2007 Likes to feel the Crank

Wow! That sounds wrong on many levels, but stick with me here. My bike would rather crank with the starter than actually start and run. So I need some help on what to look at. A little back story: About two weeks ago I picked up a 07 (non ABS) with a mere 5000 miles (8000 Km) on her. And this thing is clean, as in spotless. As soon as I got it home I; changed the oil to Rotella T6 syn and put on a new filter, and drained/ flushed the coolant twice with distilled and refilled with the Honda Type 2 stuff. And also cleaned, lubed and adjusted the chain. From the looks of it, this was the first time any periodic maintenance had been done. But with only 5000 miles, that’s understood (ok, not for the chain, that was pure negligence on the PO). Anyhow, it’s got good fluids in it now, so I start using it to commute to and from work (about 12 miles or 19km each way). Quickly I find that when it’s warmed up, it runs right as rain. No issues. But about 30% of the time when cold (< 40degF 4degC ambient) it will take forever to start. It will take three or four tries to get it to start before it catches and then runs perfectly. Other times it will fire right up no problem! Its Very weird.
So here is a list of what I know:

- The temperature comes up quick and once warmed up, the bike hangs around 170-185degF while moving. Sitting in traffic, it will climb to 200ish. So I don’t think it’s the thermostat.
- When cranking, it will not give any hint that it’s trying to fire. No stumble, or anything. Once it does catch its runs like nothing is wrong. But it’s taking 10-15 seconds of cranking to get it to go. I’m afraid I’ll fry the starter.
- I’m on my second tank of regular E10 fresh gas.
- The bike is bone stock. Everything from the factory is still in place.
- Twice now (but not every time), while it’s cranking, the clock and trip meter will reset. Kind of like I disconnected the battery. It’s not like that when I start cranking. My thought is I’m driving the battery down by running the starter. I do not know how old the battery is but it does put out 12.8vdc static.
- I do let the system fully pressurize before I hit the starter.
- The idle sits at 1500. I’ve tried to turn the idle adjust knob on the side of the bike, but it won’t budge. Tonight I’ll take the air box off and see what’s going on there.
- I do not have the tools to check the sync on the starter valves. So if that’s the issue, I’ll need to take it to the shop.


So what do you folks think? Am I Boned? It’s a great bike and tons of fun. But if it’s going to strand me somewhere, I’m mighty hesitant to ride it.

 

It really does sound like a low voltage issue. You have enough to crank her but the ECU isn't firing the injectors. What happens if you boost her? Does she fire immediately?

The charging system is a bit spooky in my experience. You can fire it up and all is well, then twenty minutes into a ride it will stop charging and you have no idea because there isn't a low voltage warning light. I installed one because I got caught once in the middle of nowhere.

Your description of how it warms up and the running temps sound normal.

 

Get yourself a new battery. I recommend these ones: Ballistic Performance Components They have a ton of cold cranking amps.

 

I agree, get a new battery, or at the very least keep it on a trickle charger overnight.

 

Ahh! battery. That could make sense. But if the battery is so low it cant fire the ejectors, wouldn't it also affect its ability to crank. Cuz it cranks no problem. But I could see if its using everything its got to run the starter and just cant fire off the ejectors. Any thoughts on to why it will eventually fire up after 15 -20 seconds of cranking? Oh, and I have been putting it on a trickle charger as soon as I get home. But it always says Its got a 50% charge on it when started. It takes about 10 minutes, but it does charge up to 100%. It does this after every ride, no mater how far. Heck, even if I just turn on the key and never start it, It seems to lose 50% charge......hmmm... Yep... Battery.

Thanks!! I'll let you know how the new one does.

 

Guy, it's a 2007 model. It probably has the original battery. Replace it.

Injectors.

And, no, the battery might have enough to turn the motor over but not enough to fire.

 

+1 Report back after a fresh battery for any other issue.

 

Update:
Welp, New battery looks to have fixed it. Thanks to all for your guidance. And Rainbow7, You where spot on. Battery was manufactured in October of 2007. And yes, They certainly are called Injectors. My brain has been transposing that one for years. Funny that I typed it as well.
FWIW, I went with the YTZ14S. A little more Coin, but With luck I don't need to worry about it for a few years.

 

Yup. Weak battery will result in weak starting. Glad to know you got it figured out. These later VFR's are quite reliable.