Valkyrie starting question ?

[Wewaman]

Ok here are a few things that may be the cause;
Bike has been sitting from November til Christmas with Ethanol free gas.
Had to charge battery.
Went and filled up with Ethanol free gas rode about 100 miles and filled up again came home and parked in shed.
Came home from work and went to crank bike.   Strong smell of gas as I got to shed,  opened door and bike was leaning (fell) over to the right on engine guard had gas on floor.   Apparently picked up nail in rear tire (CT) plugged it..
Cranked bike to make sure it would, it did.

Now my question is, 
I push on start button and engine turns over , I hold it for about 5 seconds but it only seems to start after I let go of the button. 
I have ordered a new battery.

Any thoughts on why it only starts after I let go of the button?

Thanks,
  Tony

[Chrisj CMA]

you nailed it.....(ha ha)  weak battery will do that starting delay upon release thing....should be ok if you put a full charge on the new one before install to the bike

[gordonv]

To expand on the answer. There is not enough power in the battery to do both things, turn the engine over, and supply enough power to the coils to fire the engine.

So when you stop cranking, then all the power goes to the coils, and the bike fires up (if it still has enough rotation to actually start).

Charging the battery may be enough. A new battery may not be required (yet).