ST1100 Running rough at start up

[Streak]

Hello all,

Have noticed the last few times I have started the bike cold, it runs like it is missing till it warms up and then it runs just fine, it is a 1996 ST1100

Fuel economy seems fine, everything looks ok, air filter looks fine, fuel filter looks ok? Services are up to date also

Thoughts or suggestions what I should look for

Cheers

Streak (Graham)

[bluehonda]

 
Hi Streak,
My bike had a similar problem a few months back.
On start up it was really rough at idle and I had to jockey the throttle to keep it running, engine acceleration was really  slow.  After much Google searching I identified the problem and a carby strip was in order.  As a last ditch effort before that unwanted job I bought a bottle of "Total Fuel System Cleaner" (can't remember the brand, silver bottle) and it fixed the problem.
Best $24.95 I've ever spent.  I've been told by a mechanic that's often the first step to try and that Repco similar product but only sold to "trade".

Brad

[Streak]

hi brad,
           Thank you for the heads up, is this the one your talking about?

http://www.nulon.com.au/products/Fuel_Treatments/Total_Fuel_System_Cleaner/#.UASMF2thiSM

[bluehonda]

That's the one

Brad

[Brock]

Maybe the PM800 has done something for my fuel system, I havent had to use the choke yet this winter, the bike idles a little low but seems ok...

[saaz]

I have had to use the choke (a bit colder here) but it does start up and run more consistently on choke after using the PM800.  The choke on the ST11 lets more fuel into the carb to run richer, so it might benefit from running a cleaner through it.  Of course I have run some special cleaner (water!!) through mine...

[Shaun]

Good to hear, guys.

My bike has been running quite rough in the mornings (we have had some quite cold ones in Sydney). I will give this stuff a shot.

Cheers, Shaun

[Streak]

Same here Shaun, i am going to give it a shot, see if it makes a difference.

Thank you for the good advice Gents

[ruSTyEB]

Good idea I'm thinking.!

[Biggles]

$17.60 this week at Supacheap Auto.     

[bluehonda]

If you order online and pick up in store you get to try it on the way home

[Biggles]

If you order online and pick up in store you get to try it on the way home

only if you can estimate how much you need.  It's 500 ml for 60 litres.
The idea, presumably, is to tip the lot into a car tank after a fill.  A lot of cars take around 60 litres.

[alans1100]

If you order online and pick up in store you get to try it on the way home

only if you can estimate how much you need.  It's 500 ml for 60 litres.
The idea, presumably, is to tip the lot into a car tank after a fill.  A lot of cars take around 60 litres.

Wouldn't that be before you fill so that the fuel treatment is mixed while you fill.

[saaz]

I should have asked before, but what grade fuel do you run?  The higher octane ones do make the bike a bit cold blooded on choke and it can feel a bit rough running until a bit warmer.

Also, some places get a different fuel brew in winter but I have not noticed any difference in Canberra so assume Toowomba would not get such winter fuel either.

[Biggles]

I've run half a tank of Nulon and haven't had the "high revs when cold" syndrome once since.
Just filled up today (RON 91 as usual) and put 250 ml in the tank, so we'll see how that goes.
I'm just happy it has apparently fixed the problem, since I wasn't relishing doing open-heart surgery to deal with suspected atherosclerosis of the rubber arteries. 
If I pick up a bit of fuel economy, that would be nice.  No way I will detect better performance, since Ruby always went like a cut cat.
And even if the economy did improve, you wouldn't get your money back, even at the Special price of $17.60.