First off let me say that I'm just trying to help out a friend. I know I should have helped him onto a Honda, but the deal was too good for him to pass up. He just passed the MSF course and is buying his first bike. He wanted a CBR600RR or a R6. Unfortunately the R6 deal came around first


The Bike
2003 Yamaha R6 High rev. 1536 miles. Garage kept. Never dropped, not even a scratch on it. Rotors aren't even broken in yet. $4500.00 Bought from the original owner with all receipts. Bike is stock except for a windscreen, frame sliders, and front flush mount turn signals (not LED). This thing still has the ugly stock fender, mud flap on it.

The Problem: Bike won't start
Per the owner bike started 2 weeks ago, but the battery was dead (He had to bump start it). He bought a new aftermarket battery. After installing it, the bike won't start, the engine just turns over. I pulled the battery and checked for any connectors that may have gotten pushed, moved or loosened when he r/r the battery. All were as they should be. The connections were tight and no signs of corrosion or crispy wires. I also checked the fuses, and the connections to the kickstand and clutch switch. When you turn the key on, the fuel pump primes and shuts off as it should. When the engine is turned (cranked)over, it does so nice and strong. There is a strong smell of raw fuel coming out of the exhaust. Engine does not even want to catch or even sputter to show signs of life. I'm thinking that there's no spark. I didn't have my tools with me to pull the airbox, and check the plugs or if there was spark. The gas is old 92 octane E10, that has been in there for over a year. Which is the last time that he actually rode it. I siphoned out what I could and put new fuel in it along with some fuel injector cleaner.

I'm leaning toward an electrical problem, and not fuel delivery. Any insight or opinions would be greatly appreciated before I tear into this thing. A starting point for the diagnosis would really help a lot.

Thanks.

 

Im not being a smartass but is the kill switch on. Im not sure a Yamaha will spin over with the kill switch off, i know a Honda will. If it is then pull a plug wire and stick i plug in it ground itand check to see if its firing.

 

The yammy is the same as a Honda and won't crank with the kill switch in the off position.

Pulling the plugs and checking spark is definitely something I need to do. Just didn't have the tools to pull the airbox.

Thanks for the input

 

If the bike was cranked over with a weak battery, the plugs are fouled.They need to be replaced. You can probably get away with drying them out, but they will never be the same. I would install brand new plugs.

You could try to apply full throttle, crank the bike over for a few seconds and a time. Do this about 10 times, let the bike sit for an hour or so and try to start it. Keep the battery on a charger so it doesnt go low. Most fuel injeced bikes have a fuel bypass, when the throttle is applied to full with the engine off, it shuts the fuel off and allows you to clear out the engine of gas. If you bike doesnt have that, or your not sure, just pull the fuel pump fuse. You need to get the engine cleared of gas. Also, depending on how flooded the bike is. It might a good idea to change the oil. The gas will leak down the cylinders into the oil if there is enough of it and contaminate the oil.

Dont rag on him too hard. The R6 is an awesome 600 class bike.