2009 bike with starting problem

[davidgibson999]

Hi folks
Have a new 09 varadero.  A couple of times it's been reluctant to start (after 9000 miles since June it's only happened 4 times so it's not a common problem) - the first two times the tank was virtually empty, it was on its sidestand, and I assumed (maybe wrongly) that there wasn't enough fuel and when it was started on the centre stand there wasn't a problem.  However I've just returned from Spain and it happened twice with full fuel tank - I was parked beside a TV media truck both times and I'm wondering could all the signals have confused it?  Still within warranty obviously so if there's a problem I'd like to get it sorted.  Anyone got any suggestions?

[Tarwdu]

Get the dealer to check the kill switch and the sidestand switch.  The kill switch is playing up on mine,  but if I flick it a few times its ok for a while then.

[loudpedal]

Hi David.

Mine will also do this.
I have found that if it don't start first time right away. Stop.

Turn it off wait 5 seconds and turn it on again, it will fire up right away.
As you say only a few times this has happened.
I put it down to different fuel while moving from one country to another.

Hope you still enjoying your bike.
Most people I know who complain about turbulence have sorted it with a MRA screen.


Loudpedal

[davidgibson999]

Thanks for reply - that's what i've done each time - stop, turn off and try again and all's well..
Got the MRA screen - still adjusting it to try and improve it!

[davidgibson999]

update: happened again today - noticed that the FI light had not gone out.  Switched off and restarted no problem.

[fishingpete]

i have 09 with same problem/quirk, it happens when lowish on fuel only although turn key off rock back and forth (bike not me ! ) and it'll fire up !!! it's the f i light which doesn't go off and it fails to start so will inquire at next service, have done 2800 so 1200 to go !! will keeep you informed pete

[**ADAM**]

Hi guys,

I have both good and bad news for you.
The bad news: this is an electrical problem which happens (sooner or later) with ALL newer Varaderos
The good news: I know what causes the problem and I know how to "fix" it.

When the FI light does not go out, you do following:
- Keep ignition ON
- Turn off the RED SWITCH on the right side of the handlebar (like you want to stop the engine)
- Press the start button for like 1-2 seconds, so that the enginge moves to another position
- Turn on the RED SWITCH
- The FI light should now go out. Start your bike.

Many Honda dealers have not even heard about this "trick". But believe me, it does work. And this is the only solutions to the problem.

The problem is caused by one sensor of the immobilizer system (inside the engine) which sometimes stops in an inappropriate position and sends false signals.

(Sorry I can not explain this better, but being from Budapest, Hungary, that is the best I can do).

Anyway. Next time your FI light is reluctant to go out, proceed as told above.

Do not let this small problem come between you and your bike

[davidgibson999]

phoned the dealer today and they are aware of the issue and it seems to affect CBF1000, CBR600 as well as the Varadero 1000.  He says that unless the FI light flashes then the bike hasn't detected a fault so there's no merit in bringing it into the workshop to hook it up to the diagnostic computer.  As I said, it's happened 5 times in 9000 miles and hasn't been a show stopper so I'll run with it and keep enjoying it unless lights begin to flash!

[Tarwdu]

I have a 58 reg CBF 600 which did this.  Took it back and they said there was a recall on lots of CBF's.  They ended up changing the entire wiring loom.

Dunno if this helps.

[davidgibson999]

hopefully it won't come to that  <noway>

[qtour]

Hi guys,

I have both good and bad news for you.
The bad news: this is an electrical problem which happens (sooner or later) with ALL newer Varaderos
The good news: I know what causes the problem and I know how to "fix" it.

Thats something I can try later Adam thank you!