So is this what being a motorcycle enthusiast is all about?

[Buicknick72]

one trick- next time it's cold and doesn't start, wrap the air cleaner with something to give a greater restriction, a rag or your hand. This will manually choke it. Most bike don't have the traditional butterfly choke, they have a jet that adds more fuel. If that is clogged, blocking the air cleaner will choke it, and should get it started.

Also check for poorly seated air cleaner to carb boots. If one isn't seated properly it will give trouble as well.

[ZackDaniels]

Buy something fuel injected if you trade out. A lot less issues with getting those started.

Anyway, check killswitch, fuel position is set to on, pull choke, blip throttle a bit while starting. Never had a problem even on cold as hell days with a carb'd bike that wasn't gummed up to no end.

[Aced It]

Originally Posted by RoastRider

Always wondering if your bike will let you ride? I am seriously considering giving this up and selling the bike. The amount of aggravation and stress is just not worth it. The bike starts when it wants to, period.

Is this really what it is like to be a motorcycle owner? I never know if the bike will start or not. It never behaves the same way twice. Motorcycle mechanic tells me "nothing is wrong with it." Other guys I trust (years of experience wrenching) tell me they don't know what is going on. Mostly because it will fire right up when they are around.

No offense but most of the "advice" I get is extremely stupid like the starter switch and petcock position. Really? Thats the pro tips huh?

If this is the life of a motorcyclist, count me the hell out.

I must have missed a post or two regarding your problem(s).

There is a difference between enthusiasts and riders. To me, the joy of being an enthusiast is having the following abilities: When there's a problem, I don't stress, I evaluate it, sometimes research it and dig right in regardless of having the "proper" tools or not. I sometimes fabricate and I sometimes purchase. I'm frugal yet innovative. I'm not afraid to ask questions, and I respect those who answer no matter if it's wrong or right, as it helps form my own opinion as to what I should do to remedy any given problem. And go figure, not ONCE has any of my bikes been back to a stealership for maintenance, etc. Go figure, my lil' ol' scoot runs cleaner and meaner than most any of my friend's bikes that rely on other's to keep 'em running.

Here's a scenario for you: I suck at basketball, but I still play when friends come callin' ... I suck at dancing, but I still do when the wife desires ... I am scared to death of flying, yet I do when instances call for it. Bottom line is, giving up on something just because it has some problems is just plain ol' quitting ... and I for one don't quit. Don't b|tch and whine about your bike giving you problems. If somebody else can't assist you, or you get multiple answers, or you think they are giving you stupid advice, here's some words of advice from an enthusiast: Stop being just a motorcycle owner, and start becoming an enthusiast.

No offense but simply put, if you're afraid of or simply lack the knowledge/ability for wrenching on your own bike, it sounds to me that you are one in need of a brand new motorcycle with a warranty and roadside assistance. That's not an insult, rather words of advice so you can still ride happily.

Now, the advice that you're getting from those who are experienced (locally and internet): C'mon man, some of the most experienced riders can overlook the absolute simplest things such as forgetting to use the kill-switch or ensuring the petcock is turned correctly, etc ... not that I've EVER done those things. Maybe taking the time to start simple is what you need to do. You're and IT guy. Call Microsoft customer support and tell them that you're having problems with your PC; it just won't turn on. The first thing that agent will probably say to you is something like, "Make sure it's plugged in." May sound stupid, but they are starting simple and covering all the bases. Yes, that is the professional way of doing things.

What you seem to have (based on your comments above) is an intermittent problem with the bike, again what I don't know as I obviously have missed some information in another post. However, a good manual will have diagnostic procedures that you can step through and test things for yourself. However, actual diagnosis cannot be done simply by following a step-by-step written process.

