hard starting

[juliusc]

I have a 2007 aero with 24000 miles on it. I never had a hard time starting until about a week ago . This only happens the first time I start it in the morning , after that it starts fine. This problem is getting progressively worse . In January I had the plugs changed, the valves adjusted and a new battery installed. The only thing I can think of is that the new battery is defective. Thanks for your help.

[ZackDaniels]

It could just be getting harder because it's getting colder out, but an 07 should fire up pretty easy regardless.

That year and those miles.... doesn't seem like it would be overly gummed up from sitting for a long time.

Yeah I'm going to say bad battery or possibly the starter motor itself is struggling and not giving the normal amount of oomf. You should be able to hook the starter direct to a known good battery and see if it fires right up or still struggles to rule out your new one.

[old dad]

Below 60deg my 06 vlx gets full choke, starts every time, I don't even try without the choke, even after 60200 some miles. Below 50degs. I keep it on the battery tender. (no garage)

[jpr1968]

Originally Posted by juliusc

I have a 2007 aero with 24000 miles on it. I never had a hard time starting until about a week ago . This only happens the first time I start it in the morning , after that it starts fine. This problem is getting progressively worse . In January I had the plugs changed, the valves adjusted and a new battery installed. The only thing I can think of is that the new battery is defective. Thanks for your help.

Can you expain what you mean by hard starting? Is it cranking too slow as an example.

[juliusc]

What I mean is that the battery sounds weak and gets weaker when it sounds like the battery will die , the bike starts. After I ride for a short period of time,15 minuts, I shut the bike down and when I start it the battery is strong again. After a week of non use the bike gets hard to start again. Although the battery is less than a year old I think it is defective. Thats the only thing I can think of.

[John Hopkins]

If you are only riding for 15 minutes at a time you are gradually discharging the battery..test the battery with a hydrometer, check the electrolyte levels..the bike probably needs a run of about 100 miles on a good road to make it start and run better.

John.

[juliusc]

I think you misunderstood. I usually ride from 100 miles to 350 on a good weekend. Last yesterday we rode about 110 miles. Today the bike started quickly. By next weekend I will have a problem starting again. I think I will replace the battery and see what happens. Thanks.