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.

Try again tomorrow. Any residual fuel on the spark plugs should evaporate. I'll bet it starts up easily and runs fine. If not, it sounds like you're mechanically adept, so pull both plugs and inspect for fuel fouling.

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

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.

Gary, That was me.

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.

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

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!