Banger
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Carpe Zookem
Posts: 159
Tennessee, USA
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Okay, I had this trouble back in the summer and never had difficulties getting her started in first gear after a good push down a fairly steep hill. Even if it was a cold engine.
I pushed her up this short, steep hill at our apartment complex to push start because I, too had turned the key the wrong way the day before. Backed it up to the very corner of the parking lot while in neutral and pushed with my legs at least halfway down the hill. The more speed I was carrying, the better.
I clutched and downshifted into first. I heard the trademark whine of my Zook, which I usually hear it make when I pull up to stop lights and shift to first at anything above 12-15 miles an hour. Slowly ease out the clutch, and the cylinder springs to life.
First time only got a grumble from it, but the second time (and every successive day that week) I got it on the first try. Once the cylinder started to catch, I'd let the clutch out the rest of the way and it would usually fire up. At that point, almost immediately, I'd pull the clutch again, brake to a stop, and give it some throttle to keep it alive since it was cold.
It's a combination, but starts in first gear while cold can be done without locking the rear tire. Do not "pop" the clutch. I think that's key. If you do, you're just asking for trouble. Engage the clutch like you would any other time, pulling away from a stop or traffic light, then as soon as it fires up, yank the clutch back in and give it some gas.
A brief word about charging: Many motorcycles (not sure if the Savage fits the bill, though) only charge the battery if your engine speed is above a given RPM. For instance, the old Honda CB500T didn't charge the battery unless the engine was turning 2,000 RPM or better. I'd suspect the Savage is the same, but I'm not sure as I've never seen documentation on it. Regardless, if your battery has died, it wouldn't hurt to take her out for a 50-70 mph ride on your nearest stretch of highway. It turned out my battery wouldn't hold a charge after being drained, but it was a (n)EverStart. I replaced it with the factory battery because the terminals on the EverStart didn't work well with the battery box. No problems since.
I now always remember to make sure that key's OFF instead of in P!
Regards, Banger =======
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