Hard to start, very very hard

[mrdmevans]

Hello,

I am not mechanically inclined, so hopefully you can help me..

I just bought a 1996 Honda Shadow ACE from the local dealer. Being Winter I didnt take it on a test ride. Well the dealer swore to me, that it runs great just a LITTLE cold natured.

This thing is extremely hard to start, once it does it runs fine. But man getting it started is like pulling teeth.

What should I check and or do? Any suggestions?

Thans

[GlenRoberts]

Hey All™,
Welcome to the world of carbs, fuel enrichment valves, and the Honda Shadow world. If you want a bike that will start in the cold, the Shadow isn't it.

[daver'84]

Easy Stuff:

-full choke no throttle when starting
-turn up the idle a bit
-make sure the enrichment valves are adjusted properly

Harder Stuff

-synch the carbs
-change the stock jetting

[tubes_rock]

Whatchutalkin'bout, Glen?

My Shadow starts without any problems at all down to 25 degrees. It would probably start colder than that, but I'm not much for riding down to any colder than that so I've never tried.

The key is to open the choke (fuel enricher) all the way, and give it just the slightest bit of throttle. If you think you didn't open the throttle at all, that's just about the right amount! Then push the starter button and hold it (but not for more than 5 or 6 seconds) it should be started just fine. If the engine catches and runs before those 5 or 6 seconds are up (likely it will!) let go of the button! You don't want to run your starter for more than 5 or 6 seconds straight because it overheats the starter and the battery. Let it sit for 15 seconds if you had to really crank on it before you crank again.

Seriously, if it doesn't start within 3 tries at 5 seconds per try, you'll want to find out what the problem is. It shouldn't be too hard to start in cold weather.

--Justin

[GlenRoberts]

Whatchutalkin'bout, Glen?


Hey All™,
LOL, Shadows don't like cold weather. Just for the sake of asking, is yours kept inside, or outside?

Mine is an older bike, but everything I've had done to it to get it to actually start when it's below 40 degrees, it's basically a new bike once again. The list of what I've done for it to crank like it does is probably longer than mosts mods they done over a dozen years, if anyone has kept one that long. It'll crank now in temps I have NO desire to ride in, which is what I wanted.

[glennc]

I got a small heater fan and have a timer to turn it on a few minutes before I start it.
http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/vie...956&highlight=

[bullzeyet]

Others have given you the basic's to start the bike in cool/cold weather. But I think the choke cable (fuel enrichment) might not be adjusted properly or maybe sticking. This can lead to very hard starting.

If as others suggest...no carb sync has been done you should do it as well. This will ease starting as well.

Having the bike sitting outside is also a problem in cold temps. Especially IF you only ride the bike occasionally. Thick oil (good reason for syn. oil), cold temps, weak battery makes for a hard starting bike.

Bullzeyet

[GlenRoberts]

Originally Posted by mrdmevans

Hello,

I am not mechanically inclined, so hopefully you can help me..

I just bought a 1996 Honda Shadow ACE from the local dealer. Being Winter I didnt take it on a test ride. Well the dealer swore to me, that it runs great just a LITTLE cold natured.

This thing is extremely hard to start, once it does it runs fine. But man getting it started is like pulling teeth.

What should I check and or do? Any suggestions?

Thans

Hey All™,
I wasted my time typing out a real long, detailed post, hit submit, and it went into the WWW black hole. So, this is the short, non-detailed version.

Things I've checked, or had checked in no order.

Battery- I've decided to buy a new one once a year.
Stator- Had mine replaced.
R/R- Mine was fine.
Wires and connections- Unplug, clean and grease EVERY one.
Ground Wire- Same as above.
Kill Switch- Same as above.
ALL cables- Lube or replace.
Gas- Make sure it's good.
Oil- Consider Rotella T 10w50 Synthetic
Plugs/Wires- Check, or replace with hotter plugs.
Check Fuel Enrichment Valves- Set or replace choke cable.
Side Stand- Clean and grease sensor.
Carbs- Sync or adjust.
Air Filter- Clean or replace.

It might be one of these, or a combination of all of it. As I said, I did all of the above, and have no clue what REALLY made the biggest difference. If you do all this, and still won't start, you bought a summer time motorcycle.

[shroomhead]

>>Battery- I've decided to buy a new one once a year.

Why? A battery should last 3, 4, or more years. Seems like a waste of $$$.

Just curious...

[mrdmevans]

Thanks Daver'84 I went through your list adjusted the idol and enrichment valves and it started right up.

Originally Posted by daver'84

Easy Stuff:

-full choke no throttle when starting
-turn up the idle a bit
-make sure the enrichment valves are adjusted properly

Harder Stuff

-synch the carbs
-change the stock jetting