Bike - 1999 RS that I've owned less than a month
Symtoms:
1 - always seemed like it turned over slowly but started easy enough using choke
2 - Today was first ride in colder weather; mid 40's
3 - Started in garage ok but after setting outside at work would hardly turn over and no start
4 - even with jumping bat with car it would barely turn over but finally started

I spent the last hour searching forum and reading many posts on this subject

Research results are that this is a common problem. Possible causes are:

1 - Decompression valve not working or needs adjustment
2 - Need larger starter cables and maybe warrior starter
3 - possible burnt starter relay points
4 - carb heater inop (some say this doesn't help starting)


What is the best way to start this bike in cold weather? Since it has an accelerator pump should I twist the throttle on starting?

Any help would be appreciated

Check the battery. Mine starts fine when battery is charged and just the choke is pulled out. In colder weather than that. The heavier cables and Warrior parts certainly have been reported to help. Hats off to you for riding in that weather.

I was 55 miles from home in a snow storm when mine started after sitting outside 3 days. Priceless.

Thanks

Will start the troubleshooting this week-end. I ride to work any day it is above 35 degrees and dry. Love it

Just a note in case you don't know - If you are going to jump your bike with a car don't have the car running. That's a good way to fry stuff.

Make sure the connections are clean and tight on the battery. If you do lots of short trips the battery may not be getting a chance to charge.

Did the previous own happen to mention how old the battery might be? Prob'ly not I'll bet.

Don't have a clue how old battery is but planned on replacing soon just to be sure. The compression release system will be my first thing to check because it really appeared to be the problem. Bigger cables and stronger starter will be next.

I really need this bike to be reliable in cold weather so have to find the problem

rvrrunner/IT SURE SEEMS LIKE AT THE VERY LEAST YOU SHOULD GE A NEW MORE POWERFULL BATTERY AND ALSO GET THE LARGER BATTERY CABLE UPGRADE FROM MAXAIR TOO.

I LISTED BELOW A COUPLE GREAT BUYS ON HIGHER OUTPUT / HI PERF AGM BATTERIES WITH 310 CCA VS STOCK 270CCA APPLICATION BATTERY .

GET THIS BATTERY AND HIGHER CAPACITY BATTERY CABLES AND HOPEFULLY THAT WILL GET THE MOTOR SPINNING OVER FASTER ESPIN COLDER TEMPS.

BUT IF THE NEW BATTERY & BETTER BATTER CABLE DONT DO THE TRICK (WHICH I THINK THEY WILL) THEN A NEW HI OUTPUT STARTER WOULD BE IN ORDER WHICH I WILL ALSO PASTE A LINK TO A GOOD DECENTLY PRICED AFTERMARKET HI OUTPUT REP STARTER.

THERE'S ALSO ALINKG TO THE MAXAIR BATT CABLES AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST.

OPPS,SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS/NOT YELLING/TOO LAZY TO REWIRTE ALL THIS IN SML CAPS/LOL!!!!!!!!

Hope all the dang links work.

SCOTT

=================================================================================

HI OUTPUT STARTER LINK:

http://www.pool-racing.com/product-MW-70-241A.htm

ITS A 1.75KW HI OUTPUT STATER (LIKE WARRIOR)VS THE STOCK 1.4KW STARTER ,IT'S FROM POOL RACING.

$179.95


============================================================================================

http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/sYTX20HL-BS.html

FROM;Battery Stuff

$75/310CCA/FREE SHIPPING

YTX20HL-BS 12v Maintenance Free AGM Motorcycle Battery
Product Description
YTX20HL-BS High performance battery by Scorpion. These are no ordinary replacement batteries, but a true high performance AGM battery that is designed to meet and even surpass the standards set by your vehicle's OEM manufacturer.

Scorpion is dedicated to manufacturing only the best replacement batteries, to uncompromising standards. Manufactured specifically for BatteryStuff by one the largest makers of motorcycle and ATV batteries in the world. While these batteries are 'new' to the US market, they have become one of the largest powersports battery manufacturers in the rest of the world simply because they build only quality products.

By continually updating and modernizing their manufacturing process, the makers of Scorpion batteries have achieved a position in the Powersports industry that is unrivaled around the world. Scorpion is the ONLY battery in the U.S. to currently offer a real MANUFACTURER backed warranty on their products. What does this mean to you? This means that Scorpion is confident enough in the quality of their batteries that they are not afraid to stand behind them. The rest simply ask their distributors to 'ante up' and cover the failure. This confidence alone is why BatteryStuff is excited to offer this new battery.

Be assured that the YTX20HL-BS High performance battery you are buying is quality, at an affordable price.

*BatteryStuff understands the importance of getting a replacement battery right away and usually ships all batteries the same day as ordered if received before 1:30pm (pacific), however USPS does not guarantee delivery times with priority mail.

