XB9r been in storage, started, now won't

[fab]

HI all - first time poster. I'm from New Zealand so be gentle with me.

Last week I bought an XB9r, 2003 model that's done just 4500kms. It's been sitting since 2006. After I picked it up (from an auction house) I bought a new battery for it as it didn't have one. I put the new battery in the bike (which was tied up inside a van) and started her up - first pop, sounding sweet and idling perfectly.
Brought the bike back home, wheeled it out of the van and noticed that it got harder and harder to start. I don't have a helmet yet so couldn't ride it, but just wanted to hear it running again.
Now it won't start at all. I've charged the battery back up just in case, the engine lights go out, the rev counter and speedo do their flicking thing and I can hear the fuel pump going.
One major indicator is that I can smell petrol very strongly when it isn't starting.
I am thinking I need to put new plugs in, but it seems weird that it started first time, and now not at all?
I saw another post of an XB that had been in storage and the fuel pump screen (I think it was) was had it, I am hoping that's not the issue.

Any suggestions greatfully appreciated.
Cheers from the other side of the world.

 

[Oldgit]

Hey fab. Welcome to the forums. Glad you're bringing the bike back to life

The fuel smell concerns me. Either the line is ruptured somewhere and no fuel is getting to the cylinders, or there is no spark and the fuel is just going through the system unburned. Pull and check the plugs (howto's are here on the forums) and check the fuel line is OK. As always, let us know how you get on.

 

[d_adams]

I am thinking I need to put new plugs in

I'm guessing you only let it run for a short while, right? Didn't get up to operating temp, shut it off, did it again just to hear it a couple of times. Most likely you've got the plugs fouled with fuel, so you're on the right track with replacing them.

 

[fab]

Thanks for both those comments. I'll try with new plugs first, then look at the fuel line if no go after that.
I guess the reason I can't believe it's plugs, is that if they foul, surely the fuel will just dissapate and then the next day, should be good to go?

And yes, just started breifly the first time, it was inside a van and pretty deafening.
In any case I'll grab some after work tomorrow.
Thanks again - can't wait to go for a ride!

 

[uly luigi]

Get the Iridiums by NGK they last a lot longer than standard coppers

 

[fab]

I'm keen on those, but $80 for a set of two? Ouch!

 

[uly luigi]

OOOWWW, yeh, I might would go with coppers, unless a friend in the states sent you a T-Shirt for about 30 bucks

 

[fab]

Can anyone tell me the exact code of NGK Iridium I would need?
It doesn't get cold here, down to say 10c (50c).

 

[Kid1620]

On thing that you didn't mention was the gas. Did you start it with the gas that was in it or did you have to fill it up before you started it? If you didnt have to put gass in it you'll need to probably drain all the old stuff out flush the lines clean the injectors and change the plugs. Also when you press the start button does it crank and not fire or does it not crank at all?

 

[fab]

A mixture of small amount old gas (which it had already start on) and new stuff.
Yes cranks over just fine, but does not fire.
I'm grabbing new plugs at lunch and if no go will look at draining lines etc.

Cheers for the suggestions.

 

[theMelvster6]

Ngk dcpr9eix if you hadn't gotten plugs yet. Along with new plugs and getting the old fuel out if the system...cleaning the throttle body also. You could spay a lil starting fluid down the throttle body to see if she lights up, if not I'm thinking a possible ignition problem. The spark plug wires at the coil can pop out. If she does light up and then stall then there is a fueling issue. Upon flipping the kill switch to run you should hear the fuel pump prime up and then stop. It is normal for them to be relatively loud. Start with the simple things before spending a ton of money for new parts. Often times it is something simple like bad gas, dirty filter, a boot popped off, loose connector. We'll get to the bottom of this!

 

[fab]

Thanks again. What's the easiest way to drain the tank? I have not seen any drain plug, but then I haven't really looked either...

 

[Iamarchangel]

You're looking at a pile of potential issues.

First guess is carboned up plugs. Once they have a heavy build up from storing and starting and not going anywhere, they can hold moisture from the gas longer than you'd suspect.

Air filter: hive for the bugs and bees (old song), even a mouse nest.

Muffler: same.

There's a rotate your engine thread here. Don't be scared, what it is good for here is that it walks you through taking the air box and base apart to get to the stuff we're talking about.

Maybe it just likes going for a ride in the van: promise it another ride if it starts.

 

[fab]

Thanks everyone - it's all go! Just a change of plugs and running sweetly.

I took it for a warrant of fitness check straight away. It's a check here in New Zealand to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and you can't ride/drive with one one, every six months.
Anyway it failed on both tyres so once I have those I am legal to go.

Thanks agin - fantastic help here.
Fred