I am very sad to report, today my Super Tenure caught on fire, and I believe is a total loss.
I had a hard start episode while running errands. I held the throttle wide open and cranked. I'd estimate that I cranked for 1 minute continuously. I did smell fuel in the onset of the problem. As I cranked, I saw smoke so I stopped cranking. Shortly thereafter I saw more smoke and I got off of the bike. It was then that I saw a flame underneath the right side fairing. Shortly thereafter, the bike became engulfed in flames. The Kona Fire Department came and extinguished the flames (fortunately they are only 2 blocks from where this incident was) and the bike is now heavily charred.
I believe that the starter overheated or possible caught fire. I assume after that the fuel fumes ignited and the rest is history.
I am very sad about this event and hope that my warning on fires after the hard start helps someone else in the future.
I had a hard start episode while running errands. I held the throttle wide open and cranked. I'd estimate that I cranked for 1 minute continuously. I did smell fuel in the onset of the problem. As I cranked, I saw smoke so I stopped cranking. Shortly thereafter I saw more smoke and I got off of the bike. It was then that I saw a flame underneath the right side fairing. Shortly thereafter, the bike became engulfed in flames. The Kona Fire Department came and extinguished the flames (fortunately they are only 2 blocks from where this incident was) and the bike is now heavily charred.
I believe that the starter overheated or possible caught fire. I assume after that the fuel fumes ignited and the rest is history.
I am very sad about this event and hope that my warning on fires after the hard start helps someone else in the future.