R1100GS day 2 problems.

[markkfletcher]

Hey all. Picked up my new GS yesterday, and rode for 6 hours. What a beautiful bike. Camped at the foot of Ben Nevis, cold but good night. Set off this morning no problem.

However when I stopped for lunch the battery was nearly flat (the dashboard lights were on, but the bike was struggling to turn over). Not enough power to start.

Then tried to jumpstart it - simply didn't work - I connected from a car battery to the terminals of the battery under the rear of the fuel tank - and it made no difference. My jump leads are new, and definitely work... Confusing.

Eventually pushed it up a hill and it push started easily. So now Ian parking at the top of hills 600 miles from home.

Any thought on
a) most importantly why the battery went flat. I have ridden for another 10 miles and it doesn't seem to be charging up.
b) why jump starting didn't work.

Thanks, and sorry if these are newb questions.

 

[NeilDD]

Starter motor magnets ?

Loose wiring to either battery, starter motor or main earth.

If you can get access to a multi meter see what the battery voltage is doing when the motor is trying to crank, and when it is running you should have approx 13.5 to 14.3 V accross the battery terminals

HTH
Neil

 

[markkfletcher]

No access to Multi Meter out in the wilds!

 

[markkfletcher]

I'll check wiring. Thanks Neil.

 

[John Armstrong]

Not having the battery lead attachment bolts tight gives some intermittent starting problems, just DAMHIK

 

[Canuck]

I would try to change it yourself or ask a mod... to change your title to help...stuck near ben nevis or something similar... I'm sure someone local will be able to assist. GOod luck.

 

[warmshed]

If the starter motor magnets become loose it "stalls" the starter, it will then draw high current and still not turn the engine over quickly. It gives the effect of a flat battery. After checking your wires to the starter and earth are good then it really looks like you need a new starter or at least strip it down.
If you say you tried a jump start and your cables are good then its almost certain to be your problem.


Lots of threads on here so do a starter search, here's one to start with http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302724&highlight=loose+magnets

 

[Den]

If you are desperate, and can make it to Kirkcaldy, Fife. I could loan you the starter from mine to get you home.

 

[g.s.john]

Motoworks http://motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Home/index.php 0845 458 0077
do an exchange starter they will supply unit first on payment of a deposit
which is refunded on return of the old unit.

 

[gerarddwatts]

If you are desperate, and can make it to Kirkcaldy, Fife. I could loan you the starter from mine to get you home.

Or mine if you can get to Glenshee....try and get hold of GC in Fort William....you should put this in the Scottish dept and he'll see it.

 

[pedro]

Don't have my 1100 any more but if you need any assistance in Edinburgh, let me know.

 

[markkfletcher]

Thanks for all this. I'm getting on okay by bump starting, rode through the Cairngorms and I'm staying over in Pitlochry.

I'm still not clear what the problem is. I don't think it is a starter motor problem. All the electrics are working fine when the bike is running, but the battery is now completely flat - the clock even resets when I turn the ignition off.

Am I right in thinking that the alternator is clearly fine, so the problem lies between there and the battery which is not being charged. Is loose connection the most likely cause or is there anything else?

 

[G.C.]

Hi Mark.
Im local to you, if you think I can help give me a call 07456 322 822.

 

[markkfletcher]

Oh, and I am confused about the fact that a jump start from a car battery didn't work. The bike had power to that dash board so that doesn't sound like a loose connection.

 

[markkfletcher]

Hi Mark.
Im local to you, if you think I can help give me a call 07456 322 822.

That is really kind GC but I am no longer in Fort William - I may give you a call just to talk though what might be wrong.

 

[markkfletcher]

I take it all back. Battery is fine. Looks like it is the starter motor after all. I'm going to sleep on it and decide what to do tomorrow.

Thanks all.

If the starter motor magnets become loose it "stalls" the starter, it will then draw high current and still not turn the engine over quickly. It gives the effect of a flat battery. After checking your wires to the starter and earth are good then it really looks like you need a new starter or at least strip it down.
If you say you tried a jump start and your cables are good then its almost certain to be your problem.

 

[Steptoe]

. Looks like it is the starter motor after all. I'm going to sleep on it and decide what to do tomorrow.

.

That'll be an uncomfortable night.

 

[ghiribizzo]

As per Den's offer.
I've an 1100 on the stocks you could try the starter from if you wish, or at least pull yours out and have a check if you want. I'll be around until 13.00 tomorrow if it's of help to you if you're heading down from Perth direction.

 

[gerarddwatts]

I've got an 1100 I don't need for a while. I'm a bit stuck first thing but I can whip it off and bring it over to Pitlochry, but won't be til lunchtime'ish. Any good? I'm over in Glenshee....next glen over to Pitlochry. I know it works....well it did tonight!

Or, if you can get going, come over here and swap them in my workshop....I'm about 35 minutes from Pitlochry.

07947 155221

 

[markkfletcher]

You people are a bit special!
Gerrard, I'll give you a call in the morning if you don't mind - just because you are nearest. I should be able to get it going - I parked at the top of a big hill.
See you at lunchtime.