Won't start at low temp

KJ6OCL said:

I have a 2011 R1200RT. During the last few days when I want to ride in the mornings (25 deg F) the engine turn over, however will not fire and sounds strange. By late afternoon, (temps in the 70s) it will start right up, however wants to stall if I try to take off right away. If I let it warm up for 2 or 3 minutes, everything is perfect and rides like there is no problem at all. I also have a 2000 R1200C that starts right up at temps in the teens. I would appreciate any help as where to look for this problem.

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lkraus said:

Owners manual calls for the throttle to be cracked a little when starting at "low" temperatures, and for the clutch to be disengaged after ignition "on" but before starting when below freezing.

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Below ~35º, my hexhead starts immediately IF I remember to get the throttles off the stops. If I forget, it will usually just crank until I remember. Camheads might tolerate lower temperatures better since the specs call for somewhat thinner cold viscosity weights than the Hexhead. (The Camhead manual bases weight recommendations on lowest expected temp with no consideration of upper temperature, while the Hexhead specs use a range of both low and high temps. Sorry, I'm getting OT and we don't need another oil thread.)

Cold, thick, 90W transmission oil puts a load on the starter that you can relieve by pulling in the clutch, at any temperature, even in neutral.

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The ironic part of this is that I have a sign in my shop that states: "When all else fails, read the directions"

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