My last model DL1000 was one of first fabricated. I've got good deal on it but I knew it would come with some problems. One of them was air entering front brake system. That one was solved after 6 months of troubleshooting.
But there is one more. "Easy Start" sometimes simply refuses to work. I press the start button and - nothing. If I squeeze the clutch it turns and starts no problem. On ocasions when Easy Start is not working I also have to keep the start button pressed, just like on my previous '14 model.
I mean, it's not big deal. I don't really need it and it's just intermittent fault. My dealer really tried hard but can´t find anything.
The bike is not under warranty anymore but I made sure to make complaint about this one while it still was.
Easy Start? Mine is a 2002. I always pull the clutch lever in before starting the engine - always have on all my bikes and cars. I figure there is less mass for the starter motor to spin that way. That said, I have tried cranking the V-Strom a few times without disengaging the clutch and nothing. Do you mean it SHOULD start in neutral without pulling the clutch lever in?
Conventional starter switches needed to be pressed by the rider until the engine starts, but the new V-Strom 1000 ABS has adopted the Suzuki Easy Start System enabling the engine to start with one push of the button. A computerized ECM checks the status and disengages the starter motor immediately after start.
・Not available on the North American Spec
I would still think that you would need to pull in the clutch.
I just went out to start my 2017 (not sure of the build date) US 49-state DL650 A to confirm. Yep it has it. It will start in neutral without pulling in the clutch, kickstand up or down. In gear, the clutch lever must be pulled in, and the kickstand must be up for it to turn over.
Thanks guys. I can say from this that my 2002 does not have an Easy Start system. I guess the clutch switch must also be closed to complete the start circuit. That's OK with me.
Easy Start for VStrom was introduced only on the latest model. That means model fabricated sometimes mid 2017 and afterwards.
I was not aware of the feature missing on US bikes.
However, I can't count on mine anymore.
My easy start doesn't work (2018), never has. One of several advertised features that are false representations... the other glaring one is "aluminum fat bar" (it's steel).
It is absolutely advertised as being on NA models. There was even a cardboard placard on mine as it sat on the showroom floor boasting about the 2018 advancements and that was clearly described.
I could give two shits about fast start... But I also thought it was on my 2018 due to advertising. Seems like a silly thing to be deceptive about. Sure hope they weren't playing April fool's about the cornering abs.
I also don't care, but like you, it makes me question the reliability of other claims.
When we bought our 4Runner in 2017 there was a placard on it describing all the "Toyota Safety Sense" technology like lane departure, adaptive cruise, etc. Dealer made a big deal about it, too. Except... they didn't start putting it on their trucks / 4wd until 2019-20 MY... so much like Suzuki, they were advertising non existent features.
Again, don't care, but it calls overall honesty into question.
I'd be happier if I didn't have it. But to have it in sometimes or almost never working condition on perfectly good bike is much worse. I feel like having the bike with something broken on it by just looking at it.
Mine has similar issues, sometimes starts with clutch out, sometimes has to be in. Sometimes no easy start, sometimes its there....
I have noted that if I try to start with clutch in first try, it requires it for the next but not if you hit the button first time with no clutch.
Oh good grief. Turning a key and pushing a button IS easy start. I'm sure I pushed and kicked a Norton more than I ever rode it. But I sure looked good doing it! Best, DD
I'm not sure if it is a 650 vs 1000 thing, or if the Canadian models are different (I know the Admore brake light kit is different for US and CDN 650 stroms) but my 650 starts with the easy start. In neutral, side stand down, clutch not pulled in; turn key, press starter button and release, and bike starts and runs perfectly. I then can look super-cool, dropping helmets and gloves and sunglasses as I fumble around getting my gear on.
I know this is a 1000 topic, but I just wanted to say that it does exist and does work. Clearly it has to be present on the bike. Frankly, I kind of like it.
I like it too. Not saying I couldn't live without it as all my previous bikes didn't have it. It's just cool starting it with one hand while other hand is holding the helmet. Well, in the morning I first start the bike and then do all the rest (helmet, gloves, locks...). Now I have to lay everything down on the seat again to start the bike. Not the end of the world but I kinda liked it.
Just discovered why mine is sometimes working and sometimes not. When bike is parked for few days without starting it, the system will not work. Then during the day it works without problems. Well, this bike is a bit different then my previous '14 DL1000. That one would start after not touching it for week or two just after spinning the starter motor 4-5 revolutions. This new one looks like it gets starved of fuel completely on those ocasions. Today, it again refused to work with "Easy Start". Well, it started by holding the cluch and start button but the starter motor spinned like 20-30 revolutions and then it started. So, I remembered when ever Easy Start refused to work, the bike would spin the starter a lot before engine started.
Conclusion is simple. It looks like the bike "knows" that Easy Start couldn't start it because it has number of starter motor revolutions limit and it's like: "Why bother, you start it yourself because I need more time to get the fuel everywhere it's needed..."
Now, getting starved so much after week or two without riding it... I don't know if it's normal.
And yes, this morning I tried ignition on and off few times so pump had more then enough time to prime. And yet, no Easy Start as the bike was not used for 15 days and the starter spinned for 10 seconds before the engine started.
Sounds like the feature should be called easy restart, not easy start. If it requires gas in the lines to function, then over time that won't work out too well.
I would never hold my starter for 10 seconds, that is a good way to burn it out. 3 seconds max for me, let it cool a few seconds and try again.
Just for grins...maybe unplug your battery for an hour or so to sort of reset the ecm / other electronics. I mean, it's a computer, after all, and may just need a reboot!
Guys. I have this issue too
I don’t think it’s related to engine not running for few days. I think it is the temperature. In the summer I have not used the bike for 3 weeks and I had no issue at all and when the first time I turned the engine on. This morning after a weekend not using the bike with 2 degrees outside it happened. Last year precisely the same.
I’m going to Suzuki for a check. I will let you know.
I have a feeling the battery could be the issue.
Just talked to my dealer who is great friend of mine and very helpful in this kind of situations. He said there is nothing official but only rumors that DL1000 with easy start brings factory installed battery that is not capable of taking care of the system. The system needs a lot of juice and that the battery can offer only on its 100% capacity. Now, he said, better don't expect Suzuki to admit the error any time soon and replace the batteries on all DL1000. Still, he said, it's only rumors, nothing official.
It may be the answer. Today I had no Easy Start in the morning. Rode for 15-20 miles and stopped by one shop. On my way out, tried just to see if it started to work. Without clutch (in neutral) - nothing. Clutch in - it was enough just to touch starter button, no need to hold it (this morning I had to hold it with clutch in). Then, after 10-15 miles more and another stop, everything started to work fine and kept working for the rest of the day.
Now, yes it's winter, battery holds less charge and the system works after riding some miles and battery gets fully charged. So, the battery theory may be truth, I don't know.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
StromTrooper
1.7M posts
66.6K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to all Suzuki Strom owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, purchasing, reviews, accessories, maintenance, and more!