[GSXR400] Battery or hidden immobiliser?

RussellM10 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 01 May 2019 Karma :

So I took delivery of a shiny 1991 GSXR400 yesterday. I've had the bike started at least 4 times with no issue whatsoever.

When I tried to start it today, I turned the key and had no lights, no neutral light no oil light, definitely no ignition to turn the bike over.

First suspect was the battery, connected a smart charger and IT IS showing as 25% or less charged. Now as it had been charging for a while I could turn the key and get the neutral light to show, however as soon as I flip the kill switch to the 'on' position, everything cuts out.

The circuit is obviously broken with the iginition as when I turn the ignition into the on position with the charger connected the charger is no longer working.

I'm not sure if a straight battery replacement is going to resolve this, any ideas?

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Replace the battery first, and then see where you're at. If it can't start