fuel blockage? Is the choke cable fully on / snapped? Try starting it without any choke, but a little bit of throttle. That's where I'd start, and unfortunately, where my knowledge ends!
Thinking about it, for about 2 weeks, as soon as I set off I've had to turn the choke off, as it just lost all power. Is this anything related?
before you start taking it to bits stu, make sure the battery is 100% fully charged. had exactly same on that zx750 i had... (and others) would turn over fine but there wasnt enough juice in the battery to work the starter And the ignition. overnight charge - fired up no problem. thing is with these dark mornings and evenings, especially on a short commute, youre probably using more current than you're puting back. might be nothing wrong with it, just a good recharge. battery is a consumable item anyway imo - if its got the original one on it will be long overdue a change
Good point by Mart there try it when the battery is fully juiced. Might be wrong like but I'm sure certain models of Kwak's ZZR's and ZX6's have problems with the chokes. Sounds like the choke is sticking or the linkage/mech is seized.
Martin your my hero, battery on charge all day, put it on bike and it fires up . 15 minute commutes in town traffic must be no good for it like you said. Got to fit a new gearbox sometime, so will have a look at carbs then, unless it packs in again before then.
One thing people never check the main 30a fuse on the starter solenoid, it might not of blown but the plastic could of melted which makes it hard to start and run like crap. Mine does it every now and then but i need a new solenoid lol i carry a bag of 30a fuses with me until my solenoid turns up
Once it's started the solenoid plays no part in the running unless the fuse feeds other circuits. When did you last fit spark plugs in it ?
My fuse tends to melt after a while of riding and makes the bike run crap, but i put a new fuse in and it runs spot on again so must have an effect on the running. spark plugs are brand new i have not long since finished rebuilding the bike only thing thats not new is the starter solenoid, thats why i have one on the way
Sorry plug question was aimed at stueo That fuse must run other circuits then on yours and fuses normally melt when there is poor contact between the blade and holder.
as with all older hondas the reg rec is a weak point. 99% that is your problem. you will find the connector from the stator to reg rec is burnt and corroded. replace the reg rec with one off a later model, cut back and replace the connector with 6.3mm insulated spade terminals. job done
Reg/rec is brand new heavy duty unit, all loom is new and genny etc, i have rebuilt the bike so everything is new apart from starter solenoid. nothing wrong with reg done all checks and its fine
An update, plugs are 1900 miles old. I wired some electric into the bike cave and plug the bike into a battery optimiser every night, and its started first push of the button every morning this week, its been sub zero every night.
