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09-09-2010, 05:25 PM
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#1
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 49
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New rider & problems starting
Ok, so I just got my Rebel - 1987 450. I'm a relatively new rider - had a Honda XR80 when I was a kid, but was a passenger on street bikes from 4yrs old to 33 yrs old. Took the MSF in PA in 2005, got my license but didn't get a bike until last month when I bought my Rebel. It's got 113k on it, and the last owner had inherited it - apparently it wasn't running, and he brought it back to life. He rode it for the last 3 years, and decided he wanted a bigger bike.
Anyway, I'm having trouble keeping it running when I first start it. Please keep in mind I'm a newbie and not sure if the problem is me or the bike. I use the choke (fully open), and it starts right up. But after 30 seconds, it dies. I thought maybe it was too much choke, so I started using 1/2 choke, but same results. I tried no choke, but it wouldn't completely turn over with no choke. Now, if I start it with full choke, and then turn off choke, and rev it slightly until I start riding, it will eventually warm up and it runs great. Am I doing something wrong? I thought I was just leaving the choke on too long, but it dies when I shut it off. I've tried revving it with the choke on, but it just revs REALLY high, and I know I must be doing harm. Advice?
Jenn
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09-09-2010, 05:42 PM
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#2
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 100
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Rebel with 113k on it???
O_O
Welcome to the forums. Sorry, Im not mech savvy enough to answer this.
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2005 Honda RebelŪ 250 (CMX250C) - Black
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09-09-2010, 05:44 PM
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#3
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Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Michigan, near Ann Arbor
Posts: 9,266
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Welcome aboard.
It sounds like just a warm up thing. I don't know about the 450 but the 250 needs a good warmup.
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1987 CMX250C Rebel 2002 FSC600 SilverWing 1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago XV920MK
Put your bike's year and size in your signature.
It helps others help you.
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09-09-2010, 09:29 PM
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 9,027
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On a lot of bikes, the choke needs to be gradually disengaged as the bike warms up. Try taking it off a little at a time until it runs with no choke. Many folks will let it warm up for a while and begin to ride it with the choke partially on. As the bike warms, they take the bike off choke.
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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!
2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!
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09-10-2010, 02:19 AM
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#5
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Creston, Ohio
Posts: 3,196
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Welcome Jenn, when I start my bike using choke, I let it run on choke until I start to hear it missing and sputtering. Then I'll turn it down slowly. The colder the weather, the longer the choke will be needed.
Are you sure about 113,000 miles? I hope I get that out of my 250. 
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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better! 
'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles
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09-10-2010, 08:43 AM
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#6
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 49
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Absolutely - it's got 113,000 miles on it. I was shocked too. LOL
Thanks for all the advice, and the warm welcome! I do let the choke run until it starts to sputter, but if I try to ease off a little bit, it dies. If I don't ease off, it dies. Maybe it's just old and has a hard time getting started. :P I just wanted to make sure this isn't an indication of another problem that I should be concerned about, you know?
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09-10-2010, 10:12 AM
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#7
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 9,027
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I'd be concerned about 113,000 miles. Just for your peace of mind, do a compression check on it and tell us what results you get. If it has been riddden regularly for the last three years, I would assume the carb is clean, but the choke issue you describe often indicates otherwise. Has an inline fuel filter been installed between the petcock and carb?
If the carb is dirty, you may be able to clean it with Sea Foam. Add about six ounces to a tank of fresh gas and see if things improve.
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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!
2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!
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09-10-2010, 11:15 AM
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#8
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 49
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Thanks, I greatly appreciate the advice. How do I go about doing a compression check? I will check to see if there's an inline fuel filter installed, and pick up a can of SeaFoam just in case.
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09-10-2010, 11:23 AM
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#9
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 111
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I hope my 450 has another 100K in her.
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I got your number. I steal your thunder. I got your mother's maiden name tattooed on my arm.
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09-10-2010, 11:34 AM
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#10
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 9,027
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jenn72
Thanks, I greatly appreciate the advice. How do I go about doing a compression check? I will check to see if there's an inline fuel filter installed, and pick up a can of SeaFoam just in case.
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You can buy a compression gauge (they don't cost that much) at an auto parts store or take it to a bike or car repair shop and let them do it. If you buy one, make sure it will fit your bike. Take a spark plug from the bike with you so they can match it up. Write down the results and post them here.
__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!
2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!
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