Dumb questions for a 1993 CBR 600 F2:

My bike doesn't start right up, if I jump it it does, but I let it idle for quite a while, shut it off, and then it doesn't start again. Battery fried? I even jumped it today, rode it around, shut it off and it wouldn't start again. The guy said the battery was only a year old so I figured with a boost it'd be fine

What kind of battery do I get? Can I get it at Wal-Mart or something? Or should I try to charge it more (charger has 3 settings 1.) 6v 2.) 12v 3.) 6v-12v boost/charge...which one should I set it on?)? lol...sorry guys this is my first bike and I literally have never messed around with batteries or anything electrical in my life (even on cars).

Also, do I need my license to register the bike? Or just proof of insurance and the proper forms? I have no plates...I am still waiting for my MSF papers to get my license/insurance discount

Thanks in advance...flame if you want I know these are dumb questions.

PS: Idles at 1500 normal? And when I roll on the throttle it doesn't automatically "respring" itself back...is that normal? Oh yeah, and I have to use 93 octane correct? I think 87 is in there now

 

It's not really the battery if your starter motor is turning it. I'd either look into the ignition or the carb.

You'll have to check your state laws for registration. I'm pretty sure you'll have to have insurance, though, and here, I only had a 10 day period to get my license from the day I insured it before they cancelled.

 

Yeah, it cranks over fine just doesn't catch and start...sometimes it will when I give it gas...or it won't and the battery will just drain and it won't even crank any more. When I put a battery booster on it it starts right up so I figured it was just the battery...I'll have to take it to a shop or something if it's not just the battery.

 

sometimes it can be the battery also. My old bike would do the same thing, turn and turn, stick a jumper on it and it would fire right up.

 

What voltage is a motorcycle battery? 6 or 12?

Also searched google...how do I change the rear shock setting? When I sit on it it doesn't dampen at all so it must be set pretty stiff...I'd like it to go down when I sit on it so I can touch more...

 

it's a 12v system. you can get the battery at wally-world, just use the computerized look-up system that they have in the battery department... or just ask one of the employees for help.

as for registration... at least here in IL, you only need the title/VIN to register the bike. you can get a learners permit (you take a written exam) to hold you over until you get the MSF class done.

 

I had a problem like that with my F3, it was the regulator/rectifier, wasn't recharging the battery when I was riding it. Search on ebay for a new one.

 

Okay, so idle should be around 1500 so that's normal and I just filled her up with 93 octane...how about the rear shock adjustment and the throttle not "respringing"?

I charged the battery before starting it for a couple minutes and it started right up, went to get gas and it started right up again, so we'll see if this is a recurring problem. Is there any other way to tell if it's the regulator/rectifier? Easy fix? I know on Ebay they are a little over $100+

Going to be taking it to the shop for a full tune-up...carbs/valves/oil/plugs/chain/etc.

 

Don't start the bike up and let it idle without some revs. It will foul your plugs thus making it hard to (or not) start. If your battery keeps dying after riding, then your rectifier is probably dead, which is common on these bikes. But my guess is your plugs are fouled, and your carbs are dirty, and just sitting there cranking it is draining the battery. Pull the plugs, clean them off, and if you have a few hours, pull the carbs and clean them and see what happens. I had some trouble getting my f3 started, but after swapping the plugs and cleaning the carbs she fires right up with a little choke

 

Oh okay didn't know that. Yeah, she's going in this weekend for a full tune-up...the last tune-up it had was in 2000 and there have been only 5000 miles put on it since then...so I imagine it definetely needs it.

 

Well dropped her for the first time Pulling into a buddy of mines gas station I wasn't even thinking...I was veering left, breaking, leaning (for the one cheek sneak), and couldn't even tell you what I was looking at.

Pretty dumb on my part, but only a few scratches on the bike...I jumped up as quick as I could to pick it back up and make sure nobody saw Very embarrassing! But better at a stop than on the road I guess.

