2003 Silverwing won't start

This is my first post with a question. I've been gathering information for a couple of weeks. Recently purchased a 2003 Silverwing with 6200 miles. Previous owner developed serious health issues and couldln't handle the scooter. It also set unused for awhile. I have put about 100 miles and on first tank of fuel l added seafoam. Yesterday I refueled on the flashing last bar of fuel indicator. I fueled with the highest octane fuel and drove home approx 6 mile and it ran great. This morning I installed a new K&N air filter and after completion fired the engine. It started immediately and I ran it 10-15 seconds and I shut it off. I was going to ride it about an hour later and fired it up and it was running rough right after firing off. I cycled the throttle quickly a couple of time hoping to clear it and it died. I tried it a couple more times and it wouldn't fire. Thinking I had flooded it I tried starting with a wide open throttle as the manual instructs. I put charged battery and tried it several hours later. Battery was removed to charge. I tried it and it fired a couple of times but still wouldn't start. I'm thinking it may have been residue in fuel after running low on fuel before refuel,, new air filter,or maybe flooded. I never smelled fuel. I'm charging battery again and figured I'd let it set and try it again tomorrow after work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Old air filter was OEM and dirty. Thanks Don.

x

Also, using premium fuel is a waste of money. The SWing was designed to use regular grade fuel. Premium fuel is actually a little harder to ignite (that's why it is for high compression engines that need the anti knock properties of the fuel) so that may be compounding the problem. Others have had this problem and the bike started and ran fine the next day.

1) Verify that kill switch is turned on

2) Verify that side kickstand is up

3) When you turn the key on do you hear the fuel injectors??

4) Make sure you pull the left hand brake enough to hear it click

5) If the engine does not start, put Silverwing on side kickstand down and verify that the headlights are on

x

I don't know what voltage exact requirements are to work for SilverWing, but take battery to a place like batteries plus and have load tested.

My take older bike with low miles----throw original battery out and start with new.

Fuel delivery problems can be difficult to trace down. Good luck

Bigbird... do I remember you advising someone at one time to not open the throttle while cranking? I know someone did. I have not had a problem cranking after learning that.

Don... add that to your list of items to try.

x

Gary, That was me.

GaryL wrote:

Also, using premium fuel is a waste of money. The SWing was designed to use regular grade fuel. Premium fuel is actually a little harder to ignite (that's why it is for high compression engines that need the anti knock properties of the fuel) so that may be compounding the problem. Others have had this problem and the bike started and ran fine the next day.

What if the 91 octane fuel your using is ethanol free?

Thanks for the inputs. I tried to start after work and engine tried to fire but wouldn't. For grins I removed new air filter and reinstalled old and still wouldn't fire. Fuel does have ethanol and about everything I know of in central Illinois does. Put new filter back in. It would try to fire but still wouldn't. Pulled plugs and they were slightly damp with fuel. I covered cylinder holes and thought I'd let it dry and reinstall plugs tomorrow evening. I'm still curious about possibly something breaking loose while burning Seafoam in previous tank of gas? I also ran it pretty low on fuel before refueling. On the throttle, I didn't crack throttle. I can hear injectors when key is turned on and I can hear brake switch. I think battery is weak so I'm going to order one. Thanks Don

Thank you Dennis... I should have guessed. :flower:

If you are still having a starting probe with your Silverwing I have a thought for your.First I do not believe the noise you here is the injectors it is probably the fuel pump which should stop after the key is on for a couple of seconds.Have you tried to remove a spark plug wire and see if you are getting any spark at the plug? If you are not getting any spark it could be a defective side stand switch or wiring.Before buying a battery I would try and jump from your car battery(and you do not want to have the car running) some times fuel injected cars(and scooters) need to turn over fast enough to have all the electronics working properly to start. Also reminder that a fuel injected engine can dump a lot of raw fuel into the crankcase. Remove the oil level dipstick and check to see if the oil smells like gasoline. Change the oil if necessary. Howard NWSSC

One thing I would suggest: Put a "battery tender" on it especially if you put a new battery in it. I keep my 2005 on one all the time ever since I have owned it and so far haven't had any problems. Do make sure the "kill switch" is on. Some times you will inadvertently have turned it off. . embarrassment! I think every one has done this as it is easy to do. The Swing will not start with the side kick stand in down position and the left brake lever on. I think these things have already been mentioned but double check them anyway.
Old Dave

x

The battery may well be the problem since it is old and I didn't get the seat latched last week and the battery died. I charged it but after a couple of cranks on the engine the battery is about done. I've ordered a new one with the suggestions of a previous conversation and also will change the plugs. I'm thinking John Grinsel's post may be on track. I should have new battery and plugs by weekend. I didn't try jumping the battery but will wait until new battery comes in. I'll keep you all posted. I really appreciate the input given by all. This is a great forum with great members. Don Lynch

I had the same problem with my '03 and went through all the checks. Even though I felt the the battery was cranking strongly, when all the other check proved okay, eventually I replaced the battery and the problem my was resolved.

