Evening all,

Having recently decided to take up the family tradition of motorcycles I inherited a VFR 400 NC 30 from my dad (his back has gone and now prefers his GS). I am completely new to this and going through my test after a hiatus from motorcycles of 10 years or so but really want to learn the mechanical side of things as well as enjoying the riding.

The bike started when it was collected (after a quick charge) but now however won't catch. The starter motor turns but the bike doesn't fire. The kill switch is working because it splutters a bit more when this is set to run. I have replaced the battery because that was dire. My question is where do I start when diagnosing starting issues? The exhaust is emitting a small amount whilst I try and turn her over.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

try getting the plugs out and checking them and cleaning them,if still no luck change them(expensive though!)when starting use full choke but NO throttle,or it will flood..let us know how ya get on,, oh,and welcome chap

Thanks for the reply. Plugs are my next port of call. The No throttle thing got me early on as I managed to flood it. All the other bikes I've owned (various 50s and a couple of 125s) all required a touch of throttle! You live and learn!

yup ,of course!!it should fire up ok after the plugs are sorted unless the carbs are gummed up!!

Highly Possible, it really hasn't been ridden for 3 years and was sounding rough on tick over before it died all together. I'll get a new set of plugs in it. That seems less daunting than cleaning the carbs out!! Which is an inevitability at some point
I guess.

Ok I'm not sure it's the plugs. Have taken the two from the cut outs both are sparking fine. So frustrating. Is there anything else to check before I tackle the carbs? It would appear the the electrics are not under suspicion any longer.

if its been standing as long as you say I wouldn't go no further without taking carbs of chap,its a neccesery evil unfortunately,and just because the plugs spark doesn't mean they will run at higher revs,,carbs off im afraid chap!!

Ok I'm up for the challenge! I've come this far.... Otherwise it's just a pretty lump of metal!

its not hard,just don't leave them of for ages or the carb rubbers will go hard then they are a bugger to get on,also check rubbers for perishing as well.good luck

richyrd5 wrote:try getting the plugs out and checking them and cleaning them,if still no luck change them(expensive though!)when starting use full choke but NO throttle,or it will flood..let us know how ya get on,, oh,and welcome chap

Interesting as I have always had to give mine a bit of throttle to start it.