Getting a bit cross with my annual starting problem

[David Monteath]

Hi everyone, long time no post although I do look in from time to time.

As you will have gathered from the subject line my bike has decided to stop starting..again. It cut out on me on the way into London which was exciting, I managed to get it going again and it got me back home without issue.

I went to start it today and it won't do anything other than click the relay when I try to start. All the dash lights come on, but I'm slightly flummoxed as usual when it comes to electricity.

Anybody any ideas?

[Pan Rider Jack]

Well the very first test has to be the battery to see if its viable, lights draw almost nothing, hit the starter and you will need all the battery has. If you can get started check to see if the system is charging, obviously check the ignition connections top to bottom (don't miss the hidden 30amp fuse) ....

Let the fun begin

[cammy_moir]

David. I had a similar problem that I sorted with the red wire by pass ( I think that is what it is called). Plenty of info on here and ST Owners and an easy DIY fix.

[David Monteath]

Hi gents.

I did the red wire by-pass thing last year (maybe 2015!) so unless the solenoid is shot I don't think that's where it lies.

Very odd though...could it just be a screwed battery? I put it on the optimate tonight and even though it showed a green 'all ok' light I reckon after 5 years it could easily have given up the ghost although I might have expected some difficulty starting rather tan a total failure.

In the absence of engine noise that relay is really noisy though.

[Pan Rider Jack]

Well if its 5 years old then it has served quite well, especially if the bike is stored over winter, an optimate can do so much but its not the same as a power cycle charge etc from the bike. But given the complete loss at one point, still sounds like there may be something else at fault as well

[48v]

Hiya

It's used all year round, I do about 8000 miles a year, so it's getting out enough.

I take your point about the Optimate...even the best surgeon can't resurrect a corpse.

I think I'll send it off to the man who understands electricity to see what he can make of it.

[48v]

I've checked with people that understand these things muuuuuch better than I and they have decided it's definitely the starter solenoid. So Mr Silver has some of my money and I have a new one on the way...solenoid, not bike.

[48v]

Solenoid arrived, Tupperware off, new bit in engine running everything back on, me smiling. 5 minutes.

[David W]

Well the very first test has to be the battery to see if it's viable; lights draw almost nothing; hit the starter and you will need all the battery has. If you can get started check to see if the system is charging; obviously check the ignition connections top to bottom (don't miss the hidden 30amp fuse) ....

I agree; charge the battery all the way up and have it tested. (Of course, if the person testing it sells new ones, he will tend to say you need a new one.)

The battery may well not be the culprit, but one can't tell much electrically without knowing the battery is OK.

[Pan Rider Jack]

(Of course, if the person testing it sells new ones, he will tend to say you need a new one.)

I have never had that issue, I can trust my mechanic