My blade has always had what I would describe as a lazy start, even when it was new. It's generally reliable enough starting every time but it always waits till the last moment before it fires. After a couple cold winters I've noticed the battery must be charged or optimised if I plan to leave the bike for more than a few days. Even when it appears fully charged the lazy start pervades, then if I stop for fuel there is a chance it will become extremely awkward with the chance of completely draining the battery. I might add I've owned a few vehicles and this is definately not normal behaviour. Anyone else have similar experience with their bike, has anyone had any success eliminating the issue? Also in a bid to continually improve are light weight batteries any good / worth the additional cost?
Might be worth checking the charging voltage on the battery and when turned off! Should be about 14v when running and charging, and over 12.7v when off if less battery could be fecked! I have a voltmeter and spare battery you can borrow and try if you'd like? As know you're near me in bracknell
Thanks for the kind offer and advice, I think I have a test meter and will check. Im pretty sure this battery has had its day but the warm start issue has always been an issue from new.
I've noticed this issue with some vehicles over the years too. Aside from poor connections and the already stated battery condition, I've wondered if it's caused by variability in the characteristics of different starter motors. I mention this because you have had the problem from new.
Also noticed this. When restarting after filling up with fuel it doesn't sound convincing. It'll start no problem but it does sound like the battery has low charge. Battery was tested at service and is fine, also checked charging voltage with bike running. Battery is stored in the house and everytime I put it on the trickle charger, the charge is full. I guess it could be a tracking device that is spliced into my loom?
I'd be looking at the battery cables. On some bikes ( like my Tuono ) the cables are puny to reduce weight and they then struggle when hot starting. It could also be down to oxidisation on the earth cable.
It was fitted with a full Bazzaz since I've had it but can't remember what it started like prior to that anymore. The service highlighted no issues and didn't mention the starting "issue" (not sure if it's an actual issue yet). Sounds like it's worth getting it checked over. Did you just live with the hot start issue? Cold start it fires up no problem, even when putting the battery back in after the bike has been sat for 3 months. Only an "issue" with hot starts.
I'm living with mine for now although someone does an upgrade kit for the Tuono which looks quite trick so......
Yes. To be honest I've not heard this as being an issue with the blade. But who knows, if the cables have got hot at some point they could be beginning to break down.
http://rotaryrevs.com/garage/help/problems-hot-starting/ This article provides an insight into a few possible causes of similar symptoms affecting the RX8. In summary there are three common causes. 1 Low compression, a rebuild. 2. Slow starter motor. 3. Failing ignition coils. Hmm
Honda have used the smallest possible battery for starting to keep the weight down, the 08 onwards blade has always sounded like a lazy starter, however if you're having problems when starting when warm there might be an issue
Can you recommend an upgraded battery? I have the standard OEM one (replaced it with the same battery when my first one was a dud) but it has been stored off the bike whenever not in use.
