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Starting bang then smoke...

Joined Aug 2014
10 Posts | 0+
Ireland
I just tried to start my 02 Mille. It always needs a bit of throttle to get it going. It almost started, then there was a loud bang, followed by a small puff of smoke coming from the front left side of the bike. EFI came on so I plugged in the wires and got Diag code 1. Engine turns over but it won't start. Any thoughts?

Thanks.
 
DONT give any trottle on start up. Its used last resort to start these bikes if they are flooded but can catch you out with a massive bang that can damage engine parts.

Start with fast idle (not choke) and no throttle.
 
DONT give any trottle on start up. Its used last resort to start these bikes if they are flooded but can catch you out with a massive bang that can damage engine parts.

Start with fast idle (not choke) and no throttle.

Thanks for the heads up. I will try that tomorrow. Any obvious reason why it's such a pig to start?
 
99 times out 100 its a poor battery mate. Probably turns it over OK but can struggle when the piston hits TDC.

These twins need perfect batteries with a high CCA rating (cold cranking amps) and most of us keep them on a battery tender (not a charger) with "Optimate" being the most common used.

Its worth checking the normal things as well such as bad earths and alike.

I would definately pull the plugs and check them, I have a feeling you may have a loose one being the cause of your "puff of smoke" as that sounds like vapourised fuel. could you smell fuel?
 
Battery is brand new. You could be right about the plug. Last time I was out on it I smelled petrol.
 
start there then mate, buy an optimate to care for the battery and start with no throttle and full fast idle:thumbup
 
Just a thought, if the plugs are good and tight check the rubbers under the throttle bodies as they can perish and cause the same symtoms.
 
Just a thought, if the plugs are good and tight check the rubbers under the throttle bodies as they can perish and cause the same symtoms.

Will do.

Just a thought - would you use starting fluid on these bikes? I was thinking of getting a can of Holts Cold Start or Easy Start and spraying a bit in the air intake. Can't find much about it online. What do you think?
 
Yeah its been done but that only bypasses the problem you may have it doesnt solve it.

I would not recommend doing it regularly.
 
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