I've always used the starter on the bike and when I haven't ridden for a day or so, it will not start without choke, and when I put the choke on, it won't start until I crank the bike for a few rounds of 6-8 seconds at a time. Sometimes I'll even need to put the choke off, try to start without until I hear a sputter, then put the choke back on.

This morning I decided to try push starting. I hopped on the bike, pushed the choke lever, rolled it forward at maybe a fast walking pace, popped the clutch and the thing started right up without hesitation.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to start and I'm wondering if it was so easy to push start, why the hell do I have the crank the bike for so long?

 

what gear were you in? if you push started it in 1st or 2nd, you have very low compression and that is why it doesn't start easy when cold. when it is warm, the oil in the cylinder actually bumps the compression a bit.

 

I was in first. I got it moving and then as soon as I let the clutch go it fired, soI honestly don't know how the compression is. I weight a lot, so the engine isn't going to stop the bike on a dime with me on top, even if the engine was brand new. Plus, if I had very low compression, I'm wondering how it revs like it does and gets moving with me on top. (and the gas mileage ~45mpg average witha 270lb rider) And I would also think that the starter would spin the engine a lot easier than it does, and I know the battery/voltage seems to be ok right now.

 

Sounds like your carbs need a good cleaning, and maybe your plugs too. Go ahead and spend a few hours and give your bike the attention it deserves.

 

I think the carbs do need a once over. I've put Seafoam through it and also have sprayed the carbs a ton with carb cleaner. Still has some hesitation though at low throttle. I have new NGK iridium plugs, but I think I may just change those back tostandard copper or silver. The copper won't last as long, but an hour changing plugs every year or so doesn't matter to me.

One thing I am wondering is -when push starting the battery supplies full battery voltage to coils ~12.8 according to my meter. if I am cranking the starter, the voltage may drop enough to cause the coils to not put out as powerful as a spark. hmmm. I'm going to be getting new wires soon as the bike has 30k miles on it, so it's possible that they are getting weak or creating too much resistance.

 

I think you most likely have a problem with your battery, ether it needs recharging or possibly you need a new one.