Starting problems

[Haggishunter]

Hi, I need some help with a starting problem on a US spec R1100GS. History of problem is as follows:-

About a month ago, the ABS started not working when starting the bike, but okay if bump started. Suspected low voltage on start was causing problem - however, battery was on optimate charger all the time.

About a week ago, the bike refused to start when I stopped for petrol - very sluggish to turn over and completely flattened electrics, causing RID display to clear, clock to go to 0 etc. After about 10mins of sitting, bike then restarted, but only just.

Got new Hawker battery from Motoworks and fitted this. On pressing the starter button, was expecting nice quick turnover and easy start - instead, still very laboured turnover and only just started! After stopping the bike and trying to start again, very very laboured turn over and then the relay on the starter motor starts clicking like mad - bike will not start at all and electrics are being flattened when the started is pressed.

I have to suspect that the started motor is duff, as it is getting very hot - am I right or can anyone else suggest anything. If it is the starter motor, easy to remove and refit 2nd hand unit or what?

Any help on this greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Graham

 

[boxer]

Graham.

Whilst I've never had to do it I believe the starter motor is very easy to remove.

I seem to remember that the condition of the cables and their contacts can cause ABS faults. Something to do with excess current draw. Could this explain the sluggish starter and our ABS faults?

Let us know how you do.

Russ.

 

[boxer]

Graham.

 

[MikeO]

Had a similar...

...starting problem with my car, tried changing the battery with similar results. It turned out to be a dodgy earth lead from the starter - worth a look...

HTH

MikeO

 

[Haggishunter]

Thanks for all the replies guys, they have been very helpful. However I have the feeling this is turning into a bit of a saga - went out tonight and checked connections on starter motor - all seemed tight but I took them off, cleaned and put them back on - press starter button and again relay starts clicking like mad and no turn over.

Put jumper leads to my car battery and try same thing just in case it is battery - no, still not turning over and relay still going. The motor very occasionaly made a 1/2 attempt to turn over, but then relay starts going.

Now the fun begins! Decide I will take the tank off for a better look at all the wire etc - disconnect electrical connector, breather hoses, all okay so far - disconnect first petrol line from it's junction with metal pipe, petrol starts pouring out!!! I thought with a fuel pump this shouldn't happen!? I expected petrol that was in line but this was full flow from tank - much running about trying to get pipe back on and bucket to catch petrol. At which point I decided that I would give up for tonight and do the sensible thing and have a large whisky! Looks as though I will have to get pipe clamp and quick connects to get tank off properly. Ah well, tomorrow night I will try and get starter out - I will keep you all informed!!

Cheers
Graham

 

[iaintook]

I had a similar experience with a car, turned out to be the negative cable running from the battery to the chassis of the car.

 

[Haggishunter]

Starting problems solved

Thanks for all the help, turns out it was the starter motor partially siezed - got new one from James Sherlock - see starter thread in wanted - will fit it properly tonight and back on road again - I hope!!

Cheers

Graham