Triumphrat

golfingirl · 11-13-2012, 07:50 AM

I realize cold is a relative term but here in Atlanta, my T100 is a bugger to start in anything under 60 degrees. In fact, I couldn't get her going in 50 degrees the other day and I drained the battery trying. I've heard a lot of people say that the Bonnevilles are cold natured and take a while to warm up but this seems extreme. For the record, I use the choke and even tweek up the idle. I think she runs a little rich so technically this shouldn't be a problem. BTW, I'm no mechanic. I'm just learning the ropes. Thoughts?

road dog · 11-13-2012, 08:08 AM

Mine runs a little rich... therefore she loves the cold. Makes no sense really that yours would be on the rich side yet be so cold natured. If you list your mods I'm sure someone here will be more than happy to diagnose your set-up. I suspect you may actually be running leaner than you think, but I'm no expert.

norton74 · 11-13-2012, 08:41 AM

It was 25 degrees F the other morning. My T100 started right up. Same as when it is warm outside.

denbow · 11-13-2012, 08:49 AM

They normally start 1st crack even in cold weather. FULL choke, no throttle. Once started keep the choke out and slowly return to half way as it warms up.
Yes they're slow to warm up and don't reach full temp for 15 minutes so you might need to goose the throttle a little at junctions and in traffic until it ticks over on its own.

Make sure the two wires on the bottom each carb are intact and connected. They're the cold weather carb heaters that come on automatically under a certain temperature.

golfingirl · 11-13-2012, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by road dog

Mine runs a little rich... therefore she loves the cold. Makes no sense really that yours would be on the rich side yet be so cold natured. If you list your mods I'm sure someone here will be more than happy to diagnose your set-up. I suspect you may actually be running leaner than you think, but I'm no expert.

I know. I' guessing it runs rich. I actually haven't done an analysis. My fuel comsumption is a bit high and it smells a bit gassy. Hence my rich thought.

I have no after market mods. Well, excpet for things to make her prettier.

golfingirl · 11-13-2012, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denbow

Make sure the two wires on the bottom each carb are intact and connected. They're the cold weather carb heaters that come on automatically under a certain temperature.

I didn't know that. I will check it out today. Thanks for the tip.

BTW, mine's a 2006... carbed.

rwantin · 11-13-2012, 09:07 AM

Concur on checking the wires under the carbs...I've noted from time-to-time they are not the most securely connected. Otherwise, mine starts fine in 30-40 degrees (I'm also on a battery tender full-time so it is getting full poke). As suggested, full choke, no throttle.

road dog · 11-13-2012, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfingirl

I know. I' guessing it runs rich. I actually haven't done an analysis. My fuel comsumption is a bit high and it smells a bit gassy. Hence my rich thought.

I have no after market mods. Well, excpet for things to make her prettier.

If you have zero performance mods you would likely be running on the lean side, as the carbed Bonnies are notoriously lean from the factory. Unless you have something restricting air flow, like an air filter that is in desperate need of being replaced, or possibly some critters taking up residence in your airbox. Hey, don't laugh... it can happen.

mikeinva · 11-13-2012, 09:33 AM

The carb heaters wont help it start on cold days.They only help keep carb bores from frosting while going down the road.My guess is your to lean on the idle fuel mix .You can be to lean at idle and to rich at high speed.

Forchetto · 11-13-2012, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfingirl

I think she runs a little rich so

What leads you to think she's running rich?.

A lot of carburetted bikes around the time yours was made had trouble passing emission testing, the makers set them as lean as possible to ensure a pass, never mind how poorly they ran.

You might find that tweaking the mixture screws anticlockwise a little (try 1/8, 1/4 turn, etc), will improve things. Not just starting, but better low-end driveability, idle and warm-up.