Relative reliability issue

[dracul]

Well, thought I'd post this for any ideas that might come to mind. Tried to start both my bikes after almost two months inactivity; we're snowed in around here. Temps have been in the single digits several nights. Both the VTX and the R3 are garaged in non heated buildings. Both are on trickle chargers, Both have had fuel stabilizer added to their respective tanks. VTX: started strongly after only three cranks. Idled smoothly without backfire or uneven firing. The R3 failed to start, backfired, smoke issued from one pipe and repeated cranks...each after 15 seconds pause...failed to ignite the beast. Finally, sounded like one cylinder wanted to fire but failed. Pathetic. Any thoughts? Not too impressed with Triumph reliability at present.

Something in the ignition circuitry? Fuel pump? Ideas?

 

[scot in exile]

For the first time in nearly six years my Rocket did not start on the first crank feel like calling Triumph and asking them WTF is up.
Had a nice 250 mile ride yesterday temps in the low 70s had to wear two shirts.

 

[CanberraR3]

There's your answer Drac. Move to Florida! Mine doesn't like the cold either - which is definitely NOt a problem down here just now.

 

[dracul]

There's your answer Drac. Move to Florida! Mine doesn't like the cold either - which is definitely NOt a problem down here just now.

I've heard. Something like 50*C!!!!! ****! No wonder you've got wildfires mate! About to start a fire under my stubborn rocket! Was considering a supercharger for it...now I'm not so sure. Maybe outta close the book and start with some new bike like a V-Max. Maybe Japanese bikes typically like the cold Rockies better than Triumphs apparently do

 

[CanberraR3]

I have no problems at or above freezing. Drop to -1C and it's a gamble. At -3C I go straight for the car and a jump start. You'd expect a Pommy bike to cope with the cold a bit better. It's odd. Battery seems dead so I jump start it. After running for only about 20 seconds I can shut down and then it starts easily.

Before you ditch the girl I'd try a heated blanket of something like that.

 

[sweettennbabe]

Try to jump it off with cables.the battery tenders do t seem to have enough umph to keeper the batteries up on the rockets

 

[tdragger]

I'm somewhat convinced that it has a lot to do with the tune you have loaded. Mine was really bad about not starting a few years ago. I changed the tune (don't remember the from/to) and it has worked better the last two winters.

 

[baadactor]

I give my key two or three turns before even trying to start in the cold. Just imagine that little extra fuel will ensure a start, and so far this winter...so good. Really, she's parked till April.

 

[dracul]

I'll try your suggestions. I do baby this baby. But Colorado winters can be brutal. The Honda doesn't seem to mind. Gonna swap out the TOR pipes anyway soon. New lithium battery, new sportbike shifter. Might end up with BOTH Jardine and Carpenter pipes by some quirk of fate and maneuver. Try on both for size! See which she prefers. MEANWHILE, at present, she lies DOA in my garage

Tomorrow is another day I suppose.....

 

[RocketDaryl]

I wouldn't fire the car up when jumping. That's quite a bit more in the amps department; likely more than the bike is going to like.