Bike wouldn't start

[Splat]

Hi guys,

It's been a while, the reason is probably not much riding due to cold weather , and a smoothly running bike .

However, today, I got a little problem (at least, I hope it's little) .

The long and short of it.

Went for a short ride to a nearby shop (mainly an excuse to test my new bargain jacket ).

After buying what I needed, I hop on the bike, swivel the sidestand and press the starter button...

bike goes 'tak'... nothing.

I try again, ....'tak'...

I then notice that the neutral light in the dash is flikkering intermittently.
Especially when I jump around on the saddle.

I try a few more times. Finally, I remove the saddle and press on all the fuses.
I don't remember if it worked right away after that, or if I had to try a few more times, but finally it started.

I'm thinking maybe a false contact between my battery and my starter?
Any way I can check this?

Bike always started during this winter period, but needed two starts sometimes.

Cheers

 

[davegs]

No starting

have a look at the battery connections probably either corroded or loose or both.
dave gs

 

[MIKE R]

Did the clock re set to 0.00?

If it did I'd start looking at the battery. If not I think you need to look elsewhere, although I do stand to be corrected.

Mike

 

[Splat]

actually, the clock might have reset to 0.

When you say, 'looking at the battery'. Do you mean the battery itself, or the connections. Because the battery seems to have enough strength to start it.

I also switched on my hand warmers for a while on the subsequent trip to see if they were still working.

 

[MIKE R]

actually, the clock might have reset to 0.

When you say, 'looking at the battery'. Do you mean the battery itself, or the connections. Because the battery seems to have enough strength to start it.

I also switched on my hand warmers for a while on the subsequent trip to see if they were still working.

Both.....connections and state of charge

Mike

 

[Splat]

I just removed the starter cover.

But in the service manual, they say to disconnect the earth lead from the battery and insulate it.

Am I correct in assuming one needs to lift the tank to do this?

At first glance, everything seems in order.

There is some corrosion (green powder ) on the power socket, but the rest seems OK.

Can I check the state of charge with a simple multimeter on the connecting leads on the starter?

....update...

I lifted the tank, and the earth lead was indeed not tight.

The nut was still there, so I tightened it. Could this have been the cause of my starting problem?

 

[Stewart H]

A loose battery terminal can give the symptoms you describe, has tightening the bolt cured it?

 

[flatdog]

Definately.............usually.....................should be???????


I donno.

Well tighten it up, get it charged and see.


BTW mine ain't starting either, bastart thing (may be out of fuel)

 

[Splat]

Guys,

Thank you very much for your advice

Coming here always gives me the self confidence of tinkering with my bike.

I was always afraid to lift the tank before. Now I did it.

Bike runs great!

Now, all I need is springtime WOOT WOOT

Thanks again everybody...

As far as I know, the charge level is OK. Couldn't measure it, because the battery in my multimeter was flat

I tried to ride it as much as possible during the winter when the roads were dry and saltfree and temp around 0°C to keep the battery 'alive'. Because the guy I bought it from had not ridden it for over 6 months.

I bought the bike just before winter, so I've never ridden it in nice weather, can't wait.

 

[Pauly S]

top advice

when the bike wont start and goes"tak tak" switch on the heated grips for around a minute, then you can push the bike home and not get cold hands...

 

[davegs]

Warmk hands!

Thats advice direct from the RAC!!