Hard Starting--Plugs?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

It's possible you just had a bad plug. Might as well put new spark plug caps on the wires. They're cheap. But do not neglect the valve clearances.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[superdave]

Hi,

It's possible you just had a bad plug. Might as well put new spark plug caps on the wires. They're cheap. But do not neglect the valve clearances.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

I think this was the problem. I put a new, factory (not hotter) plug in and it has been starting just fine since.

Except for last night... But that was because I apparantly pulled into the parking lot at work just as I hit the need to go to reserve, but didn't realize that. Bike started when I went to leave, but only went a couple blocks before it quit running at a stop sign. I originally thought, "Must be something other than a bad plug" and attempted for several minutes to start it before thinking of the fuel. But by that time, I didn't have enough voltage to get enough spark to start!

After a quick jump, the bike fired right up.

So I think the initial problem was the bad plug. But, I think I will soon spend some time cleaning up electrical connections as well as adjusting the valves. I will also add the relay to the coils to help ensure as much voltage makes it there as possible. I've done very similar mods to the headlights on a couple cars so I know how that works and how it can improve things.

Thanks!