DT 300i Wouldn't Start

[Syl]

Great Day for a change 60 degree's so taken off trickle charge, out of the garage, no problem. Went to work, parked unit for three hour's and to go home, it wouldn't start....damn. I tried turning it over about 6-8 times making sure, stand up, kill switch set properly, brake handle compressed and plenty of fuel (about 3/4 tank). I sat there awhile thinking and sort of depressed due to only about 60 miles on this unit and this. Thinking I may have to call for a pick-up or otherwise, I also thought maybe try throttling up a bit. Unit seemed to sputter after so many seconds and finally kicked over. I sure hope this is no indication of little querk's happening with this unit....again...damn. Stopped at the dealership and of course you know, it started from stop..no problem. Last word, make a list of all this and when it is brought in after a bit more miles it will have a thorough going over....again..damn. Another crazy thing I noted and showed them. The front wheel is very slightly off in connection with the handle bars. Or the other way around, if the handle bar is centered as best one can to straight, the wheel is very slighlt off. I noted this today going down the highway and if I centered the handle bar the unit would start walking to the right....damn. Oh well gonna get enough miles on than into the shop where I want to be when it is gone over.....damn !!

[Whisper]

Syl, you have the worst luck ever.  (>.< )

A little twist of the throttle is sometimes necessary when cranking it after it sits for a while.  Especially during breakin - When that engine is TIGHT.  If you ever cannot get it started, pull the spark plug.  Not only can you check the gapping, but if it is wet, you know there is a flooding problem - If it is dry, it could be fuel pump or injector.  Since your bike did eventually start and started well after that, it is probably going to be A-ok.  Start it up every day for the next few days, if possible and see if it acts up again.  We'll try to help.

The handle bar thing is BAD.  Are you SURE it is the handlebars and tire not aligning!?!  Because at highway speeds, you counter steer - Turn the bars right and you'll go left (crazy but true - Gyroscopic Precession and such).  and vica versa.  Unlike a bicycle, the bars should be locked in straight via design and assembly.  Fixing them is simply loosening the fork tubes from the triple tree - They usually twist into alignment.  Have you checked your rear suspension to make sure they are both set to the same preload?  If they aren't you'll experience that 'drifting'.  Are you sure it wasn't the crown of the road?  At any rate - CHECK your preload and definitely bring it up to the dealer.  Is the clearance of the wheel even with the front fork tubes on either side?

[Hoolander2]

Yes, a good twist of the throttle does it for my 500 when it doesn't want to start.  Over the last few days I've tried using regular grade gasoline instead of premium.  It became more tempermental about starting so I've gone back to using premium. 

[Syl]

Thanks for the reply's to my "bad Luck" or just my newbie time! Whisper, I am not sure about that alignment. I tried different places on the highway and kept getting the same look on the handle bars (turned slightly left) while the unit was traveling straight such as on a safe area (road line) etc. It gave me the feeling of when as kids I used to ride a bycycle and once and awhile the handle bars would be turned left or right when the front wheel is straight forward. One would straddle the front wheel and muscle the handle bar as straight as possible!! One thing I didn't ask the service dept. was, how many miles before bringing it in? I am not degrading this unit by no means, I am looking forward to total enjoyment. I want to ask here, those that have the DT 300i, did they/you have a feeling of the unit vibrating or sounding/feeling like a hammer drill? If so, how long, miles, did it take to break in the new engine? Sure wished there was a DT 300i, 2011 near my location to meet up and discuss with another owner first hand. Of course this Forum as I said many times is fantastic to be able to discuss issue's with friendly people willing to help. I wish the heck the world was orientated to that degree of....."why can't we all get along". I've met so many people in my life through military, employment and otherwise and enjoy this Forum relationship...thanks!

[Hoolander2]

Straddling the wheel and muscling the handlbars will work on your scoot too but you may have to loosen the fork pinch bolts (upper and lower) first.  Don't loosen too much.  Then be sure to check that both forks are at the same level.  My 500 forks have a little line or groove machined into them where they're supposed to match the top triple tree.

[Syl]

Went to work today, parking and all the same as the day it didn't start. Today, started normal first try.