My Xciting was stored for only 2 months and needed cranking for well over 30 seconds continuously before I even began to hear it try to fire. I stored it with fuel stabilizer in it and made sure to ride it a while after adding to get the stabilizer through the carb. I went out and rocked the scooter back and forth at least once a week to keep the fuel from just sitting at one level the whole time. And, like you, took battery out and kept it in good shape. Even with all that it took all that cranking. So, my advice is to just keep trying and it might just suprise you and start eventually. Don't, however, do like I did and crank continuously (that was stupid of me). Crank for about 5 or 6 seconds -- if it doesn't start, let the starter cool off for 15 or 20 seconds, then crank again.