"Backfire" when starting up

Hi All

I've got a 2011 VFR12F DCT with 38k kms and I've noticed a few times now that sometimes as I start it there is this instant little "backfire" (it's not a loud bang like a proper backfire, but a very audible POP) as soon as the engine starts turning over and strangely it usually starts unnaturally quickly on those times. It's happened about 4 or 5 times over the last 2 or 3 months (it happened twice the other day hence me finally asking the question).

I've had loads of bikes over the last 24 years (I have a problem just like the rest of us ), but I don't recall ever experiencing this. Is it something I should be looking at?

Thanks,
R

 

When is the last time you changed the spark plugs?

 

I've not changed the plugs and to be honest I'm uncertain about the maintenance history (bought the VFR from a dealer last year August and they told me that the previous owner "looked very well after the VFR"), but from what I've read people seem to extend the spark plugs changes and valve clearance checks, so who knows.

I know for a fact the oil was changed recently (due to badly fitted Oxford heated grips I had the throttle stick on me while maneuvering traffic and got thrown over a curb, which cracked one of the DCT solenoids and turned into a 4-month wait for parts) and I personally washed the K&N filter the other day as it was filthy.

Anywho, so you reckon I start by looking at the plugs?
Maybe I should just have a full service done

 

not until you try replacing plugs first

 

At the moment I don't have access to a garage so will have someone check it on the next service, thanks