Starting probs

Hi all, i have just put in a new starter motor on my sv650s thinking that this would mend the starting problems i have been having for some time. BUT predictably it hasn't done a thing! the battery was nicely charged and theres fuel in the bike, but when pressing the starting button it just makes a slight clicking noise and nothing else. I'm presuming its not the battery because I have lights and so on.

This problem first started about 4 months ago and has been sitting there 'cos the garage wanted over £400 to fix the starter motor. I have just put in the new starter this morning ( thanks to sum advice from you guys) and there is no change what so ever. have checked all fuses and so on.

PLEASE PLEASE HELP, really need this bike up and running

[pmapp]

Can you turn the engine over by hand? You'll probably need to whip the plugs out to try it.

sorry to be a dumb ass but how do you go about that?

[pmapp]

When I say plugs - I mean the spark plugs.

If it's a curvy:
Lift the tank to get the rear - use the extended socket in the bikes toolkit.
For the front, pop off the two fairing mounts onto the rad (if it's an 'S') push the rad forward (2 bolts to undo I think) and you can get the the plug. It's a bit fiddly, but doable.

If it's a pointy - I havn't a clue, but i'd imagine it's the same.



Stick it in gear and see if it will roll forward.

I'd hang about here a bit though to see if anyone else has any ideas before you go pulling it to bits. I take it you have made sure it's out of gear, kill switch, clutch in etc etc etc.

its def not in gear and im doing all the usual as in the starting procedure, its now not even dimming the lights when i press the start button. iv got the battey off and its on charge, not too handy with the dissmantling the bike and so i think i will wait for any other suggestions. plus when i bought the bike it didnt come with the toolkit so dont have a plug remover. cheers anyway.......this bike will be the death of me

[northwind]

Do you have access to another battery? Just because that one shows as charged doesn't neccesarily mean it's any good. Trying it off a car would be a good way to eliminate that as a possibility.

[rictus01]

So can I take it this is what it was doing before you changed the starter motor (as in the clicking noise ?), in which case what made you think it needed changing ?, the clicking will be the starter relay.

you haven't followed the guidelines for asking advice so I don't know which model you have or the history behind this issue, but I'd be circumventing the relay and direct testing the startermotor in the first place, if that works then checking the relay for corrossion, if not the earthing side of the circuit.

Cheers Mark.

Originally Posted by rictus01

So can I take it this is what it was doing before you changed the starter motor (as in the clicking noise ?), in which case what made you think it needed changing ?, the clicking will be the starter relay.

you haven't followed the guidelines for asking advice so I don't know which model you have or the history behind this issue, but I'd be circumventing the relay and direct testing the startermotor in the first place, if that works then checking the relay for corrossion, if not the earthing side of the circuit.

Cheers Mark.

I was experiencing this problem before and after the garage had it for 2 weeks they had told me they had cleaned out the starter motor and solenoids (?) and that if i experienced any more problems I would need a new starter motor, cost £400.

its a 1999 sv650s with about 35k on the clock. sorry to be a right dumbdumb but where is the relay?

Originally Posted by northwind

Do you have access to another battery? Just because that one shows as charged doesn't neccesarily mean it's any good. Trying it off a car would be a good way to eliminate that as a possibility.

i was told by a garage that jumping off of a car was exremely bad for the bike..... is this not the case?

Originally Posted by rictus01

So can I take it this is what it was doing before you changed the starter motor (as in the clicking noise ?), in which case what made you think it needed changing ?, the clicking will be the starter relay.

you haven't followed the guidelines for asking advice so I don't know which model you have or the history behind this issue, but I'd be circumventing the relay and direct testing the startermotor in the first place, if that works then checking the relay for corrossion, if not the earthing side of the circuit.

Cheers Mark.

Hi mark,

just found the starter relay and the fuse was a little iffey so have changed it with the spare which was in good order. how do i go about direct testing?? is this taking a lead direct from the battery to the starter?

and on second thought it was the relay that was clicking in the 1st place..... have i just blown a lot of time and a fair bit of dosh on a starter that i didnt need?? ah nutz