Won't start, no spark

[Big Fred]

My 1150 wont start and i'm stuck as to what to check next.
Having foolishly left it off the charger for a couple of weeks while it snowed, i had the obligatory flat battery. It was never gonna start then was it?
After charging it,nothing, jump started it from the car, still nothing.
While it was connected to the car and the battery was good, checked for a spark and guess what...nothing. Tried new plugs, no spark. Fuel seems to be ok as the plugs are wet when they come out. All fuses ok. Checked all connections and multiplugs, all are sound and clean. Plenty of fuel etc..(all the obvious stuff) I do however, remember giving it a thorough wash before putting it away, not sure if this could have damaged something.
I'm not sure where to go next with this.
Before this issue, all was well, no misfires, starting issues etc...
I've scoured the forum and can see that theres sometimes an issue with sidestand switches. How would i test this.
Please feel free to pitch in with some ideas i'll appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks

 

[NeilDD]

Simple test for sidestand switch;
Trace wiring back to connector
Bridge connector with paperclip

Check ignition kill switch is in proper position DAMHIK

Put bike on centrre stand with plugs out, but connected to HT leads (remember to earth body of plugs otherwise no spark), put bike in gear and turn engine over via back wheel with ignition turned on. Listen for fuel pump priming, and also you should see any firing on plugs.

HTH
Neil

 

[Big Fred]

Thanks Neil,
Should be taking a closer look at the sidestand switch on saturday, i,ll report back.
Out of interest, how does your method of checking for a spark differ from mine. I had the plug on the engine block, while i spun it over on jump leads. The fuel pump seemed to be priming as it made all the right noises when the ignition was turned on.
Thanks for the pointers

 

[NeilDD]

Hi Fred
Only difference would be making sure both plugs are touching bare metal, rather than painted areas, and you need both plugs earthed.

Good luck
Neil

 

[Big Fred]

Well, theres a thing then, when i checked for a spark, i was only doing one plug at a time. laying them on top of the barrel. I,ll report back on saturday after a day of tinkering.
Cheers Neil

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Hey there. Just diagnosed a problem on my r850. Very similar. Long story short, my battery was toast.

Can you start it with the aid of a car battery or booster pack?

I couldn't and figured it must be sensors or something. Anyway, I removed the battery and tried to start it off a booster pack. Fired up straight away. What ever the battery was doing (or not doing!) it wasn't letting the correct amount of voltage to the bike.

Hth!

 

[littleredrooster]

...Can you start it with the aid of a car battery or booster pack?...

jump started it from the car, still nothing.

Fairly sure it can't be the sidestand switch or the clutch switch because they both stop the engine from turning over.

If it's turning over but not sparking, the problem lies with coils, leads, wiring or hall sensors, I suspect. Given that all coils are unlikely to go pop at the same time, I would be looking at wiring or sensors.

 

[Big Fred]

Thanks a lot Guys
Had a look today, sidestand switch checks out.
Never thought of removing battery before jump starting it. Worth a try i,d say.
One thing i have discovered today though, is my battery charger has a mind of its own. Sometimes when i disconnect it, it still reads as being connected on the gauge. Maybe a duff charger, i,m borrowing a mates charger monday. My thinking is get a fully charged battery before ripping the bike apart any further.
thanks for your help so far.

 

[littleredrooster]

Thanks a lot Guys
Had a look today, sidestand switch checks out.
Never thought of removing battery before jump starting it. Worth a try i,d say.
thanks for your help so far.

Thought you said it wouldn't jump-start? Makes no difference if the battery is connected or not (unless the battery is utterly shagged and then you would have sparks everywhere as you connected the leads).

 

[Big Fred]

yer right, did say it wouldnt jump start. i was gonna try what Smelly Old Boots suggested as i,m getting nowhere so far and its worth a try int it?

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

yer right, did say it wouldnt jump start. i was gonna try what Smelly Old Boots suggested as i,m getting nowhere so far and its worth a try int it?

Give it a shot.

My battery was replaced today no questions asked when I described my symptoms.

I had a grin on my face whilst riding earlier. Thought I had to get hall sensors, fuel pump, filter etc.

Apparently batteries can absorb what ever charge is being fed to them and not pass it through the battery.

Best of luck.

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Thought you said it wouldn't jump-start? Makes no difference if the battery is connected or not (unless the battery is utterly shagged and then you would have sparks everywhere as you connected the leads).

Not my recent experience. Give it a lash!

 

[Big Fred]

Quick update.
Work commitments mean this has been left to fester, but had a look this morning and still no joy. Tried to jump start with and without battery connected. Still wouldnt fire. Phoned Rainbows and spoke to Gavin. He reckoned i should be hearing the pump running,when the engine was cranked over, i couldn,t. Suspecting that the Hall sensor has gone to Jesus, they came to pick it up ten minutes ago. I will report back on the outcome in the hope that it,ll help someone else.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Big Fred]

Sorted. It was the Hall sensor. Just got it back from Rainbows, alls well. The alternator belt was on its way out so that was replaced at the same time.
Thanks for your help.