M1100S not starting

[StephenC]

I had my bike serviced last week and rode home fine.  Next time I took it out I got about a kilometre down the road then something went pop and the engine sounded funny - the rhythm had changed.  I pulled over and could see no obvious problem.  Since then the bike won't start.  When I turn the key all the electrical stuff seems fine, the battery voltage (according to the clocks) is 12.5V.  When I press the ignition it ttys to start but can't seem to quite tick over - the clutch will start spinning and you can hear the exhaust bark but it then splutters and dies.  If you press the ignition with the throttle halfway open it will start but sounds very odd.

I was able to nurse the bike home and am waiting for a tow company to be able to pick me up and get the bike back to the mechanic.  Maybe tomorrow, maybe Friday.  I thought I would post here in the meantime and see if there were any ideas that might save me the time and expense!

I have already checked:
- throttle cable - turns smoothly and the bit attached to the engine moves back and forth to both stops
- clutch - seems to work fine, insofar as I had to rely on it to control the bike on the way home, with the throttle pretty much held open the whole way.
- timing belts both seem to be OK
- the rubber hoses that attach to the timing belts (I assume they connect to the spark plugs) are both properly seated - I haven't removed the spark plugs, as that is a job I am not familiar with and I don't have spares.
- battery says 12.5V, which I think is normal.  It certainly seems to start the turn over happily enough each time.  I have a Shorai on order, as I was planning an upgrade anyway.

As you can see - I am not mechanically inclined so forgive any ignorance I have shown.  Ideas gratefully received!

[StephenC]

Well, I was partly right.  It was something to do with the timing belts.  My mechanic reckons they didn't properly site the rubber thing that goes into the end of the horizontal timing belt cover and somehow it has damaged an exhaust valve or tooth on a belt sprocket (I'll confess I got a bit confused).  Any way, they are waiting on replacement parts and think I'll be back on the road at the end of the week.  Yay!

[lazylightnin717]

I'd make damn sure they repair it properly

Especially if their incompetence bounced a valve off the piston.

That's no little mistake.

[StephenC]

They seem to be making every effort to fix the problem and are very embarrassed.  I went to them as they have a great reputation and everybody (myself included) can make a mistake.  As you say, the end result of my bike back on the road is the goal.

[lazylightnin717]

I'm glad you are confident with the people working on your bike

Here is to hoping it is better this time around

[StephenC]

All fixed.  Not only did they not charge me for it but they were going to not charge me for the install of a new battery and sprocket, which I added to the job after it went into the workshop.  These guys stay on my recommended list.