Very, very difficult to start

[JayGee]

I've been unable to ride for a couple of months during which the Gs has been in the garage under a couple of old sheets. I've charged the battery and I charged it again the day before trying to start it. I use an optimateII with the battery disconnected.
When I tried to start it the engine turned over but was unwilling to fire. I got to the stage when the battery was almost flat and wouldn't turn over the engine. I waited a few minutes and tried again keeping my fingure on the button until at long last it fired up, a bit shakey and rattly at first but eventually OK. Not too impressed as my previous bikes always started first push provided there was enough juice in the battery.
Not sure whether I should start it every week just to remind it and stop it getting so lazy, what do you think?

 

[Mr K]

A general tip is not to spin the starter for more than say five seconds at a time: They overheat and become less efficient. Let it rest for the same amount of time between "spins"

......also pull the clutch lever in whilst trying to start the engine.

Hope this helps.

 

[Vendome 41]

A weekly ride might be a solution