Hard to start S50

G

:)Gabby(:

New member
I just bought a new 2007, leftover from last year, S50 Boulevard. It is very hard to start, and when it does start it sounds like it may just be hitting on one cylinder. It backfires a little and just does'nt want to run. After it warms up for 3 or 4 minutes it runs great. Anyone have any ideas? I bought it from a wholesaler, but I guess I might be able to get it checked under warranty.....any experience with that?
Thanks for any help!!
 
Wow....bought it from a wholesaler. Hope you got a REALLY good deal. :roll:

Maybe you should call THEM ??

Maybe you should have asked about warranty service BEFORE they got your $$$ ??? :ooops:
 
Yes, a lot of us S50 owners have had problems starting our bikes. Because of carburization vs. fuel injection, you just have to be patient and see what works best for your particular motorcycle. What is most successful with my 2006 S50 is this: First of all, the bike should be warm. I let mine sit in the sun for about 30 minutes. Then, I "flick" the throttle once, pull out the choke and turn on the ignition. I hit the start button, slightly turning the throttle at the same time. It usually fires right up, with a little bit of sputtering at first. Within seconds, I begin pushing the choke in, completely in one minute. I have no starting problems the rest of the day. In the spring and summer, there are no starting issues, although I still use the choke the first time. I know it's a pain, but you just have to experiment. If you complain to your dealer, he'll probably say that everything is O.K.!
 
Yes, but..........

This doesn't sound normal to me:

"It is very hard to start, and when it does start it sounds like it may just be hitting on one cylinder. It backfires a little and just does'nt want to run. After it warms up for 3 or 4 minutes it runs great."

If it's FI, then definitely not right. If carb's, then probably gunked up from sitting at a dealer for a year with gas in it. In that case, a healthy dose of a good carb cleaner might solve the problem.

I forgot to ask if he is using the choke !! :roll:

Aside from that, the owner of a brand new bike should not have to try to solve something like that himself.........unless it's "grey market" without a warranty.
 
Well, it turns out there is nothing wrong with my bike......the problem comes under the heading of "driver error"!! When I was pulling out the choke, I wasn't pulling it out all the way! There is a point on the choke, at about two notches where there is significant resistance. I was stopping there. Today, by chance I found I could pull it further. The bike started right up, and after the expected warm-up time, it ran great!!
To tbsS50, thanks for your advice...I really appreciate it.
To EasyRider.....yes I did get a great deal, the wholesaler I bought the bike from is a great guy who was more than willing to work with me when we thought there was something wrong with the bike, and I did not buy it on anything resembling the "grey market".
 
Geno, they're great bikes...but a bit cold natured. If you ever find the choke knob slipping back in too quickly, you can turn that black disc around it clockwise when it's pulled out....and it'll cause it to snug up tighter again and thus stay in place.

I'm on my 2nd bike...and my wife rides one as well (VS800 intruder variety...same bike, we just got more gadgets stock).
 
Try not opening the throttle at all as you hit the starter, use the choke as needed. They are cold natured, I drilled an 1/8th hole in the idle screw cover and adjusted the idle mixture slightly richer using a jewlers screwdriver. I then sealed the cover back using a dab of silicone. The adjustment made a big difference in low speed performance and starting.
I like the S50, mine is an 06, my wife hates it, rough ride and uncomfortable seat for the passanger. I had a 750 Nighthawk that was much more comfortable.
I hope you enjoy your S50, Be safe.

Old Codger
 
Old Codger: Not to change the subject from Geno61's hard starting S50, but I purchased a Pro Pad gel passenger seat cover for my '06 S50. No complaints from my wife now.
 
Thanks for the suggestion tbs50, we actually rode a bit Sunday afternoon and she tried a small pillow. Did you purchase your Pro Pad locally or on line?
That would be much cheaper than a new cycle, there doesn't appear to be much thought given to passanger comfort on the mid size cycles, even on the after market seats.

old codger
 
I ordered the Pro Pad online from J.C. Whitney (Part #048680, Pro Gel Seat Pad-Black). For some reason, I don't have any info. on the price I paid, but I think it was around $39.95. You can check out what the company has at .
 
tbsS50
I got my Pro Pad today, Looks like it may help with the problem. I ordered it thru the local Suzuki dealer, when you factor shipping cost and sales tax it was about the same price as on line. I had planned to try it out but there are tornado warnings and a severe thunderstorm in the area. Thanks for the advice.

old codger
 
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