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Ignition Troubles

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:20 pm
by Patient
So i've got about 600 miles on my bike now, i'm just about to take it in for it's first service (Still a newb, and i want it checked by a pro for it's first tune-up) But i want to have all the info i can when i take it in, hence my inquiry.

Since I've had the bike It's had trouble starting up about 4 times. I go to start the bike, make sure it's in Neutral, Hold the Clutch, Press the ignition... The engine starts to turn over, but never catches. The first a couple of times it just took a few tries then worked fine. But today at lunch it wouldn't start. I tried about 4 times with no luck before i gave it a little gas to help it turn over. This method worked,..but left me feeling like something is wrong. My rommate has a CBR 600RR and i've never heard his bike struggle to start.

A few more details.

- 07 Suzuki GSX-R 600
- I've only noticed the problem during the day, after it has sat outside in the sun for at least 10 minutes
- I do not use the emergency shut off when i park for the night, Only when i know i wont be riding for a few days.
- I do start my bike while it is on it's kickstand (in neutral obviously) to warm it up while i put my gear on.

Is it my technique? or could it be a bigger problem?
Again i'm taking it in to be serviced this weekend, but would like to know if i "shouldn't" be riding til then... for some reason.

Thanks all.

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:50 pm
by Sev
Sounds like a low battery. Check the voltage with a volt meter... if it's below 12 volts throw it on a trickle charger and see if this will recondition it.

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:06 pm
by Patient
A low battery on a brand new bike?...with less than 600 miles.

Well, i guess thats an easy solution if thats the problem, but geez...that doesn't sound right. : \

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:06 pm
by 2will
newb on a gixxer 600? cool! :ohyea:

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:07 pm
by 2will
haha. "patient" an appropriate username. just noticed that. :laughing:

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:11 pm
by Shorts
Patient wrote:A low battery on a brand new bike?...with less than 600 miles.

Well, i guess thats an easy solution if thats the problem, but geez...that doesn't sound right. : \
The solution is to buy a battery tender to keep the battery up to par. Bike batteries don't like to sit very long at all.


That like when you go to a car dealership in the winter and brand new cars and trucks don't want to start for a test drive because the batteries are weak and cold from not being used...in the cold!

It doesn't matter how old or new the bike/car is, what matters is the battery/power source.

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:37 pm
by Patient
Thanks for the info, i'll definetly give that a shot.

I'll let you guys know how it works out.




On another note,
"2will"... You dont need to patronize me. Please add to the conversation, or be on your way.

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:06 pm
by Sev
Two things are possible if it's a low battery:

1) You accidently left the ignition on and drained it.
2) The battery was not given the correct charge when the bike was first PDI'ed.

You can pick up a multi meter for as little as $20 Canadian, you can use it to check the voltage of your battery. A voltmeter only would probably be cheaper... so I'd start there before buying a battery tender.

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:18 pm
by Patient
Sevulturus wrote:Two things are possible if it's a low battery:


2) The battery was not given the correct charge when the bike was first PDI'ed.


What is "PDI'ed" ?

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:22 pm
by Sev
Taken out of the crate and assembled/checked for you.