Honda Magna won't start

Dan79 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Nov 2009 Karma :

I tried to start my Honda Magna V30 500cc today after two months tucked away in the shed, simply for a check over. After reconnecting the battery and attempting to start as per usual, it tried to turn over once, and thereafter the solenoid would simply make clicking noises. It would then fail to do anything whatsoever until left alone for a few minutes, then it would click again for a few attempts but still not turn the engine over at all.
The horn and lights would all work, at least prior to pressing the starter button. These would all then weaken after a few attempts, before becoming strong again once left for a while.
The battery is measuring about 11.9 volts and has been kept dry and in the house separate from the bike since hibernation.
The manual does give a procedure for checking the continuity of the solenoid, but this involves connecting it to a 12V battery during the check which seems like a recipe for an electric shock - I don't claim to be any sort of expert on electricals !
Any ideas for diagnosing this fault most welcome. Thank you

ms51ves3 · Super Spammer Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Karma :

Charge the battery up.

Fisty · Super Spammer Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Karma :

Battery is too weak to start it. Try jump starting it.
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Cigaro · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Karma :

As others have said, simply a flat battery.

You know they lose charge over time right?

Dan79 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Nov 2009 Karma :

I'll give that a try.

I do know they lose charge, but like I mentioned Im not an expert in things electrical, didn't realise a loss of about 0.1v would affect to that extent. My other bike's a six volt kick-start which seems to tolerate much greater losses in voltage - I don't always realise the difference between 6v and 12v !

Any suggestions for preserving battery voltage whilst kept in a cardboard box in a dry loft more than welcome

Thank you

ms51ves3 · Super Spammer Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Karma :

WishayKillie · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Karma :

Dan79 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Nov 2009 Karma :

Thanks for all the helpful replies, I have an Accumate charger on order which will hopefully keep things going in the future !

Dan79 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Nov 2009 Karma :

Just an update - battery fully charged and engine ran today so hopefully should not happen again. Thanks to all who offered advice