Triumphrat

dgreene · 02-14-2010, 07:03 PM

I have a newly acquired 2007 T-100 with 5K mi., TOR exhaust and AI removed. It starts fine above 40 degrees (F) using the "choke", but starts under 40 degrees require multiple presses of the starter, and under 20 degrees, I have to cap my fingers over the airbox intake to get it to start at all (All 4 fingers to first fire, 3 fingers for 15 seconds or so, and then it will run with "factory choke")

I took it in to the dealership to have it checked out (bowls clean, idle mix within limits, etc.). The dealership said everything is OK, but then again, It was over 40 degrees when they tested.

The bike starts and runs great after it is warm. Warm starts work best with a slightly cracked throttle.

Is this normal for a newish Bonneville?

scottslob · 02-14-2010, 07:21 PM

I dunno if that is normal, i dont have any problem starting my bike under 40f cuz I dont. bbbrrrr... Take the car.

davidc · 02-14-2010, 07:25 PM

I have read about guys having difficulty with cold starts such as you describe - and then as many who don't.
I must say that I never really had a problem with any of the three Hinckleys I've owned as long as the battey has a good charge.

Skidplate865 · 02-14-2010, 07:44 PM

My '06 Scrambler starts just fine - in 18 degree F weather, sitting outside all night.

You might want to check your spark plugs.

DavidR8 · 02-14-2010, 07:59 PM

I found that my '09 was a bit reluctant when the batter charge dropped because it wasn't spinning the motor very quickly.

Of course, your mileage may vary!

David

dmay · 02-14-2010, 08:15 PM

The cold start system on the stock carbs(the choke) works better the lower you have the Idle speed set to,I crank the idle screw back out about three turns before attempting to start her up,plus I hold the bike vertical,not resting on the sidestand,the cold start circuits don't seem to work well leaned over and she'll run off of one cylinder(I'll be buying the centerstand for my 2007 before riding season returns to Indiana) My bike has been this way since new,I've cleaned out the carbs and verified float level and even raised it slightly,rejetted for my exhaust on my bike and it's always started the same.I just reach down and dial the Idle back up while I ride along once the bike warms up.Also,a lower Idle speed minimizes backfiring on decel when warm. Just kind of the thing that makes it a Britbike,requires some savvy over a more mainsteam ride...

MattyMo · 02-14-2010, 09:39 PM

dgreene, I have an 08 Bonneville, it has carburetors with heated bowls. Several mods like pipes, air box removed... I have found if it is 40 degrees F or below this process works well for me. Set the choke. Turn the key on. DO NOT hit the starter button. Put on helmet, gloves and such. After at least 60 seconds, hit the starter button. Cranks up as expected on a cold morning. Hope this helps.

ThruxNJ · 02-14-2010, 09:48 PM

My 2005 Thruxton fires right up in the 40's. I do experience the exact same thing once the temperature drops into the 20's. I beleive this normal behavior for a carbed bike.

ivar · 02-15-2010, 05:57 AM

Colder than 40F and I had to press the starter a lot of times (more than 10) to keep it running. Found it easier to just put a glove in the airbox opening. Got a little better after upping pilots to 42's.

Now have ditched the airbox, so I'm wonderin' where to put the glove now

McBike · 02-15-2010, 09:46 AM

+1 on everything dmay said. But if it is below 30F I do the hand over the intake. It will start with some effort using the other technique but I would rather not keep cranking the engine and draining the battery. Once running I then get suited up (3 min) and I'm ready to go.

Mike