Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Alright, so I have had a 1986 Suzuki GS550ES for almost a week now (I'm pretty new to motorcycling), and last night it would not start in the colder weather. I had choke on full, but it would only turn over...and turn over and turn over...

The battery in it now is an offbrand battery that came new (I think) with the bike. Firstly, would a better battery help cold weather starts?

Secondly, I read that setting the fuel switch to prime for a couple minutes helps in cold weather. Is this true?

Thirdly, being that I live on the central coast of California, it never really gets that cold (40-60 degrees F) so might there be some other problem I'm unaware of?

It starts right up in the warmpth of the day and runs well, so maybe it is just really cold blooded. ANyway, any suggestions would be nice.

Also, if I were to try to start it by rolling it, how fast would I need to go?

Try setting the petcock to prime for a bit. When starting it, give it a little gas, once it starts, bring it back to half choke, and blip the throttle to keep it revved, then after a bit, down to no choke. It might stall out if you leave it at idle with no choke at first, but after it warms up, it should be fine. Just be glad you don't have to kick start your bike . Or do you?