HELP! - Bike Not Starting (Ticking Noise)

Hi guys and girls,

I've got a K4 SV650S and it not starting...just making a ticking noise and all the displays are flashing/flicking. It happend after I washed the bike, but it was only a light sponge down and a spot of lube on the chain...I can see how this could cause it!

I'm new to all this...hence I'm asking the experts!

Cheers in advance

Ian

[lukemillar]

Originally Posted by ianc

Hi guys and girls,

I've got a K4 SV650S and it not starting...just making a ticking noise and all the displays are flashing/flicking. It happend after I washed the bike, but it was only a light sponge down and a spot of lube on the chain...I can see how this could cause it!

I'm new to all this...hence I'm asking the experts!

Cheers in advance

Ian

Ok, start with the simple stuff.

-If the clocks come on, but it won't start - check the engine kill switch.
-If it's not the kill switch - check the sidestand switch/clutch switch.

Thought I'd put money it's number 1!

Thanks
Luke

Originally Posted by lukemillar

Ok, start with the simple stuff.

-If the clocks come on, but it won't start - check the engine kill switch.
-If it's not the kill switch - check the sidestand switch/clutch switch.

Thought I'd put money it's number 1!

Thanks
Luke

Cheers Luke,

Just been out to the garage to check both of them out, both seemed fine...then on my third attempt the battery died!

If you have got any other ideas then let me know...looks like I need to buy a battery charger tomorrow!

[lukemillar]

Originally Posted by ianc

Cheers Luke,

Just been out to the garage to check both of them out, both seemed fine...then on my third attempt the battery died!

If you have got any other ideas then let me know...looks like I need to buy a battery charger tomorrow!

Hmmm, a battery shouldn't die that quickly, which make me think that either the battery is goosed (and it's just a coincidence that you washed it at that time) or maybe it's just flat -left the ignition/lights on maybe?

Anyway, as you say, go with the battery charger

Originally Posted by lukemillar

Hmmm, a battery shouldn't die that quickly, which make me think that either the battery is goosed (and it's just a coincidence that you washed it at that time) or maybe it's just flat -left the ignition/lights on maybe?

Anyway, as you say, go with the battery charger

It stopped starting after I had washed it on Saturday, and been trying it every now and again since then...so its not just the 3 attempts.

I'll go with the battery charger (more money!)

Cheers again!

[Sid Squid]

An explanation of the clicking is here.

id say the battery is dead.. do you start it up alot without taking it out? i used to when i first got it.. because i hadnt passed my test and was showing my mates.. then i passed and the day i went to take it out... clicky clicky... GRRR

Have you checked that the battery leads are clamped tight on the battery?

Try jump starting it from a car with jumper leads ... the battery is under the riders seat, or just directly do it at the starter motor (the cable that goes to it is the +ve, earth out the -ve anywhere on the frame).

Remember, you are turning the motor here, so once started, remove cable!

Originally Posted by petevtwin650

Have you checked that the battery leads are clamped tight on the battery?

Thanks for your help people!

Top marks to Pete, the negative lead was loose on the battery and sparking when I tried to start it. The screw just drops in as if the battery connections are threadbare (seems odd as this is the first time I've touched the battery since owning the bike!) The bike is starting and running fine when the connection is taped down so I know this is the problem.

So is it a case of a new battery as the theads seem shot, or are there tricks of the trade?

Thanks again

Ian