Hard start issue.

[Cycledude]

Yamaha Tenere is very well known for the hard start issues, there is a over 50 page thread about it on this forum !
Fortunately It only happened to my 2013 twice in 50,000 miles and both times were at home in my garage.
Has never happened to my 2018 in 20,000 miles but maybe that’s because of some of the tips learned in that 50 page Hard Start thread.
The Yamaha Tenere is the only motorcycle I’ve ever owned that had this problem.

 

[Bigguy136]

I have a 2014 with 76,000 miles on it and the YTZ14S battery. Last summer, I was in Prudhoe Bay and found the bike didn't want to start. Not a great spot for this to happen but I was hoping it would pass as I went south more. No luck. After that trip (26,000 miles), I replaced spark plugs and air filter. Then I went to Utah/ Nevada area and it started happening again.
I read on here about the fuel filter causing the problem. Over the winter, I pulled the fuel pump, cleaned the main filter and replaced the teabag filter. Last month I rode to Central America and never had any issues.
Not sure what "filter" you changed. Was it air of fuel filter? I have my bike 100% stock (exhaust/ ECU ect) and has never missed a beat. This bike gives me so much confidence when I travel to so many remote places solo.

 

[sergeyd]

It would be worth the cost to have the valves checked/adjusted and get a new CCT installed. Considering the issues you are experiencing, I would not wait until 52k. Some Gen I CCTs have failed at under 50k miles. Mine, (one of the first to fail), catastrophically died at 83k. I had full warranty to repair it, but you likely don't have the YES to cover it and repairs were over $4k.

Edit - Forgot to mention it, but with your usage, you really should be using a maintenance charger like an Optimate 3

Thank you! I'm going to follow your advice and replace CCT. It's looks like a lot of work, but why not to spend a day in the garage And like you mentioned if I wait until the end It's going to cost way more then 200 for parts.

 

[sergeyd]

Me too. Until i learned what was actually happening, i was a bit obsessed with trying to solve the puzzle. I figured something was wrong with my bike when it happened to me the first time.

This is not the only FI yamaha that does this. My 2003 yamaha warrior would do it, my 2007 fz6 would do it....it seems to be something in the core yamaha fuel injection logic. I am not sure if other brands do this also?


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maybe it want to be a little bit of ducati... just a little bit of drama

 

[sergeyd]

I have a 2014 with 76,000 miles on it and the YTZ14S battery. Last summer, I was in Prudhoe Bay and found the bike didn't want to start. Not a great spot for this to happen but I was hoping it would pass as I went south more. No luck. After that trip (26,000 miles), I replaced spark plugs and air filter. Then I went to Utah/ Nevada area and it started happening again.
I read on here about the fuel filter causing the problem. Over the winter, I pulled the fuel pump, cleaned the main filter and replaced the teabag filter. Last month I rode to Central America and never had any issues.
Not sure what "filter" you changed. Was it air of fuel filter? I have my bike 100% stock (exhaust/ ECU ect) and has never missed a beat. This bike gives me so much confidence when I travel to so many remote places solo.

I replaced air filter. But since I'm going to do CCT in 5K or so fuel filter would be a good idea as well.

 

[EricV]

I replaced air filter. But since I'm going to do CCT in 5K or so fuel filter would be a good idea as well.

Be aware that the only fuel filter is inside the tank, attached to the fuel pump, plus a small one internal to the pump. As I recall, Yamaha does not sell that part separately, but @Bigguy136 might share the part number he used, as there is an aftermarket part that works.

 

[bimota]

HERE YOU ARE

Replacing/Cleaning the S10 "Tea Bag" fuel filter to restore mileage & power + Guglatech Filter.

Unfortunately Yamaha does NOT sell a replacement "tea bag" fuel filter despite it being a press on design that easily separates from the pump for cleaning. Another Yamaha Super Tenere Forum member (BWC) kindly published detailed pics & procedure of the pump removal in 2017 via this link...

www.yamahasupertenere.com

Rob

 

[sergeyd]

HERE YOU ARE

Replacing/Cleaning the S10 "Tea Bag" fuel filter to restore mileage & power + Guglatech Filter.

Unfortunately Yamaha does NOT sell a replacement "tea bag" fuel filter despite it being a press on design that easily separates from the pump for cleaning. Another Yamaha Super Tenere Forum member (BWC) kindly published detailed pics & procedure of the pump removal in 2017 via this link...

www.yamahasupertenere.com

Rob

TEA BAG? really? I have to do this! It such a cool story to tell

 

[Bigguy136]

TEA BAG? really? I have to do this! It such a cool story to tell

Yes, that is where I got them. I bought 4.
The main filter is inside the fuel pump housing. You can remove the fuel pump from the housing and back flush main filter with some gas/ low air pressure if you are comfortable doing that type of work. Amazing how much dirt came out. I did a 2nd batch of clean fuel before it looked okay. After everything is back together, put fresh fuel in and cycle the fuel pump till it is pumping clear fuel before hooking back to injectors. I used some clear Ø1/4" fuel line and was able to see it go from brown to clear.

