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  #1  
Old 20 Apr 2006
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'03 Adventure not starting
Just dug out the '03 adventure from its winter hibernation (I'm off to the Northern HU meet this weekend) and it wouldnt start. Its my first winter of leaving the KTM standing. I'll be doing all the usual stuff to it this evening but before I start I just wondered if there were any glaringly obvious things I should know about fettling an adventure after a winter layoff.

Dave

battery fine, turns over really well, I can smell petrol out of the exhaust (float could be stuck...) so I suspect electricals (I've yet to check the spark). My first port of attack will be bump starting it down the biggest hill I can find....I find thid often helps!

Ta!
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  #2  
Old 20 Apr 2006
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Dave,

I had a similar problem a few weeks ago, even though I had been riding the beast regularly. There are quite a few threads on this issue in the last year you can also check.

When mine didn't start I tried the following order:

1. recharge battery (obviously not the problem from your diagnosis)
2. drain the float and top up with new petrol
3. remove spark plug and check for spark
4. clean out carb
5. check fuel pump
6. check electrical connections

Good luck
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  #3  
Old 21 Apr 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidlomax
I suspect electricals (I've yet to check the spark). My first port of attack will be bump starting it down the biggest hill I can find....I find thid often helps!
Brawn over brains..... when your at the bottom of that big hill with a bike that still won't start, run back home and get yer tools. You are going to need them.

Check for spark with a new spark plug - saves pulling out the present spark plug.

If you have spark - then pull out the present spark plug and check for fuel (flooding ?).

If you have no spark then you need to find out why .. que KTM single expert.
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  #4  
Old 21 Apr 2006
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I still remember my dad saying if it's got fuel and spark it should fire in someway.

03 Models are fuel injected, so when the ignition is turned on you should hear the fuel noise. If no noise fuel pump is prob cactus, cold weather can seize up pumps. Checking for fuel on fuel injected engines can be a litte hard. Other than the smell of fuel from the exaust. If there is a strong smell it could be flooded. Then remove plugs and let stand for 15-20mins.

If the fuel pump is working check for spark, old spark plug usually does the trick earthed on the head.

Another trick I found with electronics when in cold weather is to get a hair dryer and heat up any sensors like the throttle position sensor on the left throttle body. Then try starting the bike again. Cold weather can do funny things to sensors.

Well good luck.
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  #5  
Old 21 Apr 2006
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Talking
bloody things' got a sense of humour....or maybe it just spotted the tools!

I got to the top of a HUGE hill on a trailer. Was waiting for traffic to pass so I could begin the bump start process. I thumbed the starter for 1/2 sec just out of habit and the damn thing started first compression cycle....

I swear I'd been at it 10 mins the day before...........

KTM! Got to love em!

Dave
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  #6  
Old 22 Apr 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aussben

03 Models are fuel injected,
Hmm I think you need to think again about what you've said!
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  #7  
Old 23 Apr 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlandr
Hmm I think you need to think again about what you've said!

Mine most certainly isnt!

Dave
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