I bought this bike about 2 weeks ago and everything was running fine. It is my first bike. Anyways this morning i tried to turn it on and start it up and it wouldnt. When i turn the key all the lights go on so i think its fine electrically. When i try to start it up it just doesnt. It makes the noise but nothing happens and there are also some light backfires. I turned on the choke and revved it up and thats the only way i got it to start but as soon as i turn the choke down it turns off. I thought it might be because it is a bit chilly out here in california but I have turned it on during colder weather and it was always fine.
any help guys? you guys know what the problem is?
It has gas because i filled up the tank 2 days ago when i drove it last. None of the service lights are on.
Update:It turns over but wont turn on without the choke on. Can i ride it for a couple miles to a repair shop or is it no rideable?
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I'm sure that bike has a cdi, and if it does then the fuel pump gets its power from the cdi. from the cdi there is a relay(fuel cut off) then the power goes to the fuel pump. If the cdi doesn't sense that the engine is running then the cdi will stop power to the relay(fuel cut off) in turn it will stop power to the fuel pump. try to turn on the key and see if you hear the pump working if not then it would be best to have a manual for that bike. I have bypassed the fuel cut off relay on my bike but that isn't really good to do because if the engine stops for any reason the fuel pump will still keep putting gas to the carbs. But I do believe that your problem is the pump not working and with the chock pulled on it runs. As the other guy said if you try to take it to a shop be very careful and I sure hope the shop is not in a busy city.
IF you leave the choke on for a minute or so, or until the bike is warm, does it then idle correctly with the choke off? When you turn the choke off, try adjusting the idle so the RPM's are a little higher. See if the bike stays running then. As the weather gets colder, then idle will need adjusting anyway because it will sit lower.
If it turns over but wont start without the choke - Could be a clogged Pilot Jet. This Jet controls idle to around 15% of throttle. When you put the Choke on, you're probably using the Main Jet. The Main Jet takes over after the Pilot Jet, and controls till full throttle.
"It turns over but wont turn on without the choke on. Can i ride it for a couple miles to a repair shop or is it no rideable?" - Yeah, but with the choke on the RPM's will be higher then usual so be careful. This means that you'll be braking against the RPM's, it's like holding the throttle on a little and trying to brake / stop.
Honda Shadow 700
Turning on the choke is necessary to start that engine.
Even in the summer months.
Turn on the choke and leave it on.
After a minute or so, ride it.
Slowly close the choke in increments while riding, until it is no longer needed.
If the engine will never run without the choke, the carburetors have to be cleaned.
I own an 85, has the bike been sitting for awhile before you bought it? if so probably somithing is plugging the fuel inlet to the carbs or the electric fuel pump crapped out. When i bought mine it started missing suddenly one day and it was the carbs