Starting

[Ned]

Hi

I use my strada most days for a short commute into Manchester. It was usually a first kick starter hot or cold and would start on the button when hot. The ignition pick up packed up in the Autum and I had a twin pick up unit fitted at NLM. The bike now takes two or three rapid & full blooded kicks to get it going hot or cold. Anything less and it won't start at all. It won't start on the button - motor is in good knick and battery is new. I'm thinking the spark is weak. Tried the 5mm jump thing and couldn't see any sign of a spark. Alternator was rewound about three years ago. Motor runs sweet as a nut once started.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Mike

[boris tarpit]

Have you had the flywheel remagnetised?? NLM do it for £25 . .

[spub]

I also find, at least on my kicker only Sport, that holding the throttle open a bit helps upon start up. My absolutely will not fire if throttle is not held open a bit.

[Ned]

I tried the throttle thing on the advice of NLM - it will only start with the throttle closed. I thought about having the flywheel remagnetised. Is there anyway to check it?

[spub]

One of the windings on the flywheel is an ignition trigger, so you can check the spark is firing with a timing light, or having someone kick it ove with the plug removed but wire still connected and the electode grounded on the engine. Should see a nice spark (there's a lot of volts, so make sure you are not the connection to ground when you do this). But I would check other easy things also: Valve clearance, carb balance, jetts are clear and correct, air mixture screw set correctly, and no vacume leaks on the intake manifolds. Anyone ONE of these things being not to spec can cause starting problems.

[Ned]

Thanks everyone . Carbs and timing are spot on - Alex set it all up. I might try getting the flywheel re-magnetised.

[EVguru]

One of the windings on the flywheel is an ignition trigger,

The ignition trigger (pickup) is on the end of the camshaft.

Alternator was rewound about three years ago.

The winding on the alternator is the high voltage feed for the ignition (and the reason you can run without a battery). If it was re-wound then it is unlikely to be the problem.

I don't think re-magnetising the flywheel is very expensive (about £25?) so it's really a good thing to try. You might want to consider a cambelt change whilst you've got the flywheel off.