It seems the only problems (confidense issues) I'm having are when coming to stops because I can't touch both feet down. I just always straighten up the bike if I have to and lean a little to the left so I can get that foot down. I've been practicing in a few parking lots...been doing okay but there were still a couple times where I almost lost it...makes me nervous

Can anyone tell me how to adjust the rear shock? I think it's set on 1 is that the stiffest?

 

The preload? The first setting is the softest.

 

Oh crap lol...well I guess I just have to get use to it. It's been raining this entire week plus working 60+ hours I've only been able to ride like 30 miles. Trying to get use to local roads and back roads before I go anywhere high in traffic...plus lights on hills scare the crap out of me thus far.

 

no one is going to laugh at you for dropping your bike...everybody does it eventually. Hills are no problem...just brake regularly, have your foot on the rear brakes and start like you normally would.

 

To attempt to answer some of your questions:

-The bike doesn't turn over because the battery voltage is low. Apparently it's enough to run the starter, but not get fuel to the cylinders.

-Battery: the battery might have been 1 yr old, and there could be a Reg/Rect issue which is keeping it from getting properly recharged. Keep your reciept for the battery you just bought, and if the bike dies and the battery is beyond saving, get a new R/R and use the warranty to get a new free battery.

-i believe the F2 runs on 87 octane. 93 won't hurt it, but i don't htink it's necessary.

-rear preload: 1 is the softest setting.

-confidence: don't worry, with more seat time you'll be fine. I think what you're doing is rushing yourself to get a foot down and throwing your balance off. Once you have more seat time, your balance will improve and you'll find that you can pretty much sit still at a light and keep the bike balanced for at least a little bit. then calmly put whichever foot you want down. you'll be fine.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">To attempt to answer some of your questions:

-The bike doesn't turn over because the battery voltage is low. Apparently it's enough to run the starter, but not get fuel to the cylinders.

-Battery: the battery might have been 1 yr old, and there could be a Reg/Rect issue which is keeping it from getting properly recharged. Keep your reciept for the battery you just bought, and if the bike dies and the battery is beyond saving, get a new R/R and use the warranty to get a new free battery.

-i believe the F2 runs on 87 octane. 93 won't hurt it, but i don't htink it's necessary.

-rear preload: 1 is the softest setting.

-confidence: don't worry, with more seat time you'll be fine. I think what you're doing is rushing yourself to get a foot down and throwing your balance off. Once you have more seat time, your balance will improve and you'll find that you can pretty much sit still at a light and keep the bike balanced for at least a little bit. then calmly put whichever foot you want down. you'll be fine.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks! That definetely helped a lot. It is the R/R because it's good for a few starts and then it starts to take longer and longer until it doesn't start. I'm not sure if it would be cheaper for me to try and fix it myself and buying a manual or just taking it to a shop.

I made another rookie mistake of leaving my fuel switch off and having the bike shut off in a 55mph zone lol...luckily I didn't panick and pulled over (right in front of a shop who gave me a jump because it wouldn't start again).

So far I've got somewhere around 80 miles under my belt. I'm definetely getting the hang of it and gaining confidence little by little...I pay so much attention to my surroundings I'm actually tired after most rides lol. I always have to remind myself to keep my arms relaxed or they definetely get tired too.

I'm also getting the hang of the "one cheek sneak" and leaning my body over rather the bike (that's how I dumped it earlier). And also realizing the more front break I use coming to a stop the more control I have and can put my foot down smoothly rather suddenly. Before I think I was relying on down shifting and stopping suddenly which was definetely shaky to say the least.
Thanks again!

 

Well, maybe not now, but hard braking is a skill you need to practice on and get really good at. You need to learn to use both brakes together to stop as quickly as possible.

 

I've been practicing that in a few parking lots. Going both counter-clockwise and clockwise, still something to get use to...because this isn't one of those ancient 250cc MSF course bikes.

I was questioning whether or not to lower the bike an inch but figure if I can live without it and just get use to it I'd save some money...plus if I resell it I wouldn't have to worry about it.

 

hit me at wm5holla@yahoo we need to talk