Starting on cold mornings - help

mike_cor · Post by **mike_cor** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 3:56 pm

Hey guys, looking for any input on some things I can do to help get the scoot started on cold mornings. I didn't ride for 3 days and went out to start her up this morning, temp was 40F and I tried starting it about 15 times before it finally kicked over - looking to avoid putting that much strain on the battery especially since the ride to work is only about 3 miles. Not a whole lot of charge time. I park it outside in a covered/sheltered parking space and its never really a problem during spring or summer when the temperatures stay above 50F.

I also find that when its really cold, throttling up doesn't work right away either and usually turns off the engine. After a minute or two warm up its a lot more responsive and works fine. Are there any additives I should look into that might help?

I don't have much familiarity with carb engines so any help would be appreciated. Its an '09 Italia 150.

Raiderfn311 · Post by **Raiderfn311** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:04 pm

The auto-choke should kick in when starting cold, so dont throttle-up then. I would check your sparkplug for fouling next. Other than that, my expertise(or lack there of) is not helpful. Im sure others will chime in.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:19 pm

You could keep it on a trickle charger during the "cold" months and it should start right up. With a short commute like that, the battery probably isn't getting a full charge and it's wearing down. Or you could be ready for a fresh battery. I have an '08 150 and I replaced mine last year. My commute is 4 miles each way but the cold can be brutal here and sap the life out of a battery.

In the winter, I'll give the bike three kicks when starting it at the end of the day and then press the starter. I have no idea why I do this, but it starts right up. You could come up with some crazy ritual that may just work, haha!

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:28 pm

After I replaced my coil with a "race" version and I noticed dramatically improved cold weather starting. That and I swear using the premium gas makes it easier to start.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:26 pm

siobhan wrote:You could keep it on a trickle charger during the "cold" months and it should start right up. With a short commute like that, the battery probably isn't getting a full charge and it's wearing down. Or you could be ready for a fresh battery.

+1. It really should not struggle with starting at 40 degrees.

easy · Post by **easy** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:59 pm

yeap not cold enough to cause problem you need battery tender jr or my pick just take it for a ride after wrk or school

babblefish · Post by **babblefish** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:52 pm

If it turns out that your cold starting problems is battery related, you might want to read this: topic20581.html

Some have complained that this type of battery is too expensive, but if it takes care of the cold starting problems and doesn't need to be maintained during storage, then I say it's worth every penny.

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Thu Dec 01, 2011 2:04 am

+1 on "cold" is not the issue here.

my shop says more batteries die due to lack of riding. People say "but i ride every day" and then when asked "how far" it's "2 miles to work"

you need, by their estimate, a warmed-up scoot riding for 15mins to recharge your battery.

So if your commute isn't 15mins, leave a little earlier and do some sight-seeing. Take the long way home!

If you've been riding that way for a while, you've likely spent your battery. Hooking it up to a charger is the unfun way to solve this problem.

My buddy has started at 30degrees at high altitude with zero problems. I have my original battery and the scooter turned 3 in October! These little buggers are tough if you use them as intended so ride, baby, ride