Triumphrat

ohiorider · 11-26-2005, 10:04 PM

I will be purchasing a T100 within the next 3-4 months. Came within a gnats a** of buying one today, a really nice '03 in Goodwood Green/Gold. It wouldn't start! The battery was strong, the tank was more than half full, the petcock was in the 'run' position, and the starter motor cranked the 790cc motor over quickly. However, the motor never fired. Not once. The bike had been ridden within the past few weeks.

Air temperature was probably 38-42 degrees F, well above freezing.

A good friend and Bonneville rider stated that his bike must be cranked forever before it starts in cold weather, and suggested rejetting might cure the problem.

I have a different take on the issue. I believe a box-stock bike with electronic ignition and a good set of Keihin carbs should start in cold weather. It should start with stock jets as the bike comes from the factory. It might take some doing to keep it turning over, but it should start without nearly running the battery into the ground. The bike in question has less than 1000 miles on the odometer.

Point of interest: My W650 Kawasaki uses Keihin carbs that appear to be similar models to those used on the T100. It starts in the coldest weather almost as soon as the starter button is touched.

Has anyone experienced similar starting (non-starting) problems with any of the Bonneville twins? If this is standard 'behavior' for the Bonnevilles in cold weather, I would find this unacceptable, especially since I ride and camp out in some remote areas.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Bob (ohiorider)

rodburner · 11-27-2005, 12:58 AM

In warm weather,my mostly stock Bonnie starts at the slightest touch of the button. When its cold it may take 5 or 6 touches,but never does it need extended button play. 10 or 15 seconds tops.

CarlS · 11-27-2005, 01:19 AM

The Bonnies are cold natured. Below 50 degrees, both mine and my wife's balk if they have not been ridden for a few days. It will usually take two or three tries to get them started. My sequence is this: I turn of the fuel, pull the enricher (choke) out, put the key and turn it, then hit the starter button - without touching the throttle. Once she fires, I'll give a little throttle. Neither bike has ever failed to start even after sitting for three weeks.

schwartzkm · 11-27-2005, 07:59 AM

The temp doesn't appear to be that low to affect the starting of the bike. I have a 2k5 SM and mine starts right away (pure stock) in the low to mid-30's with no issues. I do have to pull the choke out and give it a wee bit of throttle while starting but it usually fires right up.

markt955 · 11-27-2005, 08:18 AM

My old 2001 Bonnie was bad at starting if I used full choke and my new 05 t100 is similar. The best method was to pull the choke out full then back in about 3mm hit the start button dont touch the throttle. Never had any problems since. The T100 started first time yesterday even after 2 weeks sitting in the garage waiting for the frost/ice to go it was about 2C at the time.

Hal9000 · 11-27-2005, 09:38 AM

You didn't mention anything about the choke. I assume you did set it. If so, what position did you set it to?

Bryan · 11-27-2005, 02:35 PM

I use the choke but don't touch the throttle until it first fire's then I give it the smallest amount of twist until it turns all the way over and the let go feathering it with the choke to gain low rpm's. It's never failed to start but it took me 8 month's to figure it out. :brk:

Hal9000 · 11-27-2005, 04:40 PM

Quote:

On 2005-11-27 12:35, Bryan wrote:
I use the choke but don't touch the throttle until it first fire's then I give it the smallest amount of twist until it turns all the way over and the let go feathering it with the choke to gain low rpm's. It's never failed to start but it took me 8 month's to figure it out. :brk:

Same here... Dealer told me to do it this way. starts every time..quickly.

DrPat · 11-27-2005, 10:25 PM

that's odd behaviour for a Bonnie. here's a thought: sometimes this unleaded petrol (you get this in the States?) goes "off" for some reason when it's been sitting in a tank, and not much in there, for a few weeks or longer. It'll run a motor, but not actually fire it up, must lose its igniting quality or smething. Some fresh fuel added cures it. Had this happen in Australia, dunno if it'd help in US or maybe you guys have some better quality fuel, being producers and nearer the source etc. just a thought - cheers DrP.

Sheepdog · 11-28-2005, 11:01 AM

I had a great deal of trouble with my '03 T100 after prolonged (a week or longer) idleness during the cold weather months. With the stock pipes and airbox, I shimmed up my needles by two #4 washers each. This helped, but I still had prolonged episodes where the engine would run a few seconds and then die. This was with the "don't touch the throttle"/full choke approach. However, I began pulling the choke out and holding the throttle at half...spinning the starter a few revolutions and then releasing the throttle. As soon as the twistgrip closed the engine would fire and hold idle (well, most of the time). I realize that this is contrary to recommendations I've read here, but I've fried starters before on cold-blooded bikes and don't wish to relive that sort of repair bill!