Hard to Start, 2007 VFR800 non ABS

I have the 25th anniversary VFR and it only has one problem, it always starts but it will take 2 or 3 tries unless it is warm. Even if it sits a month it only takes 3 tries and it starts, but it seems kind of random too like it's not just how warm it is. The bike is in incredible shape with 20k miles. I'm the second owner, the first owner was a older gentleman rode it a lot at first but then it started to sit more and more till eventually he only rode it 2-3 times a year. He was a mechanic and kept up with all the service intervals, at least at first. I'm also a decent mechanic and have done everything I can think of, I've done all basic maintenance including the valves ( they were good ), flushed fluids etc... I then went to other things like chasing down all the electrical crap, did not find any grounds loss or anything a miss. Tried installing a power commander and tuning it, that didn't work either! So now I've kind of given up, going to remove that and put it back to stock. It's a great bike I love it and it always starts but really frustrating. The only thing I can think of is carbon build up from it only being ridden short distances and then sitting for a long time. I've put 4-5k miles on it and was hoping it would get better with being ridden.... Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I'm sure we are all assuming "all basic maintenance" included new plugs.

 

Yes, even though it didn't need any of it ... all new plugs, battery, air filter, made sure I've only used shell / bp 93 ethanol free fuel and even switched to full synthetic oil lol

 

I think it's a stuck SMC on the stupid Linked Brakes.



I kid!

Dude, I got nuthin. Good luck!

 

Can you hear the fuel pump fully complete its priming cycle when you first turn the key to the ignition ON position?

I soon learned my 2006 would always start first time provided you wait a few seconds with the key in the ignition ON position. Once you hear the fuel pump has primed fully (it goes quieter) only then start to crank the engine.

SkiMad

 

When the bike actually starts from cold, what is the rev behaviour? Starts around 2k and slowly winds back to 1200rpm? Or something else. My 09 had a couple of seized starter valves that made it a bit grumpy when cold.