I picked up an old Banshee 2nd hand, and Its hard to kick start hot or cold. I've gotten it kicked off a couple of times, but most of the time I end up having to jump start. It seems to have a bit of hesitation when clutching out in 1st gear. otherwise it idles OK, and once it gets in the powerband, its runs pretty good. I realize its a tough problem to diagnose, but doe anyone have suggestion on things to try?

Thanks,

mapsurfer

 

1st I would check the plugs and compression. They can tell you alot. I was just wondering where you hook up the jumper cables on a Banshee???? J/K

 

Check your compression, might need a rebuild. Hard starting is a sign of low compression, but it could be something with the carbs also. Check compression first and then let us know.

Bat

 

Bat/OutofControl,

I checked the compression and it looks to be roughly 118-120 on both cylinders.
What is the normal compression range for a stock setup?

THe plugs are a little oily(dark brown to black), but not fouled and both gaped @ .030
The right plug gets a wider and more powerful spark than the left. And when the engine
is running, the right smokes a little more than the left. I can definitely tell that one plug
wire it hotter than the other... Is that a function of the CDI

When your kick startin, do you stab the throttle on a Banshee? Or does it matter... my
KDX dirt bike needs a little juice, but I've seen some 2-strokes just flood out.

Thanks,

-map

 

That compression is probably ok, it can range from 100-140 depending on altitude.

You could have a bad plug wire, I have heard of that before. I usually dont give my banshee any throttle when starting. But every one is different.

I would try some new plugs and see, but if they are oily, you are either using too much oil, or running rich.

Bat

 

Apparently, on this ATV... not touching the while kickstarting is the ticket.
Each beast is different it seems. I tell ya man, the bottom of my foot is sore
as hell from kickin in soft-sole shoes. I am diggin on the Banshee power, but
what I'd give for a starter mod. The two thing I like about my Honda's are
(1) reverse and (2) electric starter. But hey this new toy is pretty fun and
hits hard like a dirt-bike.

Now I just gotta work on getting the cylinders to fire evenly. It still seems
boggy and rich on the low-end. Seems like its either screaming or boggin.
Well, new plugs and a carb adjustment will probably take care of business.

Hey thanks for all the help. You guys rock.

 

My bike starts easily with on or two kicks. I dont use any gas, just choke it in the morning and it will fire right up the rest of the day,

RoostKing...

 

Yep, it should start in a few kicks. After sitting for a long mine may take up to about 8 or 9 kicks but that's with a carb that was dry and sitting for a couple months and in cold weather. Normally, it''s 2 or 3 kicks after sitting a week or more. I give it maybe 1/8th throttle when starting.

Anyway, compression seems good. I would replace those plugs though. The spark plug wires are swapable between left and right so they really should spark at the same time with the same amount of spark. You may have bad reeds - cracked or chipped, that can cause hard starting. I doubt it is jetting since the choke makes it pretty rich and should overcome andy minor jetting issues.

So, check the reeds, change the plugs, choke with a tiny bit oif throttle when starting.... That's all I can think of.