Anyone else out there suffering from trouble starting, after their bike has spent the day standing in UK sunshine?
2008 R that has 8k miles on clock, used for occasional commute to work (East London), that has refused to start at end of day during recent heatwaves (May and June)!
First time called RAC after running down battery and bump-start failed - no real conclusion after 30 min investigation (in shade) and battery boost, but bike did start again and run smoothly home (~15 miles).
Subsequently, each time temperatures reach +30 Deg.C and bike has sat in sun, it refuses to start (fuel pump sounds like it is priming).
Pushing bike into shade, while sharing cup of tea with friendly gatehouse man, allows enough time for bike to cool down and then start on button.
This seems to have been a common problem in States with early (08) models, with film build-up in fuel pump, that jams up when unit expand in heat. Later models have modified pump that resolves issue. Has anyone in UK has same problem that has been fixed by changing fuel pump?
Currently topping up with fresh (cool) fuel and parking in shade, when thermometer rises, but guessing will have to change pump sooner or later as build-up increases and fuel pump eventually seizes up completely, even if this summer doesn't last forever!
Would appreciate comments on similar experiences or if there is a "quick-fix" available?
Plug change this weekend and fuel additive being considered.
Quick update - despite precautions taken, performance deteriorated in heat of day ,with bike cutting out on journey home and refusing to start until sat in shade for almost an hour (coincides with appearance of RAC!) So have bitten the bullet and replaced fuel pump with unit from Cycleworks (US). Straight forward process for skilled engineer with three hands! (thanks to Greenmachine making room in his sweatshop and pushing the limits of plastic fittings)
Fingers crossed for return to commuting reliability as heat wave persists.
