F650GS starting gremlin....

[Mitch]

Hi gents, my 2006 F650GS has developed a starting issue, not really a problem as is does get going after on the second attempt. It will fire up for a second then die, seconf attempt and its all good. Its never done this before, I thought maybe the battery was dying so replaced it, looked like it was original

I then stripped down the throttle body etc and gave it a good clean, checked plug gaps and checked the valve clearances, all good. I've read up on the correct starting procedure which I have always done since I've owned it, only a year and 3000km.

Anyone got any ideas?

Bonus pic on how clean it was inside when I did the valve clearance check.

[jono]

Has this only happened during the hot weather?
If so could just be a fuel starvation problem with the residual fuel staring up your engine then an interruption till fuel flow from tank gets to the intake. Doesn't sound like an issue. Which fuel brand and RON are you using?

[Mitch]

Think I put in Caltex 95 last time. Not only in hot weather, does it on cooler mornings, about 15 and hot arvo's of about 35.

[theape]

My guess,possibly old fuel. Mine did the same thing if I did not ride it for a few weeks, next refuel or top up, it stopped doing it.
Alex

[Mitch]

I could be..... I didnt ride it for a couple of months after ankle surgery and dont recall filling it up recently. I'll give it a go.

[wightman]

Agree with these learned gents' opinions. A common problem with this model (maybe earlier than yours) was a make and break in the wiring harness about half way between the battery and the ignition (requiring a new single core wire to be spliced in between those points) However your problem certainly seems to be stale fuel (the volatiles get driven off early). You need to go on a couple of rides with Bozo to ensure this phenomenon doesn't occur

[KoosWA]

does Bozo carry spare volatiles?