Features
Scorpion AGM Battery ships charged and ready to install
Maintenance Free Sealed design No liquid acid, so zero corrosion
Absorbed Glass Mat technology
Resists extreme vibration and heat
Very low self-discharge rate
Extra heavy duty terminal design
FPrice includes FREE GROUND DELIVERY 48 STATES
3 Color=#008000]This is the High Performance version of this battery offering a respectable [/color]310 CCA.
Finally a High Output battery for your High output vehicle.
Properly charged, these batteries will not vent to the atmosphere, meaning less corrosion at the terminals
ISO 9001 Certified
Extremely freeze resistant
1 Year Warranty
Comments
Scorpion recognizes that batteries are made of lead, not gold. With that in mind, Scorpion has struck a fine balance between a high quality product and a decent price with the YTX20HL-BS High performance battery. You will be impressed! All Scorpion batteries meet or exceed the specs called for by your powersports manufacturer!
Vehicles that YTX20HL-BS works in

Yamaha 1600cc XV1600 Road Star (1999-2006)
Yamaha 1700cc XV1700A Road Star, Silverado (2004-2009)
BatteryStuff Part #: sYTX20HL-BS
Replaces: 20L-BS, GTX20L-BS, YTX20L-BS,

In Stock
No Tax
Free ground shipping to lower 48 states.
Total price with shipping
$75.00 with Ground
Technical Specifications
Dimensions: 6 7/8" L x 3 7/16" W x 6 1/8" H
Polarity: [- +]
Actual Weight (lb.): 14.3
Shipping Weight (lb.): 15
DC Output Voltage: 12 V
Amp/Hr: 18
C.C.A.: 310
OEM Ref: YTX20L-BS, YB16L-B, YB16HL-A-CX,
Manufacturer: Scorpion
===========================================================================================

http://www.batteriesxpress.com/Store/product_info.php/products_id/91

FROM : BatteriesXpress

YUASA-YTX20HL-BS[YTX20HL-BS] $93.50 /310CCA/FREE SHIPPING

Click to enlarge
Are you searching for more power?....You've found it with Yuasa's latest sealed agm battery for large cc motorcycles. It's packed with more cranking power then ever, up to 30% more, and is rated at a powerful 310 cold cranking amps. The OE quality YTX20HL features a rugged maintenance-free design and is built to last. Top quality and made in America, Yuasa is the best battery in the market right now.

Specifications

• Sealed and non-spillable AGM battery

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• 12 volt 18 Ah

• Powerful 310 cold cranking amps
• Replaces YTX20L-BS or YTX20HL-BS battery

• 6 7/8"L x 3 7/16"W x 6 1/8"H

• 12 month warranty

• Shipped pre-charged

• Made in the USA

Free Shipping!
======================================================================================

LINK TO MAXAIR BATTERY CABLES $75.00

http://www.maxairengineering.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MAX-RS-CABLE&Category_Code=ROADSTAR&Product_Count=11


The Maxair Yamaha Roadstar FlameWires ™
Send a Fireball to your starter !!!

Have you looked at your stock battery cables lately. They are the weakest link in your electrical system. Take a good look the one that runs more than 4 feet to your starter. It’s hard to fathom that the stock cables will even turn over your big 1600 or 1700 V Twin Motor.

Throw in some corrosion and/or cold weather starting on the flimsy stock cables and your starter is working overtime just to get enough power to crank the engine. Those stock cables make starting more difficult creating more wear and tear on your starter, battery and your engine. Our new FlameWires will help solve this problem!

Our new Maxair FlameWires will not only give your starter all the power your battery will push, They will also remain corrosion free and they look awesome. A great addition to any bone stock or custom ride !!

Plug and play install
Show quality- Silver tin 4 gauge Oxygen free PVC coated wire ( looks like flexible stainless steel braided cable)
Includes Ground cable with OEM plug for plug and play install – Your system is only as good as your ground!!!
Gold plated ends
Ends sealed with adhesive shrink tube to preserve OX free environment ( this is a must!!)
Starter cable longer than stock, for ease of installation
Flames in picture for marketing purposes only. Wire does not have graphic flames.


Includes
· Starter Cable
· Solenoid Cable
· Ground cable with OEM plug for plug and play install (no replacement cable kit is complete without the ground)

Excellent information and thanks for the trouble of putting it out.

NP & NO TROUBLE AT ALL FOR A FELLOW RSC MEMBER ,GLAD TO HAVE HELPED

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU END UP REPLACING & HOW IT WORKS OUT.

SCOTT

ALSO,forgot to metion if its not the omp release then i'd replace the battery & also upgrade to the larger maxair battery cables 1st before going for the hi trq starter upgrade.

FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND QUITE OFTEN WITH STOCK MOTOR WHICH HAS LOW COMPRESSION JUST HAVING THE HIGHER OUTPUT 310CCA BATTERY WITH THE BETTER MAXAIR BATTERY CABLE'S DOES THE TRICK .

SO I WOULD NOT GO FOR THE STARTER 1ST SHOT LIKE YOU MENTIONED YOU MAY DO.

OH,CRAP,THE DANG CAPS GOT ME AGAIN/LOL!!!!!!

Scott

UPDATE!!

Did not realize your bike is a 99/11 yrs old so the starter may also be worn/aged/toast too in which case i would opt for the 1.75kw hi trq starter from Pool Racing along with a fresh hi output 310cca battery and ih perf battery cable from maxAir.

Will be a bit pricey but the new battery/larger batt cables to carry more current-amps to starter/& hi trq 1.75kw starter will collectively ensure reliable starts hot or cold for many yrs to come IMHO.

scott