how cold before the bike doesn't start?

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Bikeguy Joe

Godfather of Motorized Bicycles
Jan 8, 2008
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at really cold temps, you could have cold seize issues just as a snowmobile can have.... might also be a good idea to change jetting on the carb but, it should run at any temp..
A cold seizure can happen at any temp. It happens when you run up a two stroke too soon after starting and the piston skirt has begun to expand faster then the rest of the engine .

Jetting richer (or at least move the C clip down a notch or so) is the way to go for cold riding.
 

matt167

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May 20, 2009
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A cold seizure can happen at any temp. It happens when you run up a two stroke too soon after starting and the piston skirt has begun to expand faster then the rest of the engine .

Jetting richer (or at least move the C clip down a notch or so) is the way to go for cold riding.

they also get tight from sitting in the cold.. ever try to start a weedeater in the winter? there usually locked solid
 

Mike Hunt

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Jun 9, 2009
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ok i tried giving it a 1 second shot of primer plus half choke, it popped a little bit at first but refused to start for another 100 meters. should i be giving it more primer?
 

bandito

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May 22, 2009
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It was 24 deg the other night and I pulled 1 time on the honda to see whats up, started on the 1st pull. Only thing that really bothered me was my face freezing and my hands. I only rode about 2 miles to a 7-11 and back, I have thicker winter gloves but I thought they would limit my use in using the controls so I used a thin pair of riding gloves. Next time thicker gloves are going on and I need a full face stocking cap. I have warm beanies but not the full face so thats 1 more thing I need.
 

BarelyAWake

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Jul 21, 2009
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A lil tip I'm compelled to share despite it's obviousness...

Rain gear - specifically the pants, worn over yer woolies or sweat pants & jeans does an amazing job of keepin' the warm in.

It's already runnin' 31 °F/45 °F here, yet for my morning commute I jus throw on my wet weather gear o'er my regular work clothing and it stops the chill wind from cutting through me, but is easy to shed when I get to my workplace. Gloves are the same story :D


Gotta love the cheap and easy ;)
 

bandito

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May 22, 2009
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PO folks used to use gas in a squeeze bottle as quick start, kinda like an old ketchup bottle. 1 or 2 squirts down the throat and pray the volcano GODS stay asleep.
 

bandito

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May 22, 2009
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Yea in the old days before fuel injection a fire extinguisher was a tool of the trade for me. I havnt used any fuel yet with this honda but with other lawn equipment Ive used a squirt bottle with gas for testing non running engines just to see if theyd fire up. Gets right to the point of where the problem lies.
 

Mike Hunt

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Jun 9, 2009
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Toronto, Ontario
im getting better at starting the thing in the cold. the past couple of times i was priming it and half choking, and it wouldn't start until i was halfway to work and severely tired/winded. what i should have done is my regular method: no priming, full choke, pedal until it starts running on its own, choke off, rev it a couple times to warm it up, and off i go.
 

BarelyAWake

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Jul 21, 2009
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It's funny the lil "starting rituals" some machines have, particularly the simpler engines with mechanical chokes. I've had quite a few vehicles that would start perfectly every time for me - yet no one else could manage it and just flood the poor thing. I've had to train a few people on the "complicated" starting procedures for some of my more unusual vehicles lol

Know yer ride's personality quirks and it'll respond with loyalty :D
 

bandito

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May 22, 2009
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I used to have a chevy that needed 2 1/2 pumps and 3 hail marys to start her, if it wasnt exactly in that order she wasnt moving. It was a 72 vega and I drove it like that for a year and a half.