RVF400 won't fire up! HELP!

[Smitizen]

Bike will not start!!!
There's plenty of fuel and the battery is fine as it easily cranks/ turns over when trying to start it.
Have tried multiple roll starts to no avail and have also tried switching to the reserve fuel tank to start it then back again with no luck either.

I think it may have something to do with the spark plugs but have no idea where to find them on the bike. I've an updated fairing (RCV style) on it and everything is well tucked away under it.

Spoke to a mechanic and he said a common problem with these bikes is that if they are not run in for long periods ie. used for lots of short trips they tend kill spark plugs.
Does this sound familair to anyone?
And what type make and model of spark plug should this thing have?

Sorry for the multiple questions! Cheers.

[Cammo]

Spoke to a mechanic and he said a common problem with these bikes is that if they are not run in for long periods ie. used for lots of short trips they tend kill spark plugs.
Does this sound familair to anyone?
And what type make and model of spark plug should this thing have?

Sounds very familiar! These bikes can easily kill spark plugs. Most often they're killed by flooding, you can flood them simply by turning the throttle too much when it's not running. Make sure you use full choke and No throttle to start it from cold until you become familiar with how it wants to start.

They use NGK ER9EH plugs, expensive little fcukers. You'll need a deep/long 13mm socket to get them out not a typical tool in most kits.

A Haynes manual is a good reference for changing them and all other maintenance jobs.

[Smitizen]

You sir are a fucking champion. Thankyou.

Now whereabouts on the bike are the plugs located?

[Cammo]

Plug acces is limited because of the V4, a bit time consuming but not really difficult.

For the rear plugs you can get them out using a ratchet drive through the front of the seat unit (inspection panels). It might be easiest the first time to get better access by taking the seat unit (6 bolts) and tank off ( remove top breather, 1 rear bolt and fuel line).

To get to the front plugs you'll need to remove the front lower body panels, loosen the top radiator bolt on the L/H side, and you can gain access to the plugs by swinging the radiator upwards.

A bit of time but it'll be worth it!

There are quite a few US members on here, might be a good idea to PM them if you have trouble sourcing new plugs.

[vfrgav]

Sounds very familiar! These bikes can easily kill spark plugs. Most often they're killed by flooding, you can flood them simply by turning the throttle too much when it's not running.

why is this the case when these carbs dont have accelerator pumps?

[Smitizen]

I've got no idea mate. What are you saying? That this problem has been mis-diagnosed?

[vfrgav]

no im not saying it's been mis-diagnosed? Im just curious as to why these bikes seem to flood themselves if the throttle is turned when the engine isn't running.

[Smitizen]

Aha, i see!
No idea dude but i just got a quote for some plugs and they're $34(Oz $) each! WTF?!
So i'm gonna make dam sure that no throttle touching is done whilst the bike is off cause there's no way i'm forking out $136 each time for a new set!!!!

[CMSMJ1]

The plugs take a beating in the bikes and a lot of non starting issues are cured with a replacement of the plugs.

Ref the flooding.

The bike runs a vacuum operated fuel suply. Turning the motor over with no spark will have the fuel through the carbs and into the cylinders...flooding it as it is not being burned.

You can also use Denso Y27FER plugs as an alternative to the NGK ER9EH

Swap the plugs...it'll work..hopefully

[Smitizen]

Denso eh? Good on ya thanks mate.