97 zx9 runs great but wont start

[randallmattoon]

i just got a 97 zx9 off a guy. he said hes been storing it in his basement since his son hasnt driven it. every winter he would drain the gas out and [rep it for winter. the bike runs excellent when its running. but time after time, if i stall out at a light or something its a huge pain to get it started again. this evening i was riding it with a friend of mine and his bike died from a carb problem. so i pulled over and shut it down. next thing i know, i go to start it up and wouldnt start, it cranks over just fine but the battery died, this is the first time i had the battery die on me and i can see this could be a problem in the future. normally it will stall out and it will take a few tries but it will fire up eventually. im just wondering what this could be. once in a rare while i will have a hard time on initial start up but for the most part it will fire right up. Any ideas before i get stuck, it has 25000 miles and been regularly maintained.Thanks in advance

[L8rNigz]

I had a similar problem with my zx7 last season. The bike would start with no hesitatioin when cold, but I would run down the battery trying to start the bike when warm. For me, the problem was resolved with a new battery. Good Luck!

[dirty13south]

Originally Posted by L8rNigz

I had a similar problem with my zx7 last season. The bike would start with no hesitatioin when cold, but I would run down the battery trying to start the bike when warm. For me, the problem was resolved with a new battery. Good Luck!

AGREED!!! a battery can have good cold cranking amp's but when hot can lose some power

[kawa kid]

Definately check the battery, hydrometer test, votage check. Also you might want to check those plugs, I had a similar problem and it was the plugs; but you said it was sitting in the basement for a time... the carbs could be gummed up, probably need cleaning and balancing. Download a manual if you do not have one.

Good luck