bike wont turn over??? any ideas?

[markrennie]

Hi guys,
Does anybody know what might be the problem with my bike, when i hit the starter the relay next to the fuse box goes ballistic and clicks away like mad but the motor doesn't turn over now. one day it all worked ok now nothing . i have fully charged the battery but still nothing and i have tried putting the bike in gear and rocking back and forth to see if the starter is stuck but seems ok.
is there a test i can do on the starter to check its working ok? or is it just the relay playing up please help i have just fitted my system and fcrs and want to go for a blat.

cheers
mark

[Excalibre]

It sounds like a faulty battery to me.
Try starting it with the headlight turned on, if the light goes really dim when you press the starter then the battery is probably no good.

How old is the battery and what type is it?
I.e. is it a wet cell or gel battery?

If it's a wet cell type, did you check the electrolyte levels in the cells?

Also, if it was charged at too high rate (e.g. using a car battery charger), the battery can be damaged.

[markrennie]

Hi,
battery is a yuasa and god knows how old it is inherited it with the bike (3 weeks). also noticed that when i am turning it over the tacho needle swings up and down erratically, could this be connected? i may try and get one of those new li-ion batteries and see how i get on. just seems strange that it was fine one day then the next kaput.

thanks for the input.

[dandywarhol]

Low voltage/bad earth. Tacho needle swings because the voltage is too low and is being given false info by the TPS (if it's still connected)

TDMs have problems with corroded starter relays but not so with the TRX - but still worth checking by making a short across the solenoid/relay heavy terminals - if it still clicks it's back to my 1st suggestion.

[Excalibre]

Hi,
battery is a yuasa and god knows how old it is inherited it with the bike (3 weeks). also noticed that when i am turning it over the tacho needle swings up and down erratically, could this be connected? i may try and get one of those new li-ion batteries and see how i get on. just seems strange that it was fine one day then the next kaput.

thanks for the input.

I'm still thinking it's a dodgy battery. Possibly the electrolyte has run dry or a cell has collapsed (shorted out).

(Assuming it's a wet-cell lead/acid battery) You could try removing the battery from the bike;
Check that the electrolyte is at the correct level and that the plates don't look fused together or too crusty;
Charge the battery for a few hours, make sure the battery charger is no more powerful than 1 Amp (or 1000 mA). The electroltyte should be gently bubbling when the battery is charging;
Check the voltage with a multimeter, a fully charged battery should be around 13 Volts;
If all is OK, reinstall the battery making sure the terminals are clean and making good contact.

If it's no good and needs to be replaced I strongly suggest getting a maintainance-free replacement so you don't need to bother with evaporating electrolyte.
If you're not riding the bike everyday, a float charger that you can leave plugged in is a good investment too e.g. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Motorcycle-B ... 2319d16363

[HolerTogni]

Hi markrennie!

...
Check the voltage with a multimeter, a fully charged battery should be around 13 Volts;
...

Checking the voltage of the battery is good - but the only when checking under load, i.e. while starting.
If the voltage (while starting!) is remarkably under about 10 V then the battery is no good anymore and needs to be replaced.

Battery voltage without load is of very limited informative value ...

Charged greetings from Munich!

[markrennie]

Hi,
battery is a yuasa and god knows how old it is inherited it with the bike (3 weeks). also noticed that when i am turning it over the tacho needle swings up and down erratically, could this be connected? i may try and get one of those new li-ion batteries and see how i get on. just seems strange that it was fine one day then the next kaput.

thanks for the input.

I'm still thinking it's a dodgy battery. Possibly the electrolyte has run dry or a cell has collapsed (shorted out).

(Assuming it's a wet-cell lead/acid battery) You could try removing the battery from the bike;
Check that the electrolyte is at the correct level and that the plates don't look fused together or too crusty;
Charge the battery for a few hours, make sure the battery charger is no more powerful than 1 Amp (or 1000 mA). The electroltyte should be gently bubbling when the battery is charging;
Check the voltage with a multimeter, a fully charged battery should be around 13 Volts;
If all is OK, reinstall the battery making sure the terminals are clean and making good contact.

If it's no good and needs to be replaced I strongly suggest getting a maintainance-free replacement so you don't need to bother with evaporating electrolyte.
If you're not riding the bike everyday, a float charger that you can leave plugged in is a good investment too e.g. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Motorcycle-B ... 2319d16363

battery is a sealed gel type and was charged with a charger that caters for cars and bikes by selecting which one on the switch. just bought my self a new li-ion battery today so should be with mein a few days. will let you know how i get on.
thanks for the time to explain.

[fung]

Aaaah Sooo !
Li-ion and Mein !
fried or in soup??

[markrennie]

Aaaah Sooo !
Li-ion and Mein !
fried or in soup??

Ha ha, you guys don't miss a thing do ya.

[markrennie]

Thanks for all your help guys your advice has been great, sorry if i didnt reply back to your post. got my new li-ion battery today and wow its mega light, doesnt feel like its got anything in it, anyway put it in and boom started first time!awesome!

[Excalibre]

Excellent result

I'm glad that it wasn't anything serious