I have a traxter with 7000 miles on it and it has been an excellent machine, it runs, drives, and looks like new yet; very impressed. Earlier this winter it was having starting problems so I have a few things people can try. It starts great now in the cold. There is a larger Yausa battery that is available which is completely sealed so no maitenence is necessary. However, it is a little longer and narrower than the factory battery so little modification is necessary to make it fit in its spot. This battery cost $100 but I was happy to pay that because it cranks the engine over much faster and I anticipate it will solve starting problems for years to come. I have also heard of Quests having starting problems which this larger battery solved. Another thing I do is replace the spark plugs once a year (i put 2000 miles a year on) but it helps if you make sure they are at least clean. In addition, in extreme weather conditions, there is a primer kit available as an option that I guess would held in the cold. I highly recommend this larger battery. If you are really ambitious, you could stick a car battery in that large bin, and then you'd really have some starting power. I think its a good idea to run some iso- heat (in the red bottle) during winter months too, because this will keep gas from freezing in the jets, which I had a problem with once. (Coldest temps I ride in = -15 degrees F.) (the larger batt should be available at dealer)

 

Just curiosity but when was your valve clearance checked. I have a DS 650 and it may be a different animal but unless you have self adjusting valves that might be why you were experiencing hard starts. I suspected battery on mine also and replaced that before valve check and found my intake valves were way to tight which makes starting hard. after they were adjusted it started much easier in the cold and when warm. it turned out the original battery was still working fine on a load test.

 

OK -- I might have been exagerating a little when I said my machine still looks like new. I guess it looks pretty darn good for what its been through though. Yes -- the rotax in the traxter has hydraulic lifters which never need any adjustments so that isnt a problem. What do you people think about running 15W-40 year round -- I dont but I am going to start becase my machine works hard in the winter time and i think heavier oil would be better.

 

I FINALLY found my cure for the cold winter day hard starts...put a little heater next to it to warm the block up and she'll start right up.

Works for me at least [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]