Bad cold start, could the pick-up be at fault?

..because everything else is okay..
Bad starting began quite suddenly from push button-start to taking many seconds to start.
Batterij Voltage does not drop under 11,0V, carbs are clean, choke functions good, new spark plugs.. Valve play is okay.

 

What is your bike year and model?

 

Oh yes my apologies..
1988 xj900f.

 

If you can, add that information to your signature for future reference.

I don't know if the 1988 models suffered from the same issue as earlier models like mine, but Yamaha starters of that era are notoriously better than the "spark" system.
In other words, the starter will often spin the engine fine even when there isn't enough energy to spark the plugs adequately.
How old is your battery, and what type? Conventional lead acid? I switched over to an AGM-type many years ago, and haven't changed back. I'm very pleased with them.
In my experience, 11V is on the edge of not enough for good spark, especially not knowing the condition of the electrical connections and grounds across your bike.

 

It is a 5 year old Motobatt.
Again, it started very fine and quick untill a few months ago.. started checking things but cannot find a cause..

 

I’ll tread lightly as I have no experience with that year. I second the battery question, 11v is close if not right at the point where the TCI and coils are not happy on the earlier bikes. 5 years is getting old for a battery, if not maintained it may be done. I have two bikes with Motobatts (5 and 8 years old) that are exercised regularly and maintained during winter.

Got a car battery and some jumper cables? Hook that up and see if she starts better. Don’t use a running car. If it starts better get a new battery. If not then you have a fuel issue. I’m hesitant to say you might have a compression or valve issue if it starts in “seconds.”

Honestly if it were me and it still starts in seconds and warms up normally and runs…..I’d just ride it. Life’s short to worry about the little things.

let us know how you make out!

 

The bike is ridden quite often, no short runs.
So, the pick-ups are not likely to be at fault?
Starting behaviour is getting very bad.. i worry about burning the starter of emptying the battery..
I will try with a car battery from a friend and.. someone tipped me old, hard grease in the starter could be a cause of draining the battery more so no power is left for the sparks..

 

Bump start it to test, that way most of the power goes to the ignition system.

 

Push-start? Is that possible with such a big bike? Then, in second gear?
I like the idea!

 

I have done it. Better on a hill.

 

This is a problem; I live in the Netherlands.. no hills over here..

 

Need someone to push the bike for you then .