Yet Another My Bike Doesn't Start

[squirrel_hunter]

Clicking is from the solenoid, will have a look at the starter motor tomorrow. Will see if I can by pass the start switch as well...

Symptoms do sound like a battery not providing enough juice, but you've put a fully charged one in. Have you got a car you can jump it from - prove it's the available (lack of) juice?

[squirrel_hunter]

No I don't own or drive a car. I suppose that I could try it with the charger stuck on it...

[_Stretchie_]

I've got a charger you can borrow

; )

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

No I don't own or drive a car. I suppose that I could try it with the charger stuck on it...

Charger won't provide the current to do it - they trickle.

Is the second battery new, or a spare that was lying around?

Even just check the earthing. If you've a jump lead, connect it to the engine and negative terminal.

2 things to check:

1. Jump out the solenoid by putting a jump lead across the 2 terminals, this will let you know if the solenoid is fubar'd

2. Remove the started motor, earth it and see if it'll spin with no load on it. If it does there's not enough juice getting to it, if it doesn't then it's dead!

Regards

[squirrel_hunter]

Right, update time...

Checked all the wiring at the rear of the bike, where I've seen it wear through on my other bike and it all looks good.

Tried starting it with the charger connected. Didn't work but I did blow the chargers fuse. Well at least I know that won't work in the future.

Not been able to check the earth as I don't have jumper cables (or anything good to make one with), but a visual inspection of the wires look fine.

Bridged the solenoid, it gives the same response when trying off the button. It sometimes turns the motor a bit then just clicks. So I assume that this is fine as it is still trying to start it.

Further with the starter motor removed and earthed it spins freely off of the button. So I think that this points to the starter motor being fine and the solenoid too. Also continuity checked the main battery wires and it looks good.

So checking the battery voltage when its charged its fine about c.13.1 amps, in the bike and with the electrics on and off it drops down to c.12.7. So I suspect that the batteries are dead. I'll get a fresh one and then see what happens...

[squirrel_hunter]

Update number 2...

Quick call to George Whites, they have a battery in stock. Great I say I'll be there in 10 minutes. 10 minute taxi ride later and I pick up a new battery for the princely sum of £75 (ouch).

Back home in the garage I read the instructions. Add the acid to the battery and leave to stand. Put the cover over the filler caps and ensure its all sealed. Move the battery over to the charger and notice a small puddle of acid under the battery. Bugger. There is a small split on one side of the battery at the base and its leaking acid. Turn the battery upside down to stop the leak and notice its a little on the warm side. Give George Whites a call but they are now closed.

Looks like another taxi ride tomorrow, and I hope there isn't going to be any fun and games getting a replacement. But until then I'm off to bed to cry

Poop. Hope it all goes smoothly for you tomorrow.