Newbie mistakes and mysteries
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Newbie mistakes and mysteries
Bought a 2005 Honda Shadow VLX600 with 2717 miles on it. My first bike since returning to riding after quite a while.
Got it home and, given the weather here in Colorado, was only able to ride it a short distance. Made the rookie mistake of starting it and letting it run for a couple of minutes with the gas valve on reserve. It soon sputtered to a stop.
Haven't been able to re-start it since. Seemed like I was running the battery down trying to re-start it. Only had a charger meant for my truck so I waited until I could get a 12V charger.
However the last few attempts to start it before the battery ran down (I think it ran down) resulted in the engine not cranking over 'mechanically' if you know what I mean. All I was hearing was a buzzing sound like a bad game-show buzzer. I have filled it with gas and kept some heat in the garage since as well.
Could the starter have gone bad?
The trickle charger is on it now and I'll see what happens when the battery is charged.
I have a steep driveway and a down-hill street but I don't think I have enough experience to 'bump' start it. And it's a long uphill push back if it doesn't start.
Any opinions?
On another note, the owner's manual has a whole chapter on the maintenance of the 'chain drive'. This bike has a belt drive. I crossed checked the VIN and it shows it as a 2005 Honda Shadow VLX600 for sure, but could this mean someone swapped it out for a belt drive? Or...?
Thanks
Got it home and, given the weather here in Colorado, was only able to ride it a short distance. Made the rookie mistake of starting it and letting it run for a couple of minutes with the gas valve on reserve. It soon sputtered to a stop.
Haven't been able to re-start it since. Seemed like I was running the battery down trying to re-start it. Only had a charger meant for my truck so I waited until I could get a 12V charger.
However the last few attempts to start it before the battery ran down (I think it ran down) resulted in the engine not cranking over 'mechanically' if you know what I mean. All I was hearing was a buzzing sound like a bad game-show buzzer. I have filled it with gas and kept some heat in the garage since as well.
Could the starter have gone bad?
The trickle charger is on it now and I'll see what happens when the battery is charged.
I have a steep driveway and a down-hill street but I don't think I have enough experience to 'bump' start it. And it's a long uphill push back if it doesn't start.
Any opinions?
On another note, the owner's manual has a whole chapter on the maintenance of the 'chain drive'. This bike has a belt drive. I crossed checked the VIN and it shows it as a 2005 Honda Shadow VLX600 for sure, but could this mean someone swapped it out for a belt drive? Or...?
Thanks
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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
Either outta gas or the float valves on the carbs are bad and caused it to flood/foul out the plugs.
Where in CO are ya? I'm in the Springs and can stop by soon if you need. (Plenty of experience with bump starting, so if that's all it needs, not a problem.)
Where in CO are ya? I'm in the Springs and can stop by soon if you need. (Plenty of experience with bump starting, so if that's all it needs, not a problem.)
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
- gsJack
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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
I'd jump start it from a non running car to get it started and ride it to charge it. VLX600 never came with a belt drive, someone must have converted it.
- JackoftheGreen
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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
I think you'll be fine once the battery's charged. Sit it out for a few hours and let the trickle charger do it's thing, reinstall your battery and check the fuel petcock, and I'll wager it'll turn right over for you.
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To Ride an Iron Horse - Jack of the Green's Blog
Some Awesome Threads:
The Riding Game - Photo Scavenger Hunt
Motorcycle Product Reviews - Staff and Member Reviews!
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- Tricycle Squid
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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
The bike has 11.00 HP and 10.84 NM torque at 9000 maximum RPM rate. It has 6.43 liters fuel capacity and it is kick starter.
faari
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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
tried to show a guy who would like normally fix the bikes?
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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
Considering the original poster made his post almost a year ago....it's probably fixed by now.


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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
Sorry my wrong I did see the date at firstblues2cruise wrote:Considering the original poster made his post almost a year ago....it's probably fixed by now.

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Re: Newbie mistakes and mysteries
Ya never know.