Cold starting poblem!!

[monkeyman]

Hi guys..
I'm using my ZXR as my main mode of transport through the winter but it's not very easy when it doesn't like starting.. Every time it gets cold, below 10degrees normally it takes about 15 minutes to start. It's ok using a few times in a day but if it's been left for a couple of days there's no chance of it starting first time. If anyone can shed come light before i go taking things apart it would be a great help.

Thanks

[RedexRobB]

If its normally ok in the warmer weather then the battery could be a candidate for bad starting, if you can, keep the bike somewhere a bit warmer than outside, garage/shed. I used to take my battery out of my bike when i knew i werent going to be using the bike for a while over the winter, and used to keep it on a trickle charger too.

Also whats your starting technique? I usually go for full choke no throttle till it starts then ease off the choke to warm up at a mechanically sympathetic 2k revs rather than 5k!

[monkeyman]

Thanks Rob.. Sorry for the crap reply, been having bad internet issues. I don't think it can be the battery because all the electrics seem fine and i do get a spark. I've tried loads of different starting techniques but have found the way you said to work best in winter. However when i do it, the bike fires up for about 3 seconds revving at about 5k and then just dies.. then i can't it to do it again until a couple of minutes later. I'm thinking it could be something to do with the fuelling. It's an L1 UK model. Have you heard of this happening on ZXRs. I don't have the option to keep it inside, just under a roof and with a cover on it.

[RedexRobB]

Could be fuelling, how about not trying so much choke? Will it start with no choke at all?

Mine usually fires up and revs at 5k when starting on choke but doesnt die, instead i just back the choke off.

Chuck some redex in mate, fill the tank brim full, put in one of those shot bottles that are about 99p, run that through and give the fuel system a clean out. Tried it on carsounds_dan bike, made starting for him alot easier

[monkeyman]

Hi.. I've stripped down and cleaned the carbs with proper carb cleaner.. So i don't think redex will make much difference, although i have got a bottle at home so will try it anyway. I'll try starting on different choke levels and see how it goes.. At the moment it's not quite cold enough for there to be problem so i can't really test it but will find out as soon as the temp drops again.
If i don't have any luck, is this something which is worth going to a garage about or just a characteristic of the bike?

Cheers

[masterofinsanity]

personally i'd put a new set of plugs on it and balance the carbs then go from there.at least you can rule out the plugs but it definitely sounds like a fuelling issue.

[monkeyman]

Yeh.. I've though about changing the plugs but you've confirmed my suspicions hat it might be the fuelling. I'll do the plugs and balancing as soon as i get a chance, as it is hard to use my bike to get around when it doesn't start half the time!
Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to do the plugs next weekend so will let you know if it helps.