Starter cranking constantly

Hi all

Got a strange problem with my 2002 SV. Once the bike starts it keeps the starter cranking.

Even with the ignition off it will keep cranking until I disconnect a battery lead. I’ve replaced the starter relay and checked the start button.

I’ve read a battery with low voltage could cause it but I’m not convinced.

Any help appreciated.

[daktulos]

This may sound odd, but are you sure you've replaced the starter relay?

https://www.motorcycleproducts.co.uk...SABEgKlvfD_BwE

That’s what I’ve replaced.

[daktulos]

Originally Posted by ZeroWiki

That’s what I’ve replaced.

What I meant is: is there any chance you pulled the old one out, put it down next to the new one and then put the old one back in by mistake?

The circuit is pretty simple on the motor side of the relay, but relays can "stick" which would have the effect you're describing.

On the switch side, I can't see how what you describe could happen, unless you've got a funky side-stand diode bypass or similar.

[daktulos]

Another possibility - if there's a short between the relay output (to the starter motor) and the yellow/green wire to the relay, that would have the effect of latching the relay on.

[Dave20046]

Have you tried hitting the start motor on bottom of engine with a hammer?
I seem to remember these sticking.

I have charged my battery for a couple of days and it seems to be starting fine now. Confused? Me to.

Thanks for the replies, I’ll see if it happens again.

Ok so I’m still having the same issue.

The starter keeps cranking as soon as reconnect the battery. I have unplugged the connector from the starter relay so in theory it’s just the live and negative wires connected to the starter relay and it still cranks.

Is it looking like a stuck relay? It was new but it was of eBay so could be a dud?

[squirrel_hunter]

I've not had this issue before but if you've changed the relay and checked the switch these are the main problem areas I'd look at. So I would work on a process of limitation.

If it cranks as soon as the battery is connected that's good. It will help isolate the problem. Just use a multimeter checking the voltage through the system. Disconnect the starter first as you don't want this over running and work back from that, in theory you'll soon find the electricity on the wrong side of something...