Assuming that your battery is 90% up to snuff, I'd suggest that you look very seriously at the coil and plug wires.

A friend with an '02 had the same 'cranks but won't start' problem which appeared erratically --all too many times it would happen when he was far from home. After many dealer services the problem was finally traced to micro cracks in the coil body, and deterioration of the plug wires. All of which contributed to weak spark under 'normal' conditions and the coil shorting out under moist conditions. These problems were more age-related, not caused by exterior damages.

So maybe if you pull the right side floor skirt panel (the coil is located where your right foot goes) and try to start the scoot in a dark environment you may see some arcing from the coil and/or plug wires. It might also help to spritz the coil with a spray bottle of water.

On another thought, maybe if you give the coil a good spray with WD-40 it may coax the moisture from the coil and the scoot will start. HTH

Tim

Wanted to update everyone on the starting problem. Battery did the trick. Started immediately. Sometimes I miss the most obvious. Thank you for all the inputs. Don Lynch

Like me!!!

I missed the obvious!

The Kill Switch!

My new 2003 won't even crank over. The kill switch is in the 'on' position, lights come on, the kick stand is up, I squeeze the left brake lever, but when I hit the starter switch, not a sound. The fellow I bought it from said it has a new battery. It started the day I bought it. It sat for a week after I bought it. I'm wondering why it doesn't make a sound, no clicking, no firing, not a sound.

Can you hear the fuel pump when you switch on? If not I would suspect the kill switch is faulty.

Was the seat shut properly?
The underseat light can drain the battery rather too rapidly if left on.

When I first got mine it would not always turn over and I thought I had a problem until I read on here that you have to pull the brake lever in far enough. I now squeeze it harder and never an issue. If you listen you can hear the switch click
Paul

Make sure you hear TWO micro switches when you squeeze the left brake lever..

It's the second switch will enables the starter system.

Simple but sometimes overlooked.

Thanks. I'm hoping the overnight charge on the battery will help resolve the problem. The seat was locked shut, so I assume it was closed tight. I may remove the bulb after hearing about that battery draining problem. And I was squeezing the brake lever pretty darn hard yesterday. We'll see how the charge does.

Now another question. How the heck do you get it up on the center stand? I am a hefty guy (270 #, 122.5kg), and I can't get it up on the stand. I stand on the stand, and yank hard on the handlebars, and I can't quite get it up on the stand. Is there something I don't know? Thanks for all the help folks, I appreciate it.

Dave have a read of this thread.

https://www.silverwing600.com/t5040-helpful-tips-for-centre-stand?highlight=centre+stand

djteske wrote:

Now another question. How the heck do you get it up on the center stand? I am a hefty guy (270 #, 122.5kg), and I can't get it up on the stand. I stand on the stand, and yank hard on the handlebars, and I can't quite get it up on the stand. Is there something I don't know? Thanks for all the help folks, I appreciate it.

Check out this thread ... gives a good explanation on how to get SW up on the center stand. I don't even have a problem getting mine up (and I'm a 'girl'!! )

https://www.silverwing600.com/t5040-helpful-tips-for-centre-stand#52031

If you pull at the handlebars while you are pressing down on the centre stand the pivoting action this causes is actually forcing the rear wheel downwards. Instead, as you press down on the centre stand lift the back of the bike with your right hand by using the grab rail, your left hand should only be steadying the bike with the handle bar, not forcing anything. Once you get used to it it's a doddle
Paul

I don't really even pull on the handlebars. I step down on the centerstand peg at the same time I lift the passenger grab bar in one smooth motion. This is after making sure both feet of the centerstand are touching the ground. Goes up easily. I am 165 pounds. The action of pushing down and pulling up at the same time lifts it easily.

Tried it, thanks. Grabbed the back of the grab bar, surprised it, and it worked. I can see I am going to have to read up on sliders, power sockets etc. Already decided I want a larger windscreen with flow thru window.

Oh, the charged battery worked. Got it started. I have never owned a cycle beore. 2 months ago I bought a 2002 Kymco People and like it for bombing around town. I put about 15 miles on it going up and down a vacant 'outer road' before taking it on city streets. Now I'm taking the SW up and down the vacnt road. Like I said, I never had, or used, a cycle before, so this is pretty new and 'exciting' for me. Thanks for all the help folks.

Great, thats good news it was an easy fix

Can you tell me if you could hear the fuel pump when you switch on with the low battery?

I couldn't hear anything when I switched it on, before or after the battery was charged. I took care to listen after I charged the battery, and didn't hear anything. However, it did start after the charge.

djteske wrote:

Like I said, I never had, or used, a cycle before, so this is pretty new and 'exciting' for me.

