RK Tek head
 

Could the higher compression RK head cause more starting issues? I have done all of the updates, new cables and new battery but the bike still has trouble starting. I wonder if the head could be causing it.

Kelsey reccomended happing the spark plug to .018 so a very small gap. Does anybody know where this number came from or has tried different numbers and what were the results? I?m not doubting him just wondering how he came up with that number and if anyone has tried anything different.

Well, I initially had problems with my starter, did all the upgrades, battery, cables, remap. Still had no joy.
What I found it to be was the bearing for item 16 (start shaft) was no good. Would never work when cold and then sometimes when hot. While removing the bearing I had to heat it, then the shaft would turn. New bearing and good to go.
As far as the RK Tech head causing an issue I doubt it, I installed my new head about 4 weeks ago and have not had any starter issues. Still working out the jetting but that's another story.

Does your new battery have at least 240 CCA? On 2018s a battery with 180 CCA, for instance, won?t to do the job! My dealer tried a couple of options, and the GG recommendation was the one that worked.

BTW, the 2019s would start with the smaller stock 2018 battery. Wish I knew what they changed. But my 2018 starts great now, cable update and the right battery did it for me.

It?s a 220 CCA shorai. It?s the biggest I could find that would fit. Where did you get the 240?
Wimpy525 what size batter do you have?

I have a 240 anti-gravity, my dealer hooked me up with. But again if I was you I would pull that ignition cover and check that bearing. I think my bike would start on the stock battery now.

If it is cold where you live, the lithium batteries work better if you warm them up a little bit before you start the bike.

https://youtu.be/aLS6iut15TA

It seems like the 220 CCA Shorai would be enough. One way to find out is to hook up to a bigger battery with known higher CCA just to find out if that works. For instance, I set a jet ski battery (360 CCA or so) on the subframe (since it wouldn't fit in the battery box) and attached the cables as a test. My bike started right up.

With a CCA that is too low, sometimes the engine will spin over just fine - it cranks nicely...and cranks, and cranks...without starting. I am with those who believe that there is a large amperage draw somewhere in the system (maybe the starter) which does not leave enough to create a strong spark.

Info. on an 240 CCA battery can be obtained from GG Tech Bulletin TB-GG-17-12 which I will send to you, thanks to Kiwigasgas (http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/sho...t=23392&page=7).

Have your dealer contact GasGas USA per the bulletin. They recommend an Antigravity YTZ-8. My dealer only got $10 off of the list price; I had expected the discount to be higher. But there may have been some confusion in our communication with GG.

Don't stop trying things until you figure things out and get that starter fixed! It is possible, and you will be happy! It's a great bike :)

Jeff

Where did you get the bearing from?

I did not mention a bearing.

Hey Wimpy525 how did you go about removing the bevel gear and the shaft?

Was it just heat and BFI? (Brute Force and Ignorance)