bike won't start =(

[torxim]

So I'm enjoying the last few weeks of having my bike before I sell it, and I decided to go for a ride after work yesterday. I got about 1 block from my office and the bike started to sputter and then completely died on me. I couldn't get it to start back up.

There was enough gas in the tank, so I checked the only other fluid I know of. The oil was dangerously low. I walked back to my office and grabbed some oil for my bike out of the trunk of my car (now I know why I keep so much gear in my trunk!). I filled the bike up to the proper amount but it still will not start. To add to the problem, if i tried to start the bike in first gear, the bike pulled a tiny bit like the clutch was sticking.

Is it possible that the bike was so low on oil that I messed the internals up? Or could it be that the low oil caused the spark plugs to kick the bucket? I'm trying to avoid calling the suzuki dealership in town and having them ride over to check it out as I'm sure the cost of that would be fairly high.

Any ideas?

[jonnythan]

What happens when you push start?

Do you get nothing? Does the starter whir, but the engine doesn't turn over?

Could be any number of things.. tell us exactly what happens.

Quick thoughts:

1) Nothing happens. (a) Battery dead, quite possibly due to charging system failure or (b) loose connection somewhere

2) Starter turns, but engine does not turn over. (a) Fuel delivery problem (carbs, pump, clogged fuel filter/lines) (b) Malfunctioning kickstand kill switch (c) Spark plugs not sparking

These are some of the more common issues.

[CNF2002]

If it sputtered and died it sounds like a fuel delivery problem. Clogged carbs, or maybe a loose or kinked fuel line.

[jonnythan]

If it sputtered and died it sounds like a fuel delivery problem. Clogged carbs, or maybe a loose or kinked fuel line.

Completely missed that part. He also said that the bike wanted to move when he tried to start in first gear (which is interesting by itself cause mine does too), so I'd further think fuel problem.

[CNF2002]

I'd sniff out the fuel filter as the most likely suspect.

PS: My bike lurches a bit too if I am in first gear when I start it up, even with the clutch pulled.

[jonnythan]

PS: My bike lurches a bit too if I am in first gear when I start it up, even with the clutch pulled.

Isn't that weird? Why do they do that?

[CNF2002]

I think its the type of clutch that some bikes use...oil has to be circulating for it to engage properly, so when it first starts with no oil flowing the clutch sticks...but I'm just talking out of my rear here

[Seca Girl]

So I'm enjoying the last few weeks of having my bike before I sell it, and I decided to go for a ride after work yesterday.

Don't ever talk about selling your bike, when you're near it. They can hear you and will start having problems.

The only way to fix the problem is to cancel the sale, and polish the chrome.

[BuzZz]

PS: My bike lurches a bit too if I am in first gear when I start it up, even with the clutch pulled.

Isn't that weird? Why do they do that?

It's because of the clutch design, but not due to oil circulation. Most bikes use a multi-plate wet clutch which means there is anything from 1 or 2 plates up to 5 or more, some have 11..., and that's just friction plates, they have almost as many drive plates.... that's alot of surface area to rub slightly and cause drag. Add to that, the actuation movement of the clutch assembely is pretty small, cold motors and clutches are smaller dimensionaly than hot ones, cold oil is thicker and more viscous than hot oil, and you get clutch drag, especially with cold engines.

I've had dirtbikes with heavy-duty clutches that would just plain stall out if you dropped it into gear before it was warm enough, not matter what. And starting in gear was just a pipe dream at any temp.

[BuzZz]

The O.P.'s issue....

Sounds like fuel delivery problems of some kind.

As mentioned, check any in-line fuel filter if any, or maybe the internal petcock screen (have you tryed switching to reserve? if that works, your petcock is plugged.

If your getting good supply to the floatbowls, it is possible a small chunk of crud got sucked into a jet orifice or something. Try holding the trhottle wide open when cranking.

You have checked for spark... right?