Another Cold Start Thread

[Italianzero]

Following up on earlier threads, I just picked up my '81 XS400H from the shop (reputable, decades of experience with Japanese bikes), where they checked compression, replaced the plugs, set the valve clearance, cleaned and synched the carbs, etc. etc. Brought the bike home, rode like a dream for the entire day.

Now, the next day, when I tried to start it up, it died as soon as I took the choke down to half. Now, I can't get it start at all whether choke is on, 1/2 or off (electric or kick). It isn't that cold here, only 66 degs., and I have confidence the shop didn't mess anything up. This bike has ALWAYS been finicky with cold starts, but I was hoping to crowd source everyone's method and/or experience with cold starting the bike so I can adjust my approach.

I searched the forum and I have read numerous responses to other cold start threads, but almost all of them involve snow climates, collateral engine issues, or aftermarket exhaust/intake, none of which applies to my bike. Stock cabs, stock exhaust, stock intake.

Any help and/or insight is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[CaptChrome]

I was hoping to crowd source everyone's method and/or experience with cold starting the bike so I can adjust my approach.

The cold start procedure used on my '81 XS400H is:
1. Key off, fuel petcock on, pull enricher to full open position, give bike three full kicks.
2. Set enricher to ½ open, make sure kill switch is in run position, key on, make sure bike is in neutral, kick the bike to start.

The bike usually starts on the first or second key on kick. I don't use the electric start when cold as it allows full battery power to be used by the ignition instead of the electric motor.

 

[Italianzero]

The cold start procedure used on my '81 XS400H is:
1. Key off, fuel petcock on, pull enricher to full open position, give bike three full kicks.
2. Set enricher to ½ open, make sure kill switch is in run position, key on, make sure bike is in neutral, kick the bike to start.

The bike usually starts on the first or second key on kick. I don't use the electric start when cold as it allows full battery power to be used by the ignition instead of the electric motor.

Thanks, Capt! I'll give this a try. Just to be sure, in your Step No. 1, is the kill switch still off?

 

[CaptChrome]

Step No. 1, is the kill switch still off?

Doesn't matter as the key is off, so no power to the ignition. Just make sure kill switch is in run for step two or you will be kicking for a long time and just flooding the bike with fuel.