Starting probs (Its dead !)

newbuild100

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58 plate 1200

Done a few miles on the bike tonight but it now wont start due to what appears to be completely dead ignition system (key in "on" position" but no lights or anything). (Voltage shows 13v)

To get me away, I used the battery from my old Airhead and jump leads to see if I could elliminate the battery perhaps.
I did get ignition BUT the idiot lights etc seemed a bit slow to appear. There was also a bit more life this time but if i was working on my airhead, id say it was making a noise like the starter solenoid clicking in and out.

I know what modern day electrickery is like on newer machines but after trying the above, im now stumped as to what to do next.

Bit urgent as im supposed to be on me hols on it soon

Clues anyone please ??
 
Your battery is dead. When you tried to jump it, the dead battery pulled the guts out your airhead battery.
Try taking the flat battery out and just using the good airhead battery. Think you'll find you need a new battery.
 
You can have volts but almost no amps. Could well be a failed battery as Angus said, dragging down the other battery put in parallel with it to jump start. Best to charge the suspect battery overnight then try again tomorrow.

A new AGM battery from Exide same as BMW use but a fraction of the price is recommended (£27 trade), search for exide I think Miff posted about it as I recall.

Ignition switches are also prone to play up. Easy to replace the switch without changing the lock barrel, it's the leaf switches inside the unit that fail due to dirt etc in the switch.

Check simple stuff like battery terminals tight, starter terminals not corroded, starter relay and relay socket beneath seat not corroded if it has one (iirc it was around 57/58 plate when they stopped using the underseat relay).
 
+1. Been there, got the T shirt.

Dont be deceived by the open circuit voltage. A battery can still show 13v whilst holding almost no leccy at all. And as soon as any load is put on it, the voltage drops to near zero.
 
As already said, its more likely battery. When they go, they generally give no or very little warning.

I use motobatt which are a great and more powerful replacement and you can pick one up for around £55 delivered.
 
When you connect the new battery check there is no obvious spark on the terminal. Normally there might be the tiniest spark from the standby electric powering up. But anything bigger can indicate the alternator regulator is at fault or something got left switched on that should be off :).

I say this because I got through two ruined batteries before I found out the alternator wasn't controlling its output voltage. That wasn't a BMW but it did have an alternator with integral regulator.

I get accused of scare mongering so should point out this is unlikely, but expensive if you don't spot the symptom.
 
Cheers guys

I have put it in the hands of one Steve Scriminger, of nearby this parish. (Partly because I want peice of mind really; ive got mechanical knowledge but bugger all when it comes to "stuff" you cant see)

I will let you know the outcome

Thanks again all.
 
battered

This must ,be catching!just been out in the garage to check all was well for Fridays MOT and NUFFINK! aghhhh. put meter on it 14 volts, turned on key
4-5 volts!!. It was fine the other day poxy thing going to rip the badges off!.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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