Hello and help for a new '09 FE 450 owner

Hi all,

First of all I'd like to say a quick hello, very new to the enduro world and picked up my first bike last month, an '09 FE 450 with 90 hours on. I bought the bike from Ireland and it was described as "ready to wheelie" out of the van, unfortunately upon delivery that wasn't the case, weep from the water pump assy hole, damaged water pump rotor so I set about replacing the entire water pump assembly.

I've now completed this and in the process had the magneto cover aqua cleaned along with the water pump cover and clutch cover however, now the bikes back together it won't start, see video below



any ideas where the issue may lie?

Many thanks in advance and pics of the damaged rotor etc attached for your viewing pleasure

Nick.

Nearly 100 views and no reply, is this the newb "another won't start thread" shun I'm new to enduro/dirt bikes and motorbikes in general so was after some guidance, having another look at it today so hopefully I can find out why she won't fire, all the fuses look ok, ive checked all the electrical connections and all seem tight and connected, next is checking for spark and fuel.

Alan said:

Doesn’t sound like there is compression. That or the torque limiter is slipping.

What have you checked? You haven’t given any indication that you have checked anything but want others to solve the issue. Get into mate and start with the basic checks.

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Yeah, I think I probably panic posted Alan, as I say very new to bikes so it's all new to me, working on it tonight with a friend so will report back!

Hi Guys, firstly thanks for the replies, the bikes all working now and flying, amazed on the most aggressive setting I can wheelie in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Awesome bike!!! I haven't stopped smiling.

The issue was caused by not using a washer on one of the rhs engine case bolts, crazy but true, pinched the case enough to stop the water pump impeller from spinning.

Tony, the 450 is fast so I dread to think what the 570's like! you'll be grinning from ear to ear.

All the best,

Nick.

Alan said:

Good news and great investigating.

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Thanks Alan and thanks for your earlier reply, sometimes you need knocking down a peg to get your arse in gear!

Hey guys, thought I'd post a little update, so following the work on the 450 I enjoyed it for a few weeks then spotted a very clean 2012 390 for sale locally, went to view it and guess what, same water pump issue, I ended up buying the bike and replacing the entire water pump assy again (although much easier and quicker second time around), absolutly fallen in love with this one, I think it may have been the yellow frame.

Pic of her below, the 450 now has a new owner enjoying it! The 390's a keeper and I'm now on the hunt for a 570 to join her.

Cheers,

Nick.