KR-1S.co.uk Forum

Weather in Kent fairly bright after long hard showers and cold winds so decided to fit a tube through the airbox to get some Easy Start nearer the carb intakes.
Just kick it over to confirm it won't start as is normal.................... and the s*d does!!! Second prod (and nearly off the first one!).

Strange thinks I. What has been done differently. Well only thing is that I left the choke pulled fully on when putting it away last time from fiddling which was two weeks ago. Normally this would entail lots of kicking over etc. So why the difference? No idea but will see if this continued starting procedure works. Bl%dy hope so!!!!
LSM

I started mine for the first time in two months yesterday, as expected it involved the usual 20 minutes of kicking and swearing.
One particular swear word (Fitbin*) seemed to do the trick
Nipped out tonight and started it, despite being stone cold it started first kick; I would love to know why this is.

It was lovely to hear the old girl running again, I bet the neighbours were delighted

Mike

*One for the Viz fans out there....

It was lovely to hear the old girl running again, I bet the neighbours were delighted !

Yeah I bet!!!

Mine neighbours were probably just as impressed as I had the KR1 running along with the Ducati 748 to give 'em both an airing!!!!!

OK.
Update Sunday 25th Jan.
Raining all bl%dy day today. Bike hasn't been started since last Sunday. Quickly uncovered it. Key in and turned on. One prod. Started no problem at all.
I for one will be leaving the choke pulled 'on' at all times when the bike is rested up as it REALLY DOES seem to make a difference.

sounds like a result there - will have to remember that when it comes
round to start up time

tried this - pulled the choke on yesterday and left it - and it fired first kick instead of the normal 15-20 after winter lay-up - so it seems to work

only thing is i also found a pool of petrol from leaky carbs - anyone found a miracle cure for that one

still have nightmares about my carbs, took me friggin ages to sort it, wont mention check float heights and shut off valves but one thing that i did find out whilst f=cking about with the carbs, the breather pipes on the float bowls that are for the overflow are 3mm inside diameter instead of the usual 5mm or 6mm, my carbs were leakingfor ages , but when i fitted the smaller diameter ones, its all been ok since, maybe this is all bollox,but seemed to work

Some tips may or may not help.

Use either NGK EGV or EIX plugs or ND equivalents. The stock ignition struggles with the standard NGK ES plugs.

If the bike is stored prime the carbs before trying to start (put fuel tap on prime). Fuel in the float bowl evaporates and these will need to be re-filled.

It shouldn't take more than 2 or 3 kicks to start it. Anymore and something is not right.

The ignition/alternator beginning to fail can lead to it being difficult to start.

interesting that one about the pipe diameter martin - i'll check mine - this is the only bike i have a problem with leaks on

perhaps a wider pipe gives more suction - assume when the floats fill
the air escapes down the pipe and perhaps a wide pipe starts 'pumping' the chamber empty ?

i'll check the stator as well mark - although i think its a good one

when it has sat for a long time I usually give it a few kicks with the ignition off and the throttle open just to get some lube round the parts, helps flood it a bit as well.

fuel on prime is the way to go.

thin pipes so it looks like the carbs have got to come off again - nice way to kill a bit of time

At least you're doing something positive and not just p*$$ing in the wind about finding the problem eh?

i like to think so - it's just the carbs that are p*ssing in the wind

That's when your tag line of "Smokings good for you" might not be next to your carbs then!!!!!

.
.

this may sound kind of dumb...

first thing before trying to start after a long time sitting...

crack open the fuel cap and let the tank breathe for a minute or so.

then try the other things mentioned, prime choke etc.

It sounds improbable but I suspect the breathers (in the caps?) may develop an air lock in the tank - especially if your bike sits outside can be exposed to high day temperatures and cold night.

and even if this speculation is flawed it helps seeing there is actually fuel in there - after all how many times have you kicked and kicked - NO START - open the tank, have a look, kick, kick - BRAPP BRAAAP

.
.