Hi

I am having difficulty starting my 2011 heritage of late it has just clocked 60000km, at startup she coughs and backfires and is generally difficult to start hot or cold. By accident I have discovered if I stop the motor using the ignition I dont have the problem, it seems to be only if the kill switch is used to stop the motor when I have an issue starting. To overcome this issue I have temporarily taped the kill switch to prevent use. could anyone advise what may be happening and whar remedial action is required.

Cheers Ex

 

If you pull your air filter housing off the bike you will see a small hole just in front off the throttle blade where the IAC is mounted. If you spray carby cleaner into the hole and catch the crap that comes out with a old rag or paper towel etc this will hopfully fix your problem.

I was always of the impression that the kill switch was only for " emergencies" and that the the ignition switch should always be used 99.9% of the time to stop the motor.

So that's how I've done it for Donkeys years. Indeed on DBW bikes you have to let the bike idle and then use only the ignition switch for turnoff

As said , cleaning the IAC is a good start.

How old are the spark plugs ? Another cheap fix if it'll help