Augh, ignition failure!

[ignote]

Hi Scooterists. I don't have many friends who ride, and I'm not very mechanically handy, so I have fix-it question! I've been riding my scoot with a dead battery since I pulled it out of storage this spring (doesn't hold a charge for long), and have been using the kick rather than the electric start. Usually it starts right up, sometimes it takes 5-10 kicks. But! I was on vacation for a week, and now it won't kick at all. I've charged the battery a handful of times, just to see what the ignition does. It's turning over and whatever, but it just makes a popping noise without firing (?). Oh, and when I first tried starting it, it ran for a few seconds and then died. Forgot that part. It hasn't started since. Thoughts? If it needs to go to a mechanic, it'll have to wait.

[Roadbum]

Hi Ignote,

Your bike is a two stroke, isn't it? If it is, I would say try a new spark plug and fresh gas along with getting a new battery first. Batteries on these scooters usually last about two years on average. Some batteries can last longer but those are in bikes that get consistant use throughout the year and then are put on battery tenders over the winter.

My dad had a Venice. Probably the same bike as yours. He had a similar problem and I changed out the plug while he got a new battery. After that it ran well again. I would say try that stuff first.

Oh, if you know you're not going to be riding for a while it's not a bad idea to put some Stabil (keeps the gas fresh-they have it at any hardware store, probably even Target) in the gas.

Good luck and if you need anything else, feel free to let us know.

Harv

[Roadbum]

I wanted to add something. My guess is that when your battery got weak it didn't have enough juice to keep the plug firing as hot as it should, so the plug got fouled with two stroke oil and now the bike won't fire.

This is my best guess because two stroke plugs need enough electrical current to burn off the two stroke oil they get on them.

Try calling St Joe's Motorsports (where you got it I'm guessing?) and see if they can tell you what plug number you need. Otherwise you could also try a TNG dedicated forum and see if those folks have a better plug recommendation.

I believe this ought to sort out your bike's issues.

Best of luck
Harv

[ignote]

Thanks Harv! It is indeed a two stroke. I have replaced the plug before, so I have that number. Looks like a trip to the auto parts store is in order. The Venice runs great when I'm using it regularly, but yeah... if it sits for too long it seems like it gets kind of finicky. I should have had my roommates riding it while I was gone perhaps!

Jenny

[ignote]

Well, it wasn't the spark plug or battery. Not sure what else to try, so I guess it has to go to the shop...