Winter starting

[Angus]

Ok I Tinker with my bikes and I am beginning to wonder if I am even capable of that, but I have a question for the more knowledgeable. All four of my bikes start first or second kick all summer long when in regular use. But in winter when started every couple of weeks that are right bastards. The A7 fired into life after some 20 kicks and I was so knackered I could not start the Norton so went for a cupper and tried again. I lost count of the number of kicks before see eventually started. So the question is why is this ?

[berger]

I find the oil thickness must be a lot to with it when kicking them over, my A7 gets more difficult in the cold that's why I leave it alone. yes fair weather biker I am , I hate being cold when I don't need to be

[Greybeard]

During the warmer months I don't need to use the choke. A tickle of the carb is enough. If it's cold the choke is necessary. Are you choking and flooding your bikes enough Angus?

[Black Sheep]

Two things. Oil viscosity and wet sumping.
The A7 and A10 are on 20W-50 and neither wet sumps. Each will start first or second kick all year round. The Norton does wet sump and nonetheless starts ok in summer, not a chance in winter unless I drain the sump first. Actually, the Velo on straight 40 starts ok all year round but it doesn't wet sump though you do notice the difference kicking it over.
I suspect wet sumping is the main culprit.

[Triton Thrasher]

If it’s hard to start when cold, then you are very probably not enriching it enough.

If it has an air slide, close it completely and hold the throttle about 1/4 open when kicking.

If there’s no air slide, flood it copiously with the tickler.  If your first kick doesn’t start it, flood it more.

[Angus]

All the bike like to be flooded hot or cold in summer, so I do the same in winter and today. I have tried some and full choke both today and other times and it does not appear to make a difference. The A7 does not wet sump, but the Norton does and this is part of the reason for the fortnightly startup, as it is not too bad after a couple of weeks. Occasionally in summer the Norton does sit for two plus weeks and still starts first or second kick. I accept the oil is thinker, straight 40 in both, I waited for a warmer day today to start them because of this. Normally you don’t even have to heave on the Norton to start it just a light swing. There maybe no science to it just the foibles of old bikes and I suppose it counted as my exercise for the day.

[Triton Thrasher]

Q.: Why does it not start with one kick?

A.: Because something is wrong.

It’s not getting enough fuel, or you have some sort of feeble spark caused by a fault in the ignition, or the plugs are fouled, or the engine is worn out, or... who else has any ideas?

[RDfella]

The spark is feeble because the engine is turning over more slowly due to increased friction of cold oil. I recently experienced similar issues, noted under 'what were you doing today' or whatever the exact title is.  Except that my engine wouldn't turn over at all, due only to being cold. My other bikes are noticeably harder to kick over when cold, too.

[Bsareg]

I've also found the volatility of modern fuel disappears within a month or two if it can vent to air. Topping up with fresh petrol seems to return easy starting.

[Triton Thrasher]

Frankly, a bike that takes twenty kicks to start is worthy to be an object of unkind humour.

[Joolstacho]

It's common knowledge that modern fuel goes 'off' in a matter of weeks.
Draining tank and floatbowl and using fresh petrol could help.

[scotty]

Unlike my motorcycles my snow blower has no difficulty starting in the winter
I use Stabil gas/petrol additive
Works like a charm

[Swarfcut]

 Reminds me of the old gag of the Gardener and the Hosepipe.

 Difficult starter? Swallow your pride and invest in a can of Start Yer *asta*d.

   But yes, the holy trinity of mechanical, fuel and electrics are not at their best in low temperatures and a little bit of volatile chemical help is better than the frustration of being dressed for winter riding, kicking at a reluctant bike out in the cold.

 Swarfy.

[Triton Thrasher]

Someone here must own a BSA that starts readily on a cold day.

[Greybeard]

Someone here must own a BSA that starts readily on a cold day.

Famous last words: Mine.