Help please - curvy won't start.

Less than 48 hours after selling my car, my curvy won't start.

Meaning I had to pay for a taxi this morning to get to work. F**k sake.

Ignition on, clutch in, choke open, press ignition switch, click. nothing else.

Had a new battery only a couple of months ago, and is used every day.

Anyone got any ideas?

Also, whilst on the subject of this bag of bolts, it's not only difficult to get into neutral (yes I've checked chain adjustment, clutch adjustment etc) but unless it's in neutral it won't start (or wouldn't, before the not-starting-at-all-issue). Recently I've been having to pull the clutch in at a standstill before trying to start it, going up through the gears, back down into neutral, let clutch out, pull back in and fires up. Bizarre, no?

Could really do with some help please!

Anyone want to buy a curvy?!

The most common curvy problem is the reg/rec. even with a new battery if the reg/rec is knackered you wont be going anywhere. Search the forum theres loads of threads about it. You'll need to get a voltmeter and check voltages across the reg/rec and you can also check the alternator while youre there, easy enough to get to its under the right seat cowling. New one from ebay usually £40-50.

Not guaranteeing this is the problem but with a new battery in place this is where id look first.

KJ x

Thanks kellyjo, this is owneski's (used to be leedsmatt07) old curvy that I bought off him - he told me that it's already been replaced in the past (can't remember what bike this one's off).

Will it still need replacing?

You'll ned to check it.

I had this problem earlier this year.
IIRC the charged battery off the bike should read12-14v (mine was 13v)
at idle the battery should have a charge of 12-14v (mine was 13v)
However at 4k rpm the charge on mine dropped to 8v, so i knew it was def the reg/rec.

To check the alternator, there are 3 wires, and you need to check the voltage across each pair 1&2, 1&3 2&3. They should be in the region of 70v. Assuming they are then your alternator is fine.

Im telling you this from memory (had this problem at the start of the year) if ive said anything stupid hopefully someone will be along soon to point you in the RIGHT direction!!

[JamesMio]

Have you got any dash lights? If so, do they fade when you try to start it?

If there's 'nothing' at all when you press the starter button, (no attempts to turn over) it might be that your side stand switch is gubbed (might also explain it needing to be in neutral to start it?).

Originally Posted by JamesMio

Have you got any dash lights? If so, do they fade when you try to start it?

If there's 'nothing' at all when you press the starter button, (no attempts to turn over) it might be that your side stand switch is gubbed (might also explain it needing to be in neutral to start it?).

Yes lights are on, they kind of 'blink' when I try to start it, and something near the battery / rear cylinder area makes a loud 'click'.

I believe the side stand switch has already been bypassed - the bike's seen a few winters so the problem needed sorting before I bought it.

Have you checked the stand bypass is still kosher? Not come loose or anything?

[yorkie_chris]

The click suggests the battery is flat. Do you have a charger?

Not got a charger but can get my hands on one easy enough.

Will have a look at the bypass too.

If the battery is flat already, would we suspect that it's the reg/rec that's gone for sure?

Easily checked with a multimeter, I'd suggest buying one for the £5 or whatever before splashing on anything else.