Sidewinder Cold Start

[FrozenTows4]

What is the coldest temperature that your 998cc Sidewinder has started without assistance?

My previous 2014 XF7000 1049cc non turbo absolutely would not start at -10f.
Did all the relay stuff, turn key wait, etc. Still needed heat or would not start.
Then the valves got tight at 6500 miles. Sold.

Don't want to go through the same thing again.
Can pick up a new, zero miles Riot EPS ATAC for $16,280.18 out the door.

Looks like a pretty sweet ride. But, if it doesn't start cold, I'll pass.
Is the 998cc as prone as the 1049cc for not starting cold, pre-mature valve adjustments, etc?
Would appreciate some coaching and encouragement here.

 

[NYTurbo]

-30 no problems with a lithium battery as well. Your issue was probably tight valves for a while, they don’t t start worth a crap like that. I’ve adjusted a pile of 1049s and the cold starts improved dramatically

 

[sxr70001]

The 1049’s had junky cat computers. 998’s have the Yamaha Mitsubishi ECM. Much better all around.

 

[Turboflash]

Coldest I distinctly remember was -25F. Conventional AGM battery 320 CCA. 0W-30 Amsoil Signature Series oil. Valves in proper adjustment (.007" intake, .009" exhaust). Tune was PEFI Stage 3R (300 HP) with PEFI CAI. PEFI fuel system upgrade, battery-direct fuel pump relay. Plugs CR9-EV. Engine lit right up.

 

[sideshowBob]

My SW usually sits in a heated garage for completely cold start although I did start it a couple times after being outside overnight.
The coldest temp I remember was only around -30C or -20F so not real cold.
Oil makes a huge difference, I use 0w30 synthetic and I also am using an EarthX lithium battery.

 

[FrozenTows4]

Nice. Very encouraging.
Pretty sure I'll be picking up the Riot 9000.

How often are we adjusting valves?
Manual says valve check at 5,000 miles.
Average season for me is 3,000 miles. So, every other season?

 

[stgdz]

The 1049’s had junky cat computers. 998’s have the Yamaha Mitsubishi ECM. Much better all around.

I've considered picking up a cross tour ish 1049 for the wife but I may just go straight to the 998.

 

[Turboflash]

Nice. Very encouraging.
Pretty sure I'll be picking up the Riot 9000.

How often are we adjusting valves?
Manual says valve check at 5,000 miles.
Average season for me is 3,000 miles. So, every other season?

I have a Stage 4 2017 Cat I bought new. Back then, the manual said to check/adjust valve shim every 25,000 miles! No kidding.
I have checked shim at 7500 miles and none were off. Not sure why newer manuals state 5,000 miles. IMO, it's not necessary to do it that often.

 

[slimjim2525]

-30 here. Started right up with no issues. Stock yuasa battery.

 

[Froggy]

Just a word of caution, if you are in the extreme cold and your sled starts up do not shut it off while you finish packing your saddlebags. I was with a group in northern Quebec and we had one fellow with the Cat 9000 announce that he was going to shut his off while he finished getting ready and the rest of our group said not to do that but he did shut it off. Guess who didn't know where the fuse/relay box is and how to access it. Don't worry at -30 Celsius your sled will not overheat in 5-10 minutes.

 

[stgdz]

I'd be more worried about fouling a plug in that case.

 

[slimjim2525]

If it won't start in extreme cold, pour cold water over then engine.

 

[Simplespeed]

2006 Apex GT would fire right up at -30 but at -40 would always add jump box to stock battery. Seem that anything under -30 was the point of assistance. 2017 Sidewinder has never had a issue as it gets plugged in to charger after use but also in heated garage most always… 2024 Sidewinder has yet to see any cold temperatures as no miles on it yet…. I always carry a jump box on trips or trail rides.. Gets alot of use by others it seems… lol….

 

[Sevey]

-30 degrees C and it started ok. The starter was sure sluggish.
On our indy xc 600 - the starter woulndt even turn the engine over, had to use the pull cord.

Interesting story - that same morning a guy with an Apex was having mega issues. The lodge owner went over to help and had him turn it over and he grabbed the throttle wide open and it fired up. He said he sees this all the time and believes the ecu isnt providing enough fuel in that cold kind of cold to fire. Food for thought......
MS