I would not be using starting fluid as that will take the oil off the cylinder and it's way too explosive. Use gas only a tablespoon at most otherwise you will flood the bike .
Starting a frozen bike
- Thread starter thewwkayaker
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thewwkayaker
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Ah, good to know. With fuel injection I didn't think getting fluid to the engine was the issue in the cold. Just thought it would need something more explosive.
Well the best way is throw a tarp over the bike with a dryer hose on the exhaust. It will work every time.
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thewwkayaker
Member
Won't work in the field. Only looking for field solutions eg after staying in a hut for 3 nights skiing and returning to the bike to get out.
The way we start our diesel work trucks if we decide not to leave them running all night is to use a rosebud torch with a piece of aluminum bus. Basically a five or 6 inch diameter piece of aluminum pipe we use in substations as a conductor a couple feet long with the torch in one end of it. No open flames (kind of) and the aluminum is a heat sink so it heats up super quick. You still have to be careful but usually does the trick. I would recommend a hand torch with an 18 inch piece of thick aluminum tubing that will not melt. Turn your torch on and walk away for a while with it sitting under your bike.
Yamaha‘s are great starting bikes in the cold. With a simple modification you can put a lead acid UASA battery in it and that also helps. If you want to use the LI-ion then just to make sure you have a good jump pack.
Edit Yuasa ytz7s battery
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I use starting fluid all the time. It works great as long as the engine isn't already flooded. I can't see how it washes the cylinder walls if you just give it a quick squirt. dumping liquid gas down the throat of the vertical intake Yamaha would definitely wash more oil in my opinion but no way to prove it I guess. and being explosive is the whole point isn't it? I know it has a lower octane but when you're starting a bike the ignition timing is after top dead center not before for so detonation shouldn't be a problem.
Anyway the fuel injected Yamahas do have issues when it's really cold I have fought with quite a few but didn't have the starting fluid with us at the time and no way to physically heat the bike. We had one with the recluse that we figured out we can tow it on an old track in second gear and kick it while towing so the recluse would drag just enough to start engagement.
Anyway the fuel injected Yamahas do have issues when it's really cold I have fought with quite a few but didn't have the starting fluid with us at the time and no way to physically heat the bike. We had one with the recluse that we figured out we can tow it on an old track in second gear and kick it while towing so the recluse would drag just enough to start engagement.
An idea I had for overnights off grid:
I was going to buy a couple of those giant hand warmers and when I got up in the morning, open up the engine blanket and toss them all in there and seal it back up. Give it an hour or so while I have breakfast and see if that helps starting.
Only would have any possibility of working if you have a sealed up engine compartment for sure...
I have not tested this. So don't be internet angry if you try this and it ends up being a stupid idea.
I was going to buy a couple of those giant hand warmers and when I got up in the morning, open up the engine blanket and toss them all in there and seal it back up. Give it an hour or so while I have breakfast and see if that helps starting.
Only would have any possibility of working if you have a sealed up engine compartment for sure...
I have not tested this. So don't be internet angry if you try this and it ends up being a stupid idea.
