K1200RS won't start

[RGuy]

I'm posting this for an internet challenged friend....
Subject: 2001 K1200RS
He went for a nice Sunday ride and the bike ran just fine, nothing unusual or out of the ordinary. He stopped at his neighborhood gas station and filled up and rode home without incident. A few days later he tried to start the bike and it wouldn't start. Engine cranked fine but would not fire. Battery seemed like it may be getting a little weak so a new gel battery was installed. Bike still would not start. We did get it to backfire once but that was it. It smelled like it could be flooded so off came the tupperware and we pulled the plugs. They appeared to be wet fouled so a new set of NGK plugs was installed. Crank and crank but still nothing but an occasional backfire. Checked the spark on all 4 plugs and they all look good. The new plugs come out a little damp looking but not really 'wet'. The tank has been siphoned out and new gas installed - still no luck (the old gas looked fine). When you turn the key on you can hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds and stop (pressurized okay?). New Clymer manual is in the mail.

Ideas on what to check next while waiting?

Thanks in advance!

[Bobmws]

I'm posting this for an internet challenged friend....
Subject: 2001 K1200RS
He went for a nice Sunday ride and the bike ran just fine, nothing unusual or out of the ordinary. He stopped at his neighborhood gas station and filled up and rode home without incident. A few days later he tried to start the bike and it wouldn't start. Engine cranked fine but would not fire. Battery seemed like it may be getting a little weak so a new gel battery was installed. Bike still would not start. We did get it to backfire once but that was it. It smelled like it could be flooded so off came the tupperware and we pulled the plugs. They appeared to be wet fouled so a new set of NGK plugs was installed. Crank and crank but still nothing but an occasional backfire. Checked the spark on all 4 plugs and they all look good. The new plugs come out a little damp looking but not really 'wet'. The tank has been siphoned out and new gas installed - still no luck (the old gas looked fine). When you turn the key on you can hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds and stop (pressurized okay?). New Clymer manual is in the mail.

Ideas on what to check next while waiting?

Thanks in advance!

Check the sidestand safety interlock switch.

[RGuy]

Check the sidestand safety interlock switch.

Thanks, I think we checked that once but will try again. It usually gets put on the centerstand - where it is today. He works nights and I work days so I can't just go over to his house or call him and try it to see if it works!

[RGuy]

Just thinking out loud here.....

If it were the SS switch would there be any ignition spark to the plugs? Or does the SS interlock shut off the fuel?

[deilenberger]

Sounds badly flooded. Leave the plugs out overnight, and try new ones when you go to start it again. OPEN the throttle ALL THE WAY before touching the starter button, then keep cranking until it fires off - and don't close the throttle until it starts to smooth out.

[RGuy]

I just hate it when the OP never comes back and offers the solution to the problem.....

It was badly flooded but it would not respond to any 'stationary' efforts to get it started (new plugs, airing out, well charged battery, priming, etc.). Finally fired up after putting the tupperware back on and pushing it down the street- popped the clutch in 3rd gear - Vroooom! Thanks Don, you win the prize!

[kbasa]

I just hate it when the OP never comes back and offers the solution to the problem.....

It was badly flooded but it would not respond to any 'stationary' efforts to get it started (new plugs, airing out, well charged battery, priming, etc.). Finally fired up after putting the tupperware back on and pushing it down the street- popped the clutch in 3rd gear - Vroooom! Thanks Don, you win the prize!

Priming?

First rule of a flooded vehicle is not to add any more gas, but try to add more air. That's why Don had you hold the throttle wide open.

[RGuy]

Priming was a just a last resort... figured nothing left to lose at that point...

[mrich12000]

:lurk :gerg :ca