Do you even have a motorcycle licence?

Yep. Got my learner's permit last week. That goes along with my truck driver's license, forklift license, professional engineer's license, and waterworks and wastewater works licenses. Why do you ask? (BTW, one 'c' in license).

djteske wrote:

Why do you ask? (BTW, one 'c' in license).

Why do I ask?

Because of this statement:
"How the heck do you get it up on the center stand? I am a hefty guy (270 #, 122.5kg), and I can't get it up on the stand."

Sounds like you're a novice. I would assume that to get a learner's permit one would have to pass a written test which covers stuff like this.

BTW, you've got your spelling backwards. A motorcycle licence is a document. Two c's.

The spelling of the verb in both British and American English is license. To license someone is to give them official permission to own, do or use something.

I'll make a point to tell the State of Wisconsin your opinion about spelling license. All my licenses are spelled 'License', as are my licenses from Minnesota. On this side of the pond we are issued 'licenses'.

I think this response to my query demonstrates that I was not alone in my center stand issue.

I have found most people here are very nice, and accomadating to 'newbies' such as myself. Thanks to all you folks who have been helpful.

You, on the other hand, appear to be a elitist dickhead.

But then, I'm just using my poetic license....

poetic license
n.
The liberty taken by an artist or a writer in deviating from conventional form or fact to achieve a desired effect.

djteske, good response. rollsroyce250 is a newbie hear on the forum also and in his five months hear he has given more than his share of insults. I'm glad someone has finely called him on it. I can't understand why an admin has not said anything to him yet.

model28a wrote:

djteske, good response. rollsroyce250 is a newbie hear on the forum also and in his five months hear he has given more than his share of insults. I'm glad someone has finely called him on it. I can't understand why an admin has not said anything to him yet.

Roger,

You are right. I reviewed rollsroyce's posts since he started the forum and he seems to want to nit-pick with people. "djteske" has asked questions for advice since he is new to riding. He deserves respect from rollsroyce.


Rollsroyce,

Why don't you tone it down a bit. I know I haven't been here much lately but this forum is to help others out in a friendly way. So if you can't say something to help others out then just don't post.

djteske,

I know we have never traded posts or PM's but I started this forum a few years back, and then because of time constraints, I gave it to Bill to run. But what rollsroyce has said to you isn't what this forum is about. So sorry about this but hopefully he will tone it down some. I hope you keep posting.

Or else RollsRoyce wil fail to proceed.



The Poms should like that line, hey!

djteske wrote:

I couldn't hear anything when I switched it on, before or after the battery was charged. I took care to listen after I charged the battery, and didn't hear anything. However, it did start after the charge.

Really, you cant hear the fuel pump run a short while after switching on!

That's my clue (the lack of fuel pump noise) that something is amiss like leaving the kill switch is on.

Ah, the dreaded 'c' versus 's' debate.
In english grammar, the noun is always spelt with a 'c', the verb with an 's'.
My English master had many 'aids' to remind us; in this case he taught us that 'you can always 'c' (see) a noun' - not entirely true but worked for us.

The only thing constant about our language is that it's always evolving!

Once again, thanks for all the help from you friendly folks. Perhaps when the weather warms I'll have the opportunity to meet some of you. I am quite interested in seeing some of your modifications.

The only thing constant about our language is that it's always evolving

Indeed it is and quite rightly so.
The trouble is that when individuals ignore the 'rules' they make words mean what they want.
Take, for example, 'transparent', a word used extensively over the past 15 years or so in the UK.
It really is a description of something which can be seen through clearly and without obstruction.
Now, if a member of a certain group of individuals speaks of 'transparency', they mean completely the opposite.

I thought that trans-parency meant that when my wife said no to my daughter, she (my daughter) knew she could ask me for the same thing, and I would say yes. I eventually learned to ask what mom had said first.

LOL!

Waspie wrote:

Make sure you hear TWO micro switches when you squeeze the left brake lever..

It's the second switch will enables the starter system.

Simple but sometimes overlooked.

Wow, I just took ownership of a SW that was shipped to me and arrived today. I could not figure out for the life of me how to start it even after the owners manual. Everything looked to be working as it should and I eventually started the wing by jumping the starter relay/solenoid.

I really thought I had an issue and came in and did a search of the forum and found this little tid-bit. I went back outside and wouldn`t you know it? 2 clicks of the micro switch and she fires right up! SMH...damn

Joe

One thing to check are the connectors on the brake masters. There are two on the right or front brake master for the brake light and four on the left or rear master for brake light and starter interlock. These can be knocked off or get loose with time and cause problems. I check my brake lights on occasion and two days ago I got a nice bright brake light when sqeezing the left brake but no brake light when hitting the front brake. Turned out one connector came off the right micro switch. I suspect I knocked one of the connectors off when I removed and replaced the handlebar cover.