R1150R Hard starting when engine is cold

[arbik]

Greetings all,

I did a search, and didnt find the answer I was looking for, so here it goes.
I have a 2004, Twin spark, R1150R Rockster with 32K miles on it.

Lately, it has become very difficult to start in the morning, or after the engine gets cold (i.e., in the afternoon, going home from work).
Here are the specifics:
1. battery is almost brand new. BMW factory battery, put in place 7 months ago. Its on a battery tender at least 3 nights/week.
2. spark plugs are new. I just changed them, thinking this may have solved my problem.
3. I also had the leaky quick disconnects, and just changed them to the metal ones, so no more leak.
4. Bike has had its routine maintenance (fuel/air filter changes), etc.
5. when the bike starts, it idles fine, and runs great.
6. when the bike is warm, it starts right up.

Any ideas?

-arbi

[NAIAD]

I'm sure some more truly knowledgeable types will pipe in soon...but I'd be suspicious of a poor electrical connection somewhere in the ignition system. Or possibly a faulty switch in something like the sidestand switch. Mysterious for sure...

Does the motor spin normally when cold starting? Or does it spin more slowly....?

Hmm, and where's CycleRob when ya need him...?

Good luck, sorry can't do anything more than commiserate!

Bill J

[dnat928]

Have you checked your fast idle slide/lever/system? You may not be getting the faster idle you (it) needs to run when cold.

[arbik]

The motor turns as normal, when starting.
The fast idle and the start-faster idle both function as they should.
its not a side stand switch issue either. I've already checked that one.
...maybe an air leak?

[arbik]

Anyone have any ideas on this?
I'm not sure what else to try....

[Boxer]

I know I keep harping opn this issue, but it happens so often when you fool with the QDs and lines. Check the TB cable and make sure its sitting down into ferrule properly. It gets lodged up on the edge when the lines are pushed up disconnecting them.

[CycleRob]

arbik,

Since it's a Twin spark, you may have a dead coil -but- you say it idles fine once it does start.

More likely it's the fuel you bought. Especially if you're running premium grade fuel because not many people are buying it. When gasoline gets old, the volatiles evaporate and a less ignitable, more fuel oil like liquid remains. I have also experienced these out-of-nowhere harder cold starts . . . . . . the day after gassing up.

Run the tankload in there now at least 20 miles on the low fuel light (it'll go 40+) then gas up at a different gas station.

"Hmm, and where's CycleRob when ya need him...?"
There are others qualified to answer this that would have given you the same "fuel" answer. I guess they were distracted too. I was prolly watching the Olympics, cheering for the GOLD or on http://bmwmoga.info/forum/ or http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdis ... 2011b&f=50

.

[arbik]

Boxer,

I double checked that cable, and it was fine. The hard starting problem has been here before the QD change, so I dont think that is the cause. Here is what I have so far:

Fuel:
1. pump works, filter has less than 8K miles on it, QDs are now good to go, I dont know how to check the FInjectors, but the bike runs like a champ when it starts, so I dont know if I should have doubts about them.

Air:
2. air filter is about 8K old, I dont see any visible rips/etc in the runners, etc.

Spark:
3. Brand new NGK spark plugs on both the main and the secondary.
the bike runs well after it starts, so I cant imagine one of the stick coils is bad again..as the last time that happened, the bike ran terrible. Spark plug wires? (do I need to factor this in? the bike is only 4 years old with 31K on it.)

not sure what else to check...

-arbi

[sjbmw]

Try adding some SeaFoam to your gas.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/products.htm

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUpConsumer.htm

[arbik]

CyclRob,

I came to the same conclusion this morning. I pumped up gas from a different gas station last night (usually, I buy form the shell station by my house, but this time, I pumped from the 76 in La Canada - more expensive cars there).
Went to start the bike up this morning, and fired right up, w/o fast idle or any throttle manipulation.
So i guess, that shell station gas is the culprit, as thats where I get 99% of my gasoline form for all my vehicles.

I may run some of that seafoam stuff in there anyway....since it does have 32K on it already..


-arbi

[NAIAD]

THat was a fix that never occurred to me...and an easy one to implement as well. Probably anecdotal, but I quit using Shell gasoline many years ago, particularly in motorcycles, seemed there was always knocking withthose fuels, especially in hot desert conditions. But any gas can get old.

Now back to that Olympic coverage!!!!!

Bill J