Hitchcocks Forum

This one might link with another 'kick-back' rleated thread, so sorry if this duplicates anything...




Recently, in the past couple of months, my EFI has become harder to kick start. I have a kick start routine where I normally pull the clutch in, soft kick 3 times to turn things over and free the clutch up a little, release the clutch then slowly push the kicker to compression then I put the foot down for the 'first kick'.




If you 'catch' the bike on the first kick it will start no problem at all, but it needs just the right amount of throttle just after the kick, then everything is fine. However, if you miss this first kick it is really tough to start... sometimes having to cycle through a lot of attempts. Waiting seems to help a bit... I have also noticed me getting a few wee kick-backs as well, especially if the first kick is missed. Only one has hurt my foot so far though but it dod lift me off the ground!!




There is no electric start and no sprag on this bike, so it is kick only and importantly it is an EFI. I am not really sure what to look for or what to fiddle with in order to makes things a bit easier... any ideas where to start checking things?

I would give the plug a good clean or replace, weathers getting warmer as well, maybe a bit rich on second kick.. Is there a choke on the EFI? ease off a bit if there is...
Still waiting for the Mrs to get changed then were off to the airport.. Hey ho...

Have you tried not touching the throttle at all?
With an EFI engine that SHOULD be the way to start it. Really it should be the way to start all engines but they all differ.
The fact that you say "waiting helps" suggests you are flooding the engine which could be over use of the throttle and fits with the tendency to kick-back.
What's the tick-over like when it does start? Perhaps a slight tweak there might help (there is a tick-over adjustment on the injector)