Bike Won't Start

[momoru]

I just bought my Ninja this spring, and it's always started like a champ. Tried to start it today and it cranks but won't start. Every now and then I'd hear a combustion or two.

I drained my float bowls, and there appeared to be the tiniest amount of water (like air bubbles?).

I'm guessing next step is to check the spark plugs, but I worry I've flooded it at this point, is there anything to do to fix the flooding besides closing the choke, opening the throttle, and draining the bowls? I saw other people saying they drained the oil too? Any way to know if that's necessary, or what else to look for in my starting issue?

[flitecontrol]

I'm familiar with two ways to overcome or correct an over choked condition. the first is to give it full throttle while attempting to start. The other is to remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over several times to clear the over rich fuel/air combination in the cylinders. Don't give it any throttle while doing this. Then replace the plugs and start normally.

If you've potentially drained the battery while getting it to crank, jump it from a car battery, but be sure the car engine is off. Jumping from a running car can damage the bike's electronics.

[momoru]

Thanks, I did finally get it started. My follow up is trying to diagnose why this happened. I'm going to change the spark plugs, oil, etc... because it's around the 6k mile point anyway. But I suspect the reason for the not starting is my garage is not 100% sealed, and moisture gets in, which in turn gets into the bike. I notice it's usually a little harder to start after it's been raining, and there did seem to be moisture on the ground today. Is there anything I can do to keep the bike from getting moisture in the engine when it's in the garage?

[csmith12]

Temps and time yo. Is your garage a controlled temp? If not, the swings in temp can/will cause condensation to form in various places. And yea, stabil will negate most of the negatives of water in gas when just sitting for longer periods of time.

Edit: Ensure you gas tank overflow drain is clear, it can drain off water that enters around the gas cap too.

[momoru]

Garage is detached and not temperature controlled. I ride the bike at least 3 times a week, should I still use Stabil? Was definitely planning on that for winterizing.

[csmith12]

Use stabil and you're riding 3 times per week? Naw... Maybe just a tank of bad gas, try another station next time.

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by momoru

Garage is detached and not temperature controlled. I ride the bike at least 3 times a week, should I still use Stabil? Was definitely planning on that for winterizing.

If you thought you had water in the floatbowls when you drained them, you need to remove the tank and drain it - there's probably more in there.

Run ethanol-free 87, or the lowest grade of fuel without ethanol (that may be Premium) and keep the tank as full as possible. That will cut down on the chances of condensation forming.