Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

Hi
Just recently purchased a 98 trx Japanese model and I'm having problems starting it. I have recharged the battery as it was flat but that still hasn't fixed the problem. Wondering if maybe changing the spark plugs would help. Bike is turning over but not firing. As you can tell I am mechanically dumb but willing to give things a go as. The bike has only done 16000klm. Any thoughts would be appreciated

Hi mate, welcome aboard.
Check the 'free' things first before spending cash on plugs.
Plug caps pushed on ok?
Got fuel in tank?
Fuel tap in the on position?
Fuel lines not got kinks in?
Then get the plugs out and see if they spark ok, check their colour etc.
Dave
Ps put your location in your info: we are an international forum.

perhaps check the side stand cut out switch is not u/s.
Better check the clutch cut out switch and your kill switch while you are at it
Ignition fuse ?
Cheers
Fung

Yesman wrote:Hi
Just recently purchased a 98 trx Japanese model and I'm having problems starting it. I have recharged the battery as it was flat but that still hasn't fixed the problem. Wondering if maybe changing the spark plugs would help. Bike is turning over but not firing. As you can tell I am mechanically dumb but willing to give things a go as. The bike has only done 16000klm. Any thoughts would be appreciated

I would be very suspicious about that kilometerage (that's not even a word, is it?)
that is just over 1000 a year. not that that is a bad thing but it could reflect on any issues that you may have.
You from Aussie??????

G'day mate & welcome!

Start with the simple stuff, air, fuel & spark, expand out from there.

Take the airbox off.

Does it have spark? If not, yes, change plugs.

Carbs getting fuel? Open the drain screw & check, if not, try the fuel tap on 'prime', but don't leave it there or the bike will flood.

Whereabouts are you in Melbourne?

Yesman wrote:Hi
Just recently purchased a 98 trx Japanese model and I'm having problems starting it. I have recharged the battery as it was flat but that still hasn't fixed the problem. Wondering if maybe changing the spark plugs would help. Bike is turning over but not firing. As you can tell I am mechanically dumb but willing to give things a go as. The bike has only done 16000klm. Any thoughts would be appreciated

As has already been said, check simple stuff first and that`s all been listed already.
For a plug check you`ll need to have a plug socket or box spanner, do you have a toolkit with the bike?
You`ll find one in there if you do.
To give yourself more `room` disconnect the bottom radiator hose, catch the coolant in a clean container as you could re-use it in the short term. You`ll then be able to undo the radiator securing bolts and swing it up some to allow yourself more room to get the plugs out.
If your plugs are wet / smell of fuel you can assume the fuel is getting through the carb / s, albeit maybe not in the correct way (to be investigated further down the line if necessary).
Now, the plug caps are a `good` push fit, remove them one at a time and push them around to the side of the bike that they correspond to if sat on it so as to not mix them up when you re-fit them.
Use the plug socket or box spanner and take out a plug, again one at a time.
You do this to ascertain any visible differences in them.
Put a removed plug into the plug cap, again tight push fit, then hold the threaded portion of the plug body against a good earth point on the bike (unpainted surface), you should be able to see a spark at the plug if you turn the engine over on the starter.
If you don`t see a spark you could try another plug, ANY known good plug will do it doesn`t have to be one for the TRX.
No spark?
Come back to this thread and tell us, we`ll all try to talk you through what to do next.

Good luck.

Has the bike been stood for any length of time?

Was it running when you bought it, or did you buy it as a non-runner?

Maybe the carb float bowls are gummed up with old fuel, and the fuel just isn't getting through to the cylinders (something else for the ever growing To Do/Check list!).

Good luck & Welcome aboard BTW!

Hi
thanks for the responses I will try these things and let you know how I get on