 

[Tenman]

I have a 2014 with 76,000 miles on it and the YTZ14S battery. Last summer, I was in Prudhoe Bay and found the bike didn't want to start. Not a great spot for this to happen but I was hoping it would pass as I went south more. No luck. After that trip (26,000 miles), I replaced spark plugs and air filter. Then I went to Utah/ Nevada area and it started happening again.
I read on here about the fuel filter causing the problem. Over the winter, I pulled the fuel pump, cleaned the main filter and replaced the teabag filter. Last month I rode to Central America and never had any issues.
Not sure what "filter" you changed. Was it air of fuel filter? I have my bike 100% stock (exhaust/ ECU ect) and has never missed a beat. This bike gives me so much confidence when I travel to so many remote places solo.

I go riding solo in remote areas too. When I had a hard start 5 years ago in the La. swamp. It made me carry a lithium jumper ever since. I've had about 5 hard starts in 7 years 58k miles on my gen 1. It's been a couple of years since my last one. After my last hard start. I went straight home and cycled my key at least 10 times and couldn't make it do it again. I haven't had the 2nd recall done

 

[lddave]

What is the reasoning behind the statement only use the kill switch not the key to stop the engine?

Stop doing that.

This is your fault, not the bike.

Rules:

1). Always always always stop the bike with the KILL SWITCH never the key.




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[EricV]

What is the reasoning behind the statement only use the kill switch not the key to stop the engine?

On a Yamaha, the kill switch deactivates the fuel pump. If you just use the key all the time, there is potential for a re-prime when the gauges and ECU are doing it's start routine. If there is already pressure in the fuel line, and you move the kill switch to run, you don't get the fuel pump running like on the first cold start where it's building pressure.

That is my understanding. I never use the kill switch on my Honda, but did 100% of the time on all my Yamahas.

 

[jbrown]

Just as a data point on my 2012:
* I just turn off the key to shut off the bike. Almost never touch the kill switch.
* I don't wait for the dash power up sequence to end before hitting the starter after turning on the key.
* I recently replaced the original battery only because it was so old, not due to any problem (8 years seemed like pushing it).
* I've never had a hard start issue.

 

[Jlq1969]

I think that: 1) Turn the key to ON and wait for the pump to finish reaching the working pressure.
2) you never have to release the start button until the engine actually starts. Even though it is spinning lazily, don't let go. If you let it go before it starts and you try to start it again ..... you're doomed....

 

[lddave]

Never experienced the hard start on my 2017 Tenere and I use the key to kill the engine.
I do not remember the last time I used the kill switch on any of my motorcycles. My luck I would use the kill switch and forget the key was on and come back to a dead battery.

 

[gv550]

I’ve had 2 hard starts with my 2016 in 180,000 kms. Both times it had sat outside in near freezing temps, it cranked slow and I let off the starter to let it cool, it eventually started both times without a boost but sure cranked slow near the end. That was with the original 12S battery, no starting issues since going to a 14S. I have never used the kill switch to turn the bike off.

 

[Cycledude]

Never experienced the hard start on my 2017 Tenere and I use the key to kill the engine.
I do not remember the last time I used the kill switch on any of my motorcycles. My luck I would use the kill switch and forget the key was on and come back to a dead battery.

yes many board members have left the key turned on and killed the battery. I mostly use the side stand to shut the bike off and yes I have also accidentally killed the battery a couple of times, the main reason I developed the habit of using the side stand to shut the bike off is because many years ago I needed to use a phone booth to make a call, I parked on a slight downhill grade and as I was walking across the street heard the motorcycle tip over and break the windshield, learned my lesson not to park a motorcycle in neutral that day unless absolutely positive is won’t roll and cause the side stand to fold, leave it in gear and no worrying.

 

[WJBertrand]

The kill switch vs. the key for shutting of debate raged for decades. Truth is it does not matter as the data above demonstrates.

 

[Nikolajsen]

The kill switch vs. the key for shutting of debate raged for decades. Truth is it does not matter as the data above demonstrates.

Also my experience...I don't say there isn't a difference.
But I have used the key for all my driving years.
And this is all I will say regarding this, because in the other tread a member was (in my opinion) a bit harsh about this when I tried to argue.

 

[OldRider]

I had the cold start problems until I put in a new battery. The stock YTZ12 battery has 210 CCA and the YTZ14 a lot of riders change to has 230 CCA. I ran the YTZ14 for a couple of months and it fixed the problem. Then I went ahead and put in a FirePower Lithium battery with 300 CCA. Now it spins over a lot better and cranks up instantly.