It is about 10 degrees F here in Minnesota, and my motorcycle doesn't want to start when it is this cold, unless I have it in the garage. Are there any things to do to make it start at lower temperatures?
Does premium gas help it to start easier?
My battery is about 2 years old. How much of a difference will that make?
Cars have batteries that are guaranteed to -30 degrees. Do bikes have any type of battery like that?
Right now, my bike is stuck at work because it won't start. I brought the battery inside, and the battery is warming up right now. Will having a room-temp battery help it to start?
2007-01-12 12:31:01 · 13 answers · asked by Johnny 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
So many great answers... It will be hard to choose which one is the best. Some more info: I am running 10W-40 Amsoil Synthetic in it. I pulled the battery out & put it on the trickle charger in the house over-night. The next afternoon, it started in 15 degrees. The roads are perfectly fine for riding in this kind of weather; there hasn't been any type of precipitation for the past week. The only thing I have to watch out for is carwashes. The roads are always like ice for 1/4 mile around them. (only come across 2) I like the idea about the hot oil (although it is impratical for every-day commute)
2007-01-14 13:28:40 · update #1
Fully charged warm battery will help. Gentle application of Starting fluid will help. That cold oil is what's dragging everything down. If you can get some heat out there, like an extension cord and electric heater or heat gun, toss a blanket over the bike. I've used both a propane torch and a camping stove to warm the oil pans of my trucks when it's bitter cold. Helps TONS. Must use caution with open flames.
I'm told it was below zero night before last, glad the HD is FI. Started second try. Studs for the Honda came in today.
2007-01-12 15:49:58 · answer #1 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is this scoot 'fuel injected'? I'm thinking it isn't. Get it into a warmer area, out of the wind. What type of oil are you using? If it's a newer bike, last 5-7 year, switch to Castrol Synthetic. Batteries hate cold much worse the heat. At two years of age you are pressing it. If you have a battery charger, most of us scoot riders do, put the battery on charge. Ideally @ 1.5-2 amp rate, no quick charge. If you need to replace the battery see if a 'gel cell' type is made for your application, they hold up better and seem to last about three years.
Premium gas, 92 octane or better if you can find any, is all you should be running on anyways. Even though most will tell not to do this, I've used 'starting fluid' on occassions for that extra kick during cold day starts.
The last resorts, call a buddy that own a pick-up and get it home. If you are a AAA member, they will tow your bike. Check you insurance carrier, some have a free towing included in the policy on scooter.
Lastly, you must be a 'die-hard biker'..........10 degrees and you are still getting it. My lid is off to you, brother. By the way, you got training wheel(s) or spikes?
2007-01-12 12:37:24 · answer #2 · answered by LifeRyder 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Switch to Mobil 1 oil. It will flow and lubricate much better at sub freezing temperatures.
Premium gas won't help at all. It will probably make it a little worse because it burns slower.
If the battery won't crank at good speed you can put an assist type charger on while you start. It's easier on the system than jump starting. You might just need a new battery if the old one is tired.
2007-01-12 12:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Buy a battery tender it keeps the battery warm and fully charged. Bikes don't have battery's as cars do. The reason is no body is going to ride in cold weather. Bikes are spring, summer and parts of fall. Not below 32 degree months
2007-01-12 14:15:35 · answer #4 · answered by Chris J 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Botttom line is that you need spark. That only comes from a battery that works when called upon to work. Put your battery on a trickle charger and it'll work when you need it to. Fully charged batteries are the way to go. I got a battery tender at Wal Mart for 20 bucks and it was the best investment I made in the winter
2007-01-12 13:30:26 · answer #5 · answered by vamedic4 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-17 12:01:49 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil temp is where its at. If you run a 20w50 oil it is thick as molasses right now > Try pulling the dipstick out to reduce pressure when you start it to relieve pressure or if you can ,drain the oil and put hot oil in( heat it up in the microwave after you have drained out the oil as best it will drain and replace with hot oil or just drain out what ya can and get it up to about 220 degrees (or too hot to stick your finger in)
2007-01-12 12:41:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Needs a visit from the ether bunny, a shot of "summer air"
2007-01-12 13:22:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Move south
2007-01-12 12:39:09 · answer #9 · answered by roost2 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
unless you plan on riding it to get it up to normal temp don't start it. that does more damage than good.
2007-01-12 15:43:19 · answer #10 · answered by thelovebuzzard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