I've had soooo many starting problems in the 6 years I've had my Gen1.
Larger capacity battery helps, keep it topped up (optimiser is a good way to go, mine's connected every night after the daily commute).
Cold weather is definitely a factor - from the end of October through to about April mine's an arse.
I've found that with the choke fully out it's heavier to turn over than with the choke in. I tend to leave the choke off for about one second as I hit the starter, then whack it on full whilst still holding the starter until it fires. It spins quicker then catches, but there's definitely a knack to it. But as Roy says, DON'T FLOOD IT! It'll take several days and more than one flat battery before it goes again. Plugs are a ***** to get out 'cos of the frame, but if you can dry them then you get another shot without the wait.
If it doesn't fire, don't keep it turning over for too long. The coils will burn out. And as Roy also says, a flat/low battery will **** the sprag clutch on the starter. Done that too. It makes a bloody awful noise, followed by a big dent in your wallet!
When you get it running, check the volt meter (r/h button on the clocks) - I often find mine running lower than 12v, so basically it's a "total loss" system. There's a lot of talk about the "infamous brown connector" up by the regulator on the rhs under the rear fairing. Check that to see if it's showing signs of melting. Mine looks ok, but I'm about to cut it out and hardwire the wires together anyway. People say that this connector creates a lot of resistance and adds to battery problems. Check out anything you can find on this in the forum.
To sum up - welcome to the Tuono family!!! She's like marmite - love it or hate it! Enjoy......