To "wrench" things properly you must know the functionality of how your bike does certain things and have the ability to hunt down problems within the diagnostic process. It's similar to a car giving you a trouble code, let's say something like "O2 sensor malfunction". You may have the scan tool that defines the code as such. However, there are many steps you must consider, one being that it may NOT be the O2 sensor itself ... it may be wiring ... it may be a faulty sensor on the same circuit ... it may be low or surging voltage ... it may be a lean/rich condition caused by something else entirely, etc. Some people are quick to just replace the sensor, but then still have the same problem and wonder why.

I hope you see my point. I hope some of the pro's here on these forums can offer you some good insight and tips to get you running right. It seems so far within this thread there already is some good advice! But you also have to be open to patience and learning, especially when you have a used bike. You're notably frustrated at this point as it would seem. However, the life of a motorcyclist is simply riding. The life of an enthusiast is taking riding beyond just the ride. There's nothing wrong with one or the other. Get a new bike, or learn patience if you lack ability ... but if you want to be counted out, that's your prerogative.

[dgraves49]

I have a 97 ACE that I bought in 98. Never failed me or left me stranded.
On the other hand I have a wife that has been in IT since the punch cards.
I refuse to ask her to fix anything including the computer.

[hiteck]

Originally Posted by Aced It

I must have missed a post or two regarding your problem(s).

There is a difference between enthusiasts and riders. To me, the joy of being an enthusiast is having the following abilities: When there's a problem, I don't stress, I evaluate it, sometimes research it and dig right in regardless of having the "proper" tools or not. I sometimes fabricate and I sometimes purchase. I'm frugal yet innovative. I'm not afraid to ask questions, and I respect those who answer no matter if it's wrong or right, as it helps form my own opinion as to what I should do to remedy any given problem. And go figure, not ONCE has any of my bikes been back to a stealership for maintenance, etc. Go figure, my lil' ol' scoot runs cleaner and meaner than most any of my friend's bikes that rely on other's to keep 'em running.

Here's a scenario for you: I suck at basketball, but I still play when friends come callin' ... I suck at dancing, but I still do when the wife desires ... I am scared to death of flying, yet I do when instances call for it. Bottom line is, giving up on something just because it has some problems is just plain ol' quitting ... and I for one don't quit. Don't b|tch and whine about your bike giving you problems. If somebody else can't assist you, or you get multiple answers, or you think they are giving you stupid advice, here's some words of advice from an enthusiast: Stop being just a motorcycle owner, and start becoming an enthusiast.

No offense but simply put, if you're afraid of or simply lack the knowledge/ability for wrenching on your own bike, it sounds to me that you are one in need of a brand new motorcycle with a warranty and roadside assistance. That's not an insult, rather words of advice so you can still ride happily.

Now, the advice that you're getting from those who are experienced (locally and internet): C'mon man, some of the most experienced riders can overlook the absolute simplest things such as forgetting to use the kill-switch or ensuring the petcock is turned correctly, etc ... not that I've EVER done those things. Maybe taking the time to start simple is what you need to do. You're and IT guy. Call Microsoft customer support and tell them that you're having problems with your PC; it just won't turn on. The first thing that agent will probably say to you is something like, "Make sure it's plugged in." May sound stupid, but they are starting simple and covering all the bases. Yes, that is the professional way of doing things.

What you seem to have (based on your comments above) is an intermittent problem with the bike, again what I don't know as I obviously have missed some information in another post. However, a good manual will have diagnostic procedures that you can step through and test things for yourself. However, actual diagnosis cannot be done simply by following a step-by-step written process.

To "wrench" things properly you must know the functionality of how your bike does certain things and have the ability to hunt down problems within the diagnostic process. It's similar to a car giving you a trouble code, let's say something like "O2 sensor malfunction". You may have the scan tool that defines the code as such. However, there are many steps you must consider, one being that it may NOT be the O2 sensor itself ... it may be wiring ... it may be a faulty sensor on the same circuit ... it may be low or surging voltage ... it may be a lean/rich condition caused by something else entirely, etc. Some people are quick to just replace the sensor, but then still have the same problem and wonder why.

