Today, my V9 would not start

[faffi]

The engine always demand a few revolutions on the starter before it fires, but today it just gave a single "poff" and nothing more as I kept churning for another second or two. Never happened before. But on the second try, the engine fired as normal. Later, when the engine was warm and speed increased, I noticed that the buzz around 3000 rpm which appeared suddenly after refueling a little while ago had gone. So maybe a drop of water or debris came with the gas and let go today? Who knows. But I hope things stay this way

[Dirk_S]

Tight battery terminals?

[faffi]

The engine/starter is cranking just fine, the engine just would not fire/ignite/start - pick your expression - initially like it should and always have done before. On the second attempt, the engine fired as per usual.

[bmc5733946]

Were you holding your mouth right.  It is a Guzzi after all!

Brian

[bad Chad]

I had a similar event with my v9 about 6 weeks ago.  Like yours, it eventually started, and acted normally ever since.  What was it???   Not sure, seems like maybe some sort of fuel interruption, but I don't think about it any more as it apparently was a one off.

[jhem68]

I never owned a V9, but generally speaking I would be inclined to load test the battery if it is more than a few as years old as a first step. I would be inclined to look for an electrical issue rather than moisture.


John H.

[faffi]

While I cannot rule out the battery, the engine spins easily on the starter. The battery is only 4 years old, half that of the battery in my car, which is still at full health. I know batteries can last from anything between one and 15 years, depending on many factors, but I see no signs of weakness in mine. However, if poor starting prevail, the battery must be checked or replaced.

[John A]

I’ve found that if I turn the kill switch off and on with the key on they will start. I suspect a lot of electronic fuel injection systems is like that.

[SIR REAL ED]

I had a similar but more pronounced issue with my Polaris ATV.

Removing and installing the fuel injection fuse a couple of times solved the problem.

Apparently, there was a bit of corrosion on the fuse/terminals.

It is amazing how consistent some of these vehicles are.  You can listen and know exactly when it will start.  1/2 second too long cranking and your mind says "C'mon, don't be a problem..."

[Dirk_S]

I forgot—my V9 actually sometimes does this, but I chalk it up to the external early 00s big block EV pump/filter/regulator setup that I’ve installed (no stock in-tank system for the moment). The big 5/8” rubber fuel line from the high-flow petcock to the pump kinks slightly, restricting flow somewhat, and sometimes I’ll have to turn the bike off and back on to get the fuel pump fully primed. Turning the key off and back on has always led to a successful quick start.

[mechanicsavant]

I’ve had a similar situation on my 17 V7II . I modified my starting procedure & it seems to work .Cold start , Turn key on ,briefly hit starter button , turn engin over a few times . Turn key off ,turn key on & depress starter button . Engine should start after a few revolutions. I suspect the initial primer period doesn’t pressurize the system adequately. By turning key off then on Fuel system gets that second bit of pressure needed for a cold start .I’ve been using this method for several Yrs. Warm restart has never been an issue .Of course ,your results may vary!

[faffi]

I’ve had a similar situation on my 17 V7II . I modified my starting procedure & it seems to work .Cold start , Turn key on ,briefly hit starter button , turn engin over a few times . Turn key off ,turn key on & depress starter button . Engine should start after a few revolutions. I suspect the initial primer period doesn’t pressurize the system adequately. By turning key off then on Fuel system gets that second bit of pressure needed for a cold start .I’ve been using this method for several Yrs. Warm restart has never been an issue .Of course ,your results may vary!

That just reminded me that I did one thing differently when it did not want to fire as per usual - I left the ignition on for probably 10 seconds after the speedo had done its sweep, in order to fasten the cord for my air bag vest. Whether that mattered or not I cannot say, but up until yesterday I have always hit the starter the moment the speedo needle returned to zero.