Starting problem

[Seoul City]

I'd better 'fess up straight away - I'm old and grey and a fair weather biker - but still a biker!! And I've got a problem. The NC29 is kept under blankets while I'm abroad. When I'm in the UK and the weather's reasonable - I'm out on it. If the weather's grim, I just make sure I run it regularly, and wait for the sun to come out. I've been back this time for about a month and have run the bike two or three times, and it has started pretty easily. Today, after a few days of REALLY cold weather, however, she just doesn't want to know. I've got two batteries, both in good shape, but the only signs of life I'm getting from the engine are almighty explosions from the exhaust (the bike's never done this before, and the first one trebled my laundry bill!!). Both batteries are on charge at the moment, ready for the next attempt. But while I'm waiting, I wonder if I could just ask those of you who are so much more expert than I what YOU would do in this situation. Should I just keep on plugging away until the engine fires? Am I in danger of burning out the starter motor? Should I get the local garage to pick it up and fix it? (and be in debt for what little remains of my life!) I really would appreciate some advice.
Cheers.
PS I never quite know the best way to use the choke - it doesn't actually seem to make a great deal of difference.

[scratchin]

sounds like a prob i had with mine turned out to be the plugs that would be my first port of call
(choke should be fully out when starting then slowly back in as the engine warms)

[wullvfr]

hello-

choke fully on and no throttle for starting,especially cold weather starting and if it has not been started for a while.

the backfire is un-burnt fuel so it is getting fuel,but it may be either the choke assembly is not working correctly making it a nightmare to start or possibly a poor spark which is not strong enough to ignite the fuel/air mixture.

if the choke is not working correctly when it is cold the usual air/fuel mixture will not ignite as it should......the choke enriches the mixture(more fuel)making it possible to ignite and start.and as it heats up you can progressively close the choke.

i would check each plug for a spark,and what condition of spark you are getting.if that comes up with sound results check operation of choke.



william