Starting issue

[justscootin]

And few weeks ago I went to start my scooter in the morning and had a heck of a time cranking it over. It was like there was no gas at the injectors. Cranking it over not letting my thumb off the start button finally it started. The exact same thing happened to me today cranking it over. It took quite along time to start. Yes the tank was full and the temperature outside was about 75.

Has this happened to anyone else or might you have any suggestions.

 

[otbiker]

I've had this a few times, but thought it was just the hot weather here in the summer. Only had it three months, so I don't know about cooler temps.
I have found if I crack the throttle a bit, hot or cold engine, it starts in about 3 cranks...

 

[bill steele]

You may be having a vapor lock problem I would try a gas additive. Doesn't Canada have real gasoline with no ethanol in it.

 

[justscootin]

You may be having a vapor lock problem I would try a gas additive. Doesn't Canada have real gasoline with no ethanol in it.

What exactly is vapor lock, I have heard the term before but I do not understand what vapor lock is.

 

[JaimeC]

Let me google that for you

 

[otbiker]

Vapor lock is impossible in a fuel injection system as the entire fuel system is pressurized...

 

[JaimeC]

Ummm... no...

Not "impossible." Just "less likely."

 

[otbiker]

How could you have vapor lock with pressure on one side, and the return line going back to the tank? With the fuel pump on, any "air" pocket would be pushed through the fuel rail and back to the evap canister if it has one, or directly returned to the tank.

Marty in Kerrville

 

[bill steele]

I had a Can-Am spyder 2009 when I started the bike on a hot day and let it idle while I put on helmet and gloves etc. and would start off the bike would stall not all the time but enough to be a pain in the ass, So ask the tech/mech about this he said that I would get a bubble or Vapor lock in the fuel line and this happen some times from the way the fuel line is run heat of the engine / outside temps can also cause this to happen and the Can-Am is a fuel injected bike

 

[JaimeC]

Experienced this problem this morning. Since it was in the garage, I just left my thumb on the button till it cranked over. I figured if the battery died, I'd just put it on the Battery Tender and take the K1200LT to work instead, but it eventually did crank over.

As stated in the OP, it was also cool temperatures. The only thing "different" I can think of was that the bike was sitting at the curb most of the day, and in the evening instead of just pushing it around the corner and into the garage, I started it up and rode it. I wonder if the "short ride" had anything to do with it?

Other than the debating above on whether or not "vapor lock" is possible in a fuel-injected vehicle, has anyone else experienced this? Found a "proper" resolution, etc?

 

[omniphil]

I have had something happen like this the other day too. I thought it was muffler related as I removed the baffle in the akrapovik muffler, but after reading this I think its related to the short start and stop.

After removing the baffle I started up the scooter and just to hear if it seemed any louder. I shut it off after about 3-5 seconds.

Several hours later when I went to start the scooter it tried to start but sputtered and died. it did this one the second attempt too. The third attempt I gave it some throttle when cranking and it caught and kept running fine. (This scooter has electronic throttle doesn't it? if so holding the throttle open probably didn't actually do anything)

That's the only time I have seen the start issue. After a quick start and then off...

 

[JaimeC]

That SEEMS to be the common link... went out at lunch time and it fired right up (no delay whatsoever). Last time it was ridden was the 13 mile trip from home to the office, so I guess the quick start up/shut down is responsible somehow.

 

[justscootin]

Come to think of it I do not recall the first time, but the second time this happened to me I started the scooter on the Saturday ran it for about a minute and then on the Sunday was when I had the problem

Yes the common link.

 

[bill steele]

When I had my tires installed 17 days ago they also did an update on the bike when I asked the service guy about the update he didn't know what it was for, What I have noticed is the fuel mileage was always at 58.9 no matter what now it is at 57.1 the bike does run better and has a little more take off, I'm thinking that this may have a link to the stalling issues that other have been having, I have not had this problem with my bike. I don't know if the people who have been having these issues have had the update yet.

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

Jaime, I'm sure it is nice to have a second bike "standing by" just in case our $10,000 scooter won't start but don't you think that's a little pathetic?

 

[JaimeC]

Jaime, I'm sure it is nice to have a second bike "standing by" just in case our $10,000 scooter won't start but don't you think that's a little pathetic?

But now that we seem to have figured out what causes the problem, it'll be easier for the dealer/mechanic to fix. Welcome to the joys of "First model year" ownership.

 

[edbremer]

I had the same thing just happen to me. My last ride was a week or so ago and I finished up the ride by stopping and filling up the fuel tank. Yesterday was my last good day for a ride and suprise, the scoot would turn over fine but just acted like no fuel or no spark. I tried multiple time to get it started, then just gave up for the day. I found this thread this morning while researching the problem and gave it another try, this time opening the throttle a bit. After many turns of the starter the bike started up and seems to run fine.
This is my first time to have this happen and, other than my electric windshield now refusing to work, my first real problem. The windshield fix will come from the dealer when I can get it over there. I noticed the problem with the windshield motor on my last ride. When this starting issue popped up I thought the electronics had gone out, now I think it's just the motor for the windshield itself.
I'll ask the dealer when I eventually get it in for a check but I doubt that they have heard anything about this problem.

 

[JaimeC]

By the way, I have two "motorcycles" because I understand the reality of motorcycle repair and maintenance (at least here in New York). I can take my car in for service in the morning, and pick it up in the afternoon. I can count on the fingers of one hand how many times I've been able to do that with one of my motorcycles and still have three fingers left over.

Dropping off a motorcycle for service around here means you won't have it for at least a week (maybe more). Too many motorcyclists, not enough GOOD mechanics, so every one has a waiting list. I have two so I have at least ONE to ride while the other is in the shop. I now have two BMWs because I've tried the other brands and although I LOVE Yamahas, there isn't a decent, reliable Yamaha servicing dealership anywhere in my area (which is the main reason I traded in my TMAX for the C650GT).

 

[SteveADV]

Since reading on another thread a couple months ago about giving a little juice on the startup I have done so each time, only a split second's worth and certainly not to revving the engine. Even after a cold day/night here in northern Ohio and not running the bike for a day or two (the longest I've gone without a ride is two days), I have had no problems. The engine kicks in immediately.

 

[bill steele]

I have mentioned in another thread after I got the up date on my bike in June I had no problems, But as I think back that happened to me one time prior to the update and I also did the slight opened throttle and the engine turned over over many times until it started. The bike came out of a very warm shed, So I attributed it to the hot shed, since Edbremer lives in Ohio and it is cold there,I'm thinking the update did make the difference. I'm lucky I have another bike to use and I also could use one of the 2 bikes the girl friend has and when I have my bike serviced I will wait for it, to many miles to travel back and forth.