I hope you see my point. I hope some of the pro's here on these forums can offer you some good insight and tips to get you running right. It seems so far within this thread there already is some good advice! But you also have to be open to patience and learning, especially when you have a used bike. You're notably frustrated at this point as it would seem. However, the life of a motorcyclist is simply riding. The life of an enthusiast is taking riding beyond just the ride. There's nothing wrong with one or the other. Get a new bike, or learn patience if you lack ability ... but if you want to be counted out, that's your prerogative.

We need a LIKE button for posts like that.

[Menhir]

Originally Posted by RoastRider

I am a perfectionist and an over thinker..

You can't be both.

[CrazyDave]

I have no idea what being a motorcycle enthusiast is all about , I only know what being a biker and a gearhead is all about.. either finding the problem or it it is unsolvable moving on to the next bike.. not giving up on riding because we got a mechanical issue.

[kacealraid]

I have a 96 VLX and it has NEVER left me with an issue. Anything that was wrong with it, I could figure out by going down the line with the problem (all electrical, sadly). The machine you have definitely has an issue, and that's what it boils down too... Your pros and friends just can't find it.

It could be a short in a wire, but it sounds like you have a fuel issue every time I read your problems! Heck, might need a new petcock. Tank rusted? Might need to get that fixed. Is your air filter clean? If not, your machine will not start/run right. Spark plugs replaced? That problem solved. Is your fuel pump working? You will probably have an issue if it's not pumping fuel >_>. There's a lot of issues with the carb bikes sadly, and you'll pretty much have to go down the line and find it...

Or sell it as a project bike for as much as you can and get another ride. Used bikes are a gamble. They can ride like new when you get it, or they might have some issues you have to get on top of before you can get it road worthy. EITHER WAY, I wish you luck in whatever choice you make.

[John Hopkins]

Originally Posted by RoastRider

Always wondering if your bike will let you ride? I am seriously considering giving this up and selling the bike. The amount of aggravation and stress is just not worth it. The bike starts when it wants to, period.

Is this really what it is like to be a motorcycle owner? I never know if the bike will start or not. It never behaves the same way twice. Motorcycle mechanic tells me "nothing is wrong with it." Other guys I trust (years of experience wrenching) tell me they don't know what is going on. Mostly because it will fire right up when they are around.

No offense but most of the "advice" I get is extremely stupid like the starter switch and petcock position. Really? Thats the pro tips huh?

If this is the life of a motorcyclist, count me the hell out.

I don't know how much you spent on your bike, but it must have seemed like a good deal at the time..

I don't know how old you are, but I can't believe you lived this long and expected a second hand bike to be as good as the seller said it was.

you should know that you can buy a car and get one year out of it before you have to scrap it because of repair costs, or you could get ten years out of it..

A real biker / motorcycle enthusiast buys a bike because he want's to ride it, when it causes problems he spends as much time as it takes to get it working properly, he doesn't spend a lot of money because he has a service manual, he takes photos of each thing he takes apart and stores the bits in a labled bag or box, he doesn't buy the parts until he knows he needs them..and if the job is going to keep his bike off the road for any length of time he buys another cheap bike to use while he is doing the repairs..

My advice is..sell the bike and get as much back from the sale as you can then buy a car..

You can always boast that you used to ride a V twin motorbike..

John.

[gypsy]

you are just beginning... you don't really know what you want nor what to expect. if you take the time to learn,well you will learn. i love my bike and i have hated my bike, i have cursed and blessed my bike. now after 13 years with the same bike i can finesse it. i am more patient about problems as well as being patient with my shortcomings pertaining to being a biker. what i know is that i love to ride. i love the view and the wind. i also love the feeling of pride as i know that it rides because i deal the problems... whatever it takes. you may not be a biker... and that's ok. but do chill, it's really not good a person to get too pissed off over and inanimate object. good luck to you, friend... i do hope you stick with it until you really get bitten by the biker bug.