Bike not starting after ride, now wont start at all

Morning all,

Im new to this forum, I have searched for this problem but cant find a definitive answer, so hope someone can help.

got my 1999 curvy last month, passed my test yesterday (restricted to 47BHP) went out on it yesterday, everything was fine untill about an hour in, pulled up at lights put it into neutral and it died. Restarted easily but starter seemed a bit slow. Anyway carried on for a few more hours, visiting people etc. later on died again (again in neutral) would not restart, solenoid buzzing, dash lights dimming, starter turning really slowly etc. Eventually bumped it and it started but i noticed the lights were dimming when i revved it?

This morning same symptoms, Iv replaced the starter relay but nothings changed. (also this morning iv noticed the rev counter and speedo are jumping around when pressing the start up button)

So my question is, R/R or Starter Motor?

Thanks in advance
Ryan

[L3nny]

Sounds like the R/R or the genny to me. Had the same problem on my VFR last year and had to replace the genny.

[jambo]

A few possibilities.

I'd say at present the battery is low, so I'd take that out and charge it so you're starting from a known point.
Make sure the battery terminals are tight, check as you take the battery out as this can lead to some of the above symptoms.

I suspect when the battery is charged and re-installed the bike will start and run fine. Get a multi meter and check the charging circuit. Do a search on here for "charging circuit test" and you'll find a guide to voltages and such. You may find the bike isn't charging the battery, leading to the voltages running down during a trip, until there's not enough power to run the bike.


Jambo

ok ill try the voltage tests later on when i get home, thanks guys

any more ideas fell free to let me know

[Mauler]

It sounds like it may be the R/R but I'll let more experienced Orgers correct me...

EDIT - Bah, ninjaed!

Ok, bump started it and tested the 3 yellow wires going to the R/R @ 5K RPM... ZERO VOLTAGE, absolutley nothing.

also test the battery...
Engine Off - Lights off = 11 Volts
Engine Running - Lights off = 11Volts
Engine Running - Lights on = 9-10 Volts, Dim lights
Engine Running - Reving, voltage drops to 6 ???

any ideas much appreciated.

[Biker Biggles]

Get the battery charged up asap or you will wreck it through sitting in a discharged state.As for the yellow wires they should be showing about 60-70 volts ac across each combination of them.(1&2 2&3 1&3)
If not there may be an alternator problem or somethings not connected right.

or... i was testing each one individually... can you tell its my first big bike ? haha

ill test them properly tomorrow and borrow a charger

I had a very similar issue with mine last year, 2002 Curvy S. It turned out, after I had my tame sparks take a look at it the starter relay fuse had melted away the housing and caused some wiring damage. Apparently this affected the electronic gubbins sufficiently to prevent the reg rec doing its job . (Sorry for the lame explanation but I'm no auto electrician). Any way I bought a new reg rec whether it needed it or not and my mate rewired the starter circuitry and put in a new fuse holder and Lo all has been well ever since and I haven't had any further issues.

Before the job was done the bike would run out of electricity before it ran out of petrol . It just wouldn't charge at all during normal running, my mate told me the motor was essentially just being kept alive by the battery. If I stopped and attempted to re start the engine just wouldn't turn over, all I got was a clunk and that was it, no lights, nothing.

I hope this helps a little bit and points you in the right direction.

ATB

Paul

Sounds like r/r to me, but as above could be wiring relating to it etc