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Posted by michaelh42
- September 15, 2011, 19:11:03 PMI have a 2001 Drifter and the person who owned her before me added a thumb screw to adjust the idle. I have noticed here in Connecticut that I have to use the choke now as it is starting to get cold (50s) in the morning. I have also turned up the idle a touch maybe a 1/4 turn. Maybe you can adjust the idle up a touch to help it along. I am a first generation (Last bkie I owned was in '94) owner as well so maybe this is not any help.
Posted by jason.andrew
- September 15, 2011, 19:02:02 PMBattery is new, and care to give me a head start on cleaning out the throttle body? I am a first generation motorcycle rider so everything i do is typically my first time doing it. Had a few bikes over the years, but never had to do this.
Could i be looking at a going starter or a poor fuel injector? I got some FI cleaner and gas treatment today so hopefully that helps, but i want to cover all my bases
Posted by rgdewar
- September 15, 2011, 11:48:02 AMUse only 93 octane. Maybe clean the throttle body and be sure the gas is fresh. I don't think it hurts to use an additive. These days, with no lead, gas tends to go bad rather quickly. Of course I'm in Florida and thankfully have no experience with real cold weather starting. How old is the battery? They like a hot spark. Not an expert but love to ride. Best, Ross
Posted by jason.andrew
- September 15, 2011, 10:10:18 AMSo here is the situation: I know the weather is getting a little colder here in chicago, but when i am going outside to start my bike on most days it is taking longer and longer for the engine to finally catch and start up. I have the choke completely out, and usually have the juice the throttle a few times to get the the first fire to get her going. One of the main reasons i bought this bike was because of the fuel injection system as i thought it wouldnt have this issue. I used to have an old Kawasaki Knighthawk 450 and could get that hunk of junk to start in the first second no matter what the weather was! I know there is a big difference between a 450 and a 1500, but i dont here other bikes taking as long as mine to start....
What could be up? I just changed the oil and had a fluid flush a few weeks ago, and only use premium gasoline (90+) in the fuel line. I usually throw er on the tender every few weeks to make sure the battery is full too.
On a related note: I also feel like my throttle is not as responsive as it once was. This may me just getting used to the bike, but i wanted to mention that in case any of you Drifter Guru's in here could link the two together.
Thanks in Advance!