Triumphrat

Drift · 12-28-2006

Lately it takes me about 5 or 6 tries to start my Bonnie. Usually I end up turning the idle higher to get it going. Anything I can do to prevent this? It's in my garage (NJ) and the weather hasn't been that cold yet. I have Stabil in the gas tank. Would a battery tender help?

CAPTDON · 12-28-2006

Bonne's dont like cold weather! When you hit the starter - dont touch the throttle till she runs steady. Mine the same way, quite normal!

FattRat · 12-28-2006

I've recently discovered the sweet combination of the right size pilot jet with the right idle mixture setting..... on an engine with intake & exhaust mod's.

It was only last night that I tried turning down my idle mixture since replacing my pilot jets, and for the first time since mucking with the bike, she starts up easily and NOW. By the way, it was about 42 F when I fired her up.... easily.

You done any modifications to your intake or exhaust?

Scrambler900 · 12-28-2006

Turn on the key and wait at least 10 seconds before pressing the starter button, in order for the carburator heater element to take effect. Also, use a battery tender. Are your spark plugs cleaned and gapped correctly?

357Bob · 12-28-2006

Did you gap the points & check the dwell?

psasak · 12-28-2006

Quote:

On 2006-12-28 19:11, FattRat wrote:
I've recently discovered the sweet combination of the right size pilot jet with the right idle mixture setting..... on an engine with intake & exhaust mod's.

It was only last night that I tried turning down my idle mixture since replacing my pilot jets, and for the first time since mucking with the bike, she starts up easily and NOW. By the way, it was about 42 F when I fired her up.... easily.

What's your setup?

I have a 135 main/42 pilot, 2 turns pilot screw, with Thruxton needles with one shim, Emgo mufflers, and K&N pods. In colder weather, I can't touch the throttle until the bike settles down after start, or it dies.

[ This message was edited by: psasak on 2006-12-28 22:54 ]

ohiorider · 12-28-2006

When I purchased my 2003 T100, it was stock. No rejetting, etc. The bike was used, with 4100 miles on her. I thought the salesman at the dealership was going to wear out the starter getting her going ... and he was an experienced rider. Outside air temp at the time was probably in the low 20's. She finally started, and we ran her up on the ramp into the back of the pickup, and the snow was flying! (just setting the stage).

Since rejetting (125/42/1 shim/TOR/Snork removal/), I've learned where my particular bike wants the choke lever positioned. In the case of my bike, it's about 3/4 pulled out. Any further, and she keeps dying.

She starts sputtering to life after turning over 2-3 times, but may then want to die several times, though not nearly as badly as before rejetting .... not even close.

I have discovered (probably due to incorrect or stock float levels) that once she starts chugging to life, when she sounds like she may quit, I shake her back and forth, left to right, and the engine immediately speeds up. If she starts slowing down again, a couple of shakes gets the rpm back up. After 3-4 shakes, she is warm enough to idle. I don't let her sit long, as I think it's bad on an air cooled engine to idle with little or no airflow to keep things under control.

Sounds insane, but I think this shaking must disturb the fuel levels in the bowls enough to keep her running.... probably lets more fuel through.

My riding buddy laughed when I told him about this, but he did see it happen.

I could probably pulll the bowls, and tweak the float level (making it higher), but my feeling is "why bother"? She starts beautifully during the normal 50-90 degree F riding season.

Hopefully, this comment won't cause a bunch of flak, but my Kawasaki W650, that is carbureted with Keihin CV carbs similar to those on our Bonnevilles, and without carb heaters, starts immediately, winter or summer (or fall or spring ...rain or shine .... you get the point).

I don't fully understand it, but don't care. Bikes all have their own personalities and idiosyncracies. Love my Bonnie!

Bob

[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2006-12-28 22:56 ]

FattRat · 12-29-2006

'kay, here goes:

When the weather was still kinda warm, she protested but fired up with some 118's..... and running really really lean.
Idle mixture 3 turns out.

So I puts me sum 130's in her, and she springs to life regardless of the ambient temps...... but I'm know'n that it's rich now.
Still 3 turns out.

In go the 122.5's, it's cold outside and she refuses to start. But if it's the middle of the day and warm, she struggles to life and runs DANM GOOD!
Start'n to wonder 'bout my 3 turns out.

After I struggle, fight with, cuss & swear, then cut the handle down of a little screw-driver, grind the tip to a width good for removal of the pilot jets, and successfully replace them with some 42's......... she starts, but not without a little drama of holding the tongue right, pulling the choke out juuuuuust so, and kinda fighting to keep her running. But at least I can start it, and she runs sooooo good! In the morning when it's the sub-40's in the garage, my baby protests but can be coaxed to life.

So I gets to think'n 'bout that idle mixture screw. I've got my little S shaped hanger bent to hold my D tool in place while I turn and count the revolutions. All the way in, but rather than a full 3 out, I change 'em to 2 1/2 out.
*BAM!*
Not only does she fire up first bump with full choke, she doesn't so much as sputter or whine. And for some reason, the little 790 runs better out on the open road too!

Soooo, I've settled on.......
42 pilots, 122.5 mains, Thruxton needles w/1 shim, 2.5 turns
== NH bellmouth, K&N air filter, D&D cans ==
=== Air box WITH restricter plate in place ===
= Big City Thunder baffles AND packing in the D&D's =

But I won't be completely satisfied until I get the air/fuel ratio sniffed.

kurtisf · 12-29-2006

they are a cold blooded bike off the shelf so your not alone

caolddude · 12-29-2006

Its still colder than summer and bonnies dont like cool never mind cold... try turning the ignition on for about 1 minute before hitting the starter button.. thats what I do and it seems to work like a charm..