cant start my 750 shadow

[thechad]

didnt start it for about a week and a half i tryd it but it wont turn over anyone have a list of troubleshoot please let me now i just got this bike and its getting nice outside cant whait to get back on it

[Clint]

Welcome. You need to give us more detail if you want help.

[thechad]

i just cant fighur out why the bike wont turn over ive drain the carb then tryed it still nothing i could git to 2 spark plugs i need to know what to look for

i just bout the bike a month ago kinda new to the motorcycle

the spark plugs 2 are ez to get to the ather to suck u just need the right socket

[Clint]

Well, if it's not turning over, the battery is dead, or you have a bad connection, or the generator isn't working. Do the lights work?

Are you confusing "turning over" with "firing"? Again, we need some more detail. You're asking the impossible otherwise.

Also, the "edit" button is at lower right.

[thechad]

yes firing its got juce just wont fire

u think thier is cable loose couse iv killed the battry twice to get it to fire its getting fuel just dont now why it wont FIRE

[baum604]

If you have a service manual for the bike it will list troubleshooting steps.

Also, to get to the other two spark plugs, the proper socket should come with the bike in the tool kit. Located under the seat on the left side behind the plastic cover.

[thechad]

what do you guys do to troubleshoot

see i rode most the
winter ran fine id go out and strt it and let it idel for a wile
and then one day i tryd start it and it wouldnt fire i kept trying till the bat died then i charged it then killed it agin now it still has charge just whating before i kill it agin

is thier a list of things i can do . has anyond have this problem\

do u think haven the headlight taken out maycouse it not to fire the thing is it started after i took out the light

anyone out thier

[baum604]

There is no set way to tell you how to fix this problem, each persons experiences with problems are different. There are some ways to find the problem, whatever it is.

I believe that you said that it is getting fuel, so I would move on to the air, did you check for any visual obstructions? Remove the filter and see if there is anything blocking it. If you are satisfied that the air intake isnt the problem , I would look next at the electrical system. I would first check the sparks plugs.

Here is a website that will discuss how used sparks plugs will look like under normal conditions and if something is wrong. ( It is for auto spark plugs, but there isn't any difference)

Diagnostic aid for spark plugs

If you see that the appearance and gap of the spark plugs are good, you can check for spark.

BE CAREFUL!! You can get shocked if your not careful. Remove the spark plug, then reattach the wire to the spark plug, rest the threads of the plug to a metal surface of the bike, and press the start button briefly, you should see the spark. Do not touch the plug while doing this. Repeat for each plug. Be sure that the plug is in a dark area also.

There are many other things that may cause it not to start, but that is a good way to check the electricial system.

[jkersh]

I hate to ask the obvious but is the kill switch on? Kickstand down and in gear? Any blown fuses?

[thechad]

i checked that as long its not in gear

as long as its not in gear it will start

[Clint]

Again, please use the 'edit' button rather than posting many times in quick succession.

Are you saying the bike starts now? Please try to write in complete sentences. It's difficult to understand what you're saying.

[thechad]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Again, please use the 'edit' button rather than posting many times in quick succession.

Are you saying the bike starts now? Please try to write in complete sentences. It's difficult to understand what you're saying.

no someone said something about the kikstand i was saying that the bike will start with the kik stand down with the bike out of gear.
the bike still wont FIRE i was getting mad that it wouldent fire cant check the other 2 sparkplugs my socket works for 2 but wont for the other 2

whats wrong with the quick reply

[blackie1491]

Trying to help you requires more info.
Start from the top.

Make, model and year of bike.
How many miles.
How long has the bike been sitting.

There are members here who will try and talk you through the steps to find the problem, but it will take time. A service manual for your bike is a good investment.
Your local library should also have a book on basic motorcycle repair and maintenance.

[thechad]

its a 2003 honda shadow ace and it was only sitting for two weeks should still start

[blackie1491]

There are many areas that could be your problem.

Take your time and be very clear in your description about your problem.

It is an 03, that is 4 years old.

Battery could be weak. Motorcycle batteries have short life unless cared for properly. Should be charged with a trickle charger. Test battery.

When a bike sits for periods of time the gas turns to a varnish like coating in the float bowls and plugs the jets. This can be an accumulated effect.
Use a fuel stabilizer when down time is expected.
If this is the problem, then carbs need to be pulled and cleaned.

Does this model come with a petcock with different settings, ie; off, on, reserve?

Have you checked the fuses? There should be a main fuse and then others.
Check each one.

On the right hand controls there is a kill switch, is it on?

How many miles on the bike?

Did you say you had the headlight off?
You may have loosened a connection. Check.

Let us know where you are located, maybe a member here can assist you.

[eb77k]

Sounds electrical to me. This is about the only area still filled with some "black magic" for me. I think this model won't even turn over with the kickstand down or the kill switch off.

Does it start to smell like raw gas out of the exhaust pipes after cranking it over so much? If not it may still be a fuel related issue.

Does the thing have fuel injection? some bikes have fuel cutoff switches if the bike takes a hard knock or tips over. The dealer would be able to help you with a reset process.

[thechad]

Originally Posted by blackie1491

There are many areas that could be your problem.

Take your time and be very clear in your description about your problem.

It is an 03, that is 4 years old.

Battery could be weak. Motorcycle batteries have short life unless cared for properly. Should be charged with a trickle charger. Test battery.

When a bike sits for periods of time the gas turns to a varnish like coating in the float bowls and plugs the jets. This can be an accumulated effect.
Use a fuel stabilizer when down time is expected.
If this is the problem, then carbs need to be pulled and cleaned.

Does this model come with a petcock with different settings, ie; off, on, reserve?

Have you checked the fuses? There should be a main fuse and then others.
Check each one.

On the right hand controls there is a kill switch, is it on?

How many miles on the bike?

Did you say you had the headlight off?
You may have loosened a connection. Check.

Let us know where you are located, maybe a member here can assist you.

1100 miles and ill check it all over i live in greenville nc more in winterville wich is right beside greenville

[blackie1491]

1100 miles thats not many. Do you know how long the previous owner had it.

If it sat on the dealers floor for a couple of years before being purchased, that is not as much of a problem than if sitting in someones garage for several years.

Check the battery. Low on water (Used distilled).
Weak cell in battery.
Dirty jets.

Good luck.

[thechad]

Originally Posted by blackie1491

1100 miles thats not many. Do you know how long the previous owner had it.

If it sat on the dealers floor for a couple of years before being purchased, that is not as much of a problem than if sitting in someones garage for several years.

Check the battery. Low on water (Used distilled).
Weak cell in battery.
Dirty jets.

Good luck.

sorrry man 11000 im being stopid agin it ran great till now please exuse my typing

[blackie1491]

So how many miles have you put on it.

11,000 miles could be time for plugs if not replaced before.
Did the previous owner have it serviced on a regular basis.
If it is the original battery could be time to replace.

It is difficult for someone to work you thru it long distance.
So proof read your reply before submitting.

When you try to start, is it turning over or is it just the starter.

I am hoping that DrBob will pop in and give you some advice.