New 2011 Sportsman Touring 500 hard starting

[texassunseth2]

This is my first ATV (2011 Sportsman Touring 500 H.O.) and when the engine is cold it is a bear to start. I use the choke and only turn the key for 5 seconds at a time, however it takes 5 or six tries before it will even turn over. I can give it a little throttle and it will start but the manual states that you shouldn't give it any throttle to start. Is this normal for an ATV or should I take it in to the dealer?

[AKStew]

Yours should not be so hard to start. If it's under warranty, I would take it to the dealer before you tinker with it just to avoid any issues.

When I first got mine it always started but I had to crank it for several seconds. It eventually got better after about 20-30 hours and some idle adjustment. Now it fires right up.

It turned out my idle speed was creeping down. These machines have a tendency for the idle screw to vibrate loose a little at a time until it gets hard to start at any temperature.

Stew

[Kingtutvii]

I just purchased a '12 500 HO. Mine requires a "throttle tap" to get it started when it's cold. Maybe I shouldn't, but I thought it would be better than grinding on the starter too long. If its not too cold, say 45-50, it generally fires right up.