Starting problem -

[Varooom]

The mechanical compression releases, which open only when starting, may be stuck open giving you low compression even after the spark has ignited the fuel, so there's not enough explosion captured to keep it turning.  See the manual.
Varooom

[chief]

I split this off to give you the attention the thread deserves.

This is strange. My first inclination is the battery, but having to hold down the starter to keep it running is strange. I replaced my 6 year old battery with a new one that failed after about 18 months, so it could be the battery. It would charge fine but wouldn't carry a load.

It would be nice if you had access to another battery to see if that is the problem.

I don't understand the starter problem... holding down the starter button cannot be good for the starter IMHO... this is definitely interesting. I'll do some thinking on this one.

[irsturgis]

i know this one's old, but I didn't see a resolution.  I've got a problem of my own.  I tried to start the bike and nothing, but nothing worked.  Battery is less than a year old.  Checked all fuses, etc.  they're good.  Charged the battery and nothing still.  Then leaving the charger on the terminals and set to "start", the bike would start and run....as long as I held down the start button.  As soon as it was released, the bike dies.  I'm in a quandry! Anyone have any idea what's up?  Could this be a bad battery...even though it shows 12.5 V?  Thought maybe the voltage is good but something's wrong with the amperage.  ?