961 not starting after winter layup

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Jul 1, 2019
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Hi all,

I parked the bike up in October after a spin without any issues.

Its a 2018 961 cafe racer.n

I fitted a new battery today and tried to start but she doesn't want to fire!

It turns over and you can here it trying to start but just won't fire.

Any ideas guys?
 
I havent checked the plugs yet!

Would the fuel go off so quickly?

Without fuel stabilizer, for 4-5 months, absolutely.

You said is sounds like it's trying to start.
Does that mean it's firing on one side only, erratically, or what?

You check that the kill switch isn't activated?
 
Hi all, so i just took the plugs out and connected to the ht lead and put the bottom of the plug against the cylinder head, but i cannot see a spark when i crank it over!

Any ideas?
 
What environment was bike stored in? It's been the wettest Winter ever here and the damp could have affected an electrical connection, if you aren't seeing a spark then I'm guessing electrical.

I must add my two cents about fuel, over my lifetime I have had every sort of engine conceivable laid up at one time or another, maybe a couple of months, sometimes 4 months or more, and I have never had fuel 'go off'. I keep all my petrol tanks full to the brim to keep moisture out. It is the start of Spring and soon I will be needing all the 4 stroke and 2 stroke tools in the barn and I can pretty much guarantee they will all start up without having to drain the fuel, they all run on our standard unleaded without additives.
 
Hiya, its been garaged with a cover over the bike all winter.

My fireblade which had the same fuel started up first time.
 
I've found the rubber plug cover on the HT lead can creep over time making it difficult to ensure the plug is firmly connected to the lead. I use an in-line plug tester to confirm all is good. Something like this https://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/p/toolpro-toolpro-spark-plug-in-line-checker/394392.html

I've never had a problem with fuel sitting for very long periods i.e. a year or more in some engines. The octane rating hasn't got anything to do with its combustibility it only affects its resistance to knock. Not something you need to worry about when starting an engine.
 
Hiya, its been garaged with a cover over the bike all winter.

My fireblade which had the same fuel started up first time.
The 961 has been notorious for it's electrical 'gremlins', most of them caused by vibration or poor contact, most can be sorted by simply unplugging and reconnecting. Start with the battery terminals, the fuse holders, make sure the relays (under tank and seat) are fully on the sockets, the 'tilt' switch (under seat hump, I think this can be bypassed as a 'test') etc. If you aren't savvy with a simple multi-meter then now is a good time to get handy with one :)
 
Fuel pump relay? Ive started my carbed 79 Bonnie with 2+ year old gas with no StaBil. That bitch eats anything.
I did have a minor problem with the piston styled safety switch under the clutch handle. Bike cranked but wouldn't start. Push pin wasn't going in far enough. Easy adjustment. There is an adjustment nut on it.
 
Side stand switch ? Must be in neutral to start with side stand down. . OR Tip over switch ? The bike will crank over but not start .
 
Side stand switch ? Must be in neutral to start with side stand down. . OR Tip over switch ? The bike will crank over but not start .
This might be a silly question, but does the side stand need to be down for it to start?
 
Mine started with side stand in either position the important part being gear in neutral and clutch in.
As Mxmartin says, you will need to be systematic through the electrical system - you say the bike is cranking so power is getting through, it is not sparking so it points to electrical systems and the two TonyA has highlighted are notorious for sending the wrong signal to the ECU and preventing starting. If it was sidestand, the bike should not turn over as this prevents starting in gear- obviously a good idea!
 
Try heating the plugs and then refit - this can assist a cold damp engine. Failing that renew the plugs, then heat, re-fit and start.
 
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