Topic: Hard to start

[CB500_k2]

I need the advice of you experts.  I spent a winter getting my CB500out of the basket and ready for a new life.  Full clean out of the carbs, new jets and o rings (Keyster), float level adjustment, new spark plugs, balance carbs, set up ignition dwell and timing, new chain and sprockets, new clutch.  I hate to think of the price tag.  The bike now runs great. It pulls hard from 2000 to 9000 RPM, no hesitation, no oil smoke, plugs are a nice light tan.  The only problem is starting the Green Hornet up after it has sat for a few days.  Normally it starts with one or two kicks of the starter.  When it has rested for a week it takes about a full battery of charge to bring it to life.  Any ideas??

[scondon]

         Try priming the cylinders by switching the RUN switch to the "off" position and hit the starter a couple times while twisting the throttle open. Switch to the "on" position and start normally. Works best with the choke on full.

          I've had the same problem, especially on cold mornings. I've just come to assume that it's the nature of these old carbs to only work well when really warmed up.

[Gordon]

Give it a couple of kicks with the kickstarter first.  Gets things moving a little without using up the battery. 

[bryanj]

Any more than 5 days stood drain the carb floatbowls out so fresh gas from the tank gaets to the carbs. Todays "gas" goes off way quicker than it did in the 70's