Very hard starting after sitting

[SP-GS1000GL]

Hi,

The problem I have is when I've let my bike (81 GS1000 GL) sit for more than a week it is very difficult to start. The problem arises when the following conditions exist:

- the bike has been sitting without running for more than a week

** two or three days of sitting and it will fire up after turning over once and run on all four cylinders - perfect

- fully charged new battery that has been on the tender

- clean gas (no more than two weeks old since the last time I rode it)

- during the hard starting there is no apparent spark, no coughing or sputtering just turning over

- when the bike finally does start its when the battery is actually getting weak... I don't get it

I've had this problem all summer anytime I let it sit

Any input is appreciated - I will stand by to test any theories

Thanks
Steve

 

[Nessism]

Gas evaporates out of the carbs. If the bike sits more than say 3 days, you may have to turn the petcock to Prime for one min. or so to fill the float bowls before attempting to start the bike. Of course, I trust you have adjusted your valves since hard starting is a sign of neglect in that respect. A high % of GS's die because of valve neglect so please take care of things like this if you haven't already done so.

 

[SP-GS1000GL]

Thanks for that suggestion, I will try that out

The valve clearances are within spec, checked within that last 3000 kms

 

[clancey g]

my gs was hard to start now and again, any way while had battery holder out i found wire from ignition had rubed right through as it was so corroded it looks like it shorted now and again, starts up like a train now, i put a AGM ETX14 batt in, had to mod the holder to fit as it was too short, also I have an extra after market Fuel Cock to make sure theres no gas going down the lines. just a thought clancey.

 

[salty_monk]

Prime it... 20 secs is enough.

 

[SP-GS1000GL]

Thanks guys,

I primed it and it started much better (and it had been sitting for over a month this time!)

SP