FJ 1200 89 model

[FJ nut]

Its cranks over normally when its a cold start, when its hot it struggles to crank over as if the battery is almost dead but as soon as you pull the choke out and then it cranks over as it does when its cold. I have a detailed owners manual which has been in valuable so far. I think i will pull the starter motor out and give it a good clean and grease regardless.

[andyb]

Yup.  That's the starter needing a rebuild and/or not getting enough voltage.  Assuming the battery is good, a r/r of the starter and a quick check of the connections will get you right back into shape.

[Dan Filetti]

I really don't think this is the carbs.  At least see if there are any obvious fueling-related symptoms:

Check to see if the bike has good throttle response. 
1. Will it 'leap' from idle with no stumbling or hanging? 
2. Does it stumble or hang as you rev in neutral, AND under load throughout the RPM range? 
3. Will it settle back to idle evenly without dipping below, or hanging above idle? 
4. Do you plugs look OK?  (see other threads for what they are supposed to look like). 

If all of these are OK, then despite what David says about 'cleaning the carbs never hurt anything', I'd leave them alone.  Or at least realize that you will likely have the same, hot starting issue when done.

Next Steps:
I would thoroughly clean and grease all ground connections -including where the coils mount to the frame, and the battery ground strap, and any other place where the bike is grounded (others, please fill these in...), use a grinder or heavy wire brush, and dialectic grease to ensure you have a solid ground.  It's a 22 year old bike, it's not inconceivable, likely even, that corrosion is the culprit.

Test the bike's hot stating again.  If it's still an issue, then I'd pull and service the starter.

That should get you starting well at all temps. 

And THEN, once you've solved the presenting issue, you can go into the carbs if you're an over-achiever (glutton for punishment?)...

Good luck!

Dan

[racerman_27410]

I had a bad ground cable from the battery to the engine block.

resistance/corrosion had built up in the wire but the crunchy part was underneath the plastic shielding where it couldnt be seen.


KOokaloo!

[weymouth399]

Plus 1
It can happen to either pos/neg wire.
It's real hard to tell, move the wire around a little.

Bob W

[FJ nut]

I give all those thing a good clean and let you know how i go with it. Thank you for all the awesome advice its a great help.

Col

[Kopfjaeger]

not saying i can fix but theres an extra set of eyes here if you need them and i have tools etc and manual. give us a PM if you want help. I'm in newcastle too