What is the countdown for on my 05 when you turn the key to on? At the dealership they told me if i didn't let that countdown I would foul the spark plugs. On the other hand someone told me I don't have to let it count down it will be fine. The guy said its not possible to flood it since its FI. I've done it before though. I could smell gas and the bike wouldn't start for about 15min.

 

I don't know about a specific time (3 seconds, 4 seconds, whatever) but on my '03 the following happens when i turn the key: the speedometer goes from 200mph down to zero, the tach goes from zero up to redline and down to zero again, and then I can hear the oil pump turn on. Once those things have all happened, then I hit the start button. I don't know if hitting the button before the bike is done "doing its thing" will harm anything, but I've never been impatient enough to find out...

 

There is no count down that I'm aware of and when you turn the key on gauges power up and fuel pump fills the system and its ready to start. As soon as you hit the starter the fuel pump starts up again. Johnnyh

 

When I turn the key the speedometer starts at 100 and goes down to zero along with the tach and fuel pump turning on.