New Bonnie - Starting Problems

phildrew · Aug 5, 2014

Hi Everyone, and thanks to all those who helped me decide what to get.

In the end I got a 2001 Bonnie, and so far I'm kinda loving it. I haven't done all that many miles on it yet, and I'm mainly crawling round London a couple of times a week. But this weekend I will give it a good blast to Dorset and back.

Picture attached - I think, if I've done it right...

However I have a possible problem right now. This morning, I found it difficult to start. It did start fine in the end, but it required 6 or 7 attempts. The choke was fully out (I have read this is normally required even in good weather), but I did try half-out once or twice as well. In the past couple of weeks, it's generally started OK but often not first time. My concern is that the weather is currently glorious so I am thinking how bad is this going to get when it turns cold?

I was on the reserve tank to begin with this morning, but it was nowhere near dry (only just dipped into reserve at end of last ride). I keep the bike outside under a cover - I have no garage.

Can you tell me if my experience is normal, and if it will get harder in cold weather? Should I take it for a service? It seems to have been well maintained by the last owner who had several classics he was working on. If I take it for a service, what sort of things can they do to make it a good starter?

Thanks all!

SteveJ · Aug 5, 2014

Phil
I have moved this to the Technical help page as it is most probably more appropriate :smile:

It always takes a bit of practice to get it right and if the bike hasn't been ridden for a while they can be a bit tricky.

Best suggestion is to try it full choke no throttle for a start and then go from there.

Also it might be worth investing in some fuel additive to help to keep the fuel system cleaned out (Redex or Marvel Mystery Oil) just chuck a bit in after you fill up as these do help.

I haven't really had much to do with this bike so some of the other owners on the forum may know more.

Cheers

Steve

steve lovatt · Aug 5, 2014

Hi Phil,
They should start with no problem, the only time mine failed to was due to a flat battery, but otherwise it's started fine hot or cold.
Second what Steve said, full choke and no throttle - I use a fuel additive (Redex) to help keep the system clean - couple to three cap-fulls should do it per tank.

Assuming your battery is in good condition - sounds like it is if it's turning over 6 or 7 times, but check terminal connections anyway, then it could be: (according to a google search)
Faulty pickup coil.

Blocked carb vent pipe. (comes off the rear of the t-intersection at the rear of the carbs).

Leaking seals on the enrichener slides.

Tank liner breaking down and clogging carbs.

Good luck
Steve