Throttle Sync for Hard Starting?

[BMorleyW]

I just had my 2004 R 1150RT in to the dealer for a 6000 mile valve adjustment last week. I noted how it was a very poor cold starter. On cold mornings it's common for it to fire up soon after cranking, but if it dies right away, that's it, it won't start for the next hour. (Warm starts are no problem.) Anyway, they called me during the afternoon and said that they could do a "throttle sync" for $120 and did I want them to do it? It might help with the cold start problem. I said no, partly because I don't like to be surprized. This morning, same problem, it was cold and the bike fired, died and would just crank after that. (That's with the throttle adjustment up all the way, it won't even come close to starting cold without that.) So... I'm heading to Alaska in less than eight weeks and have a bike that won't start when it's cold. Do a throttle sync? Other suggestions? Thanks, Steve

[glennhendricks]

Have you checked the plugs for any sign of fouling and proper gap? If one is fouled and the other is ok that could be a sign that syncing is in order.

[d_day_6]

Ditto on the plugs. 80 bucks for a Twin max and you can do it yourself....easy peasy. If I can do it anybody can..

[peterleo]

I had very similar problems with mine a while back. Had everything professionally tuned and adjusted, to no avail.Eventually the bike would not start at all and it turns out the coils were the culprit. Once I replaced them the bike starts and runs like new and gas mileage is fantastic. My advice then is to check for spark at the main plugs it should be a fat blue spark anything less is suspect. Good luck.................tkm

[jingdog]

I just had my 2004 R 1150RT in to the dealer for a 6000 mile valve adjustment last week. I noted how it was a very poor cold starter. On cold mornings it's common for it to fire up soon after cranking, but if it dies right away, that's it, it won't start for the next hour. (Warm starts are no problem.) Anyway, they called me during the afternoon and said that they could do a "throttle sync" for $120 and did I want them to do it? It might help with the cold start problem. I said no, partly because I don't like to be surprized. This morning, same problem, it was cold and the bike fired, died and would just crank after that. (That's with the throttle adjustment up all the way, it won't even come close to starting cold without that.) So... I'm heading to Alaska in less than eight weeks and have a bike that won't start when it's cold. Do a throttle sync? Other suggestions? Thanks, Steve

Mine starts pretty good when cold but if it should die right after starting it can be a bear to get going. (this is with the "choke" lever on full) HOWEVER I figured out what to do. Give the twist grip throttle a nudge and off she goes! Just crack it about an eigth of an inch and I bet that works for you.

[Bob1100RTC]

When it doesn't start after the first fire and dies,try cycling the ignition switch on/ off 3 0r 4 times and see what happens. Each time the key is turned on the injectors give a prime shot. If the temp sensor is screwed up (saying its hot when its not) the computer may not command the injectors on long enough for a cold engine. By cycling the key a few times you add fuel and over come the sensor (for a second and then it will stall again). Could be something else but it's worth checking. For what its worth this comes from my automotive fuel injection experience but an engine is an engine. Hope it helps.

[BMorleyW]

Thank you guys, I'll try some of these suggestions. A damn frustrating situation when you can't get your bike started in the morning. Steve