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R100S Starting Problem

georgej

Member
I have a 1977 R100S that won't start. The starter cranks strong, but the motor won't start. not even a hint of starting. She started right up after I installed the battery the other day. I cleaned the bike, went to go for a ride yesterday. She started fine, ran about a half minute then stalled. I tried to start again and she made popping noise, now nothing. Just cranks and cranks. I had a reputable shop install an electronic ignition last fall, but the bike started and ran fine until put away for the winter. I'm stumped.Any ideas here?
 
Well, probably going to need to confirm - gas, compression, spark. What type of electronic ignition? Something could have changed. Also be sure the kill switch is not accidentally on.

Gas -- do the float bowls have about an inch of fuel in the bottom.

Compression -- pull the plugs (check them as well) and put your thumb over the hole...manually turn the engine...should feel pressure against your thumb

Spark -- with the plugs out, put them back into the spark plug cap and bungee them to the engine fins...ensure that the threads of the plug are touching the engine. Then hit the starter...should see spark and it should be a bluish color, not orange/yellow. You could also manually turn the engine with the key in the on position (not started) and listen for the plugs to pop when the spark happens. What do you see in the timing window when you hear the spark? Should be somewhere near the S-mark.
 
Well, almost immediately after I posted it occurred to me to check the plugs. I must have left the choke on or something last time i rode the bike. The plugs were black and wet. I put a new set in and she fired right up. I'll take her out later and do a plug check. Needless to say I feel pretty stupid right now.
 
Choke

Ah yes, the wonderfully designed choke lever on the /6 to 80 BMW gets another victim. I have the same bloody system on my 78 RS along with a kick starter lever. I always grab the end of the kick starter lever when attempting to turn off the choke while riding.

Yep, you flooded it. Now, after you have ridden it, I will bet everything will be fine.

Chokes in general are something I am not sorry to see have disappeared from motorcycles and cars.

Glad the problem is solved, happy for you it was not a long expensive fix. Enjoy the riding. Cheers, St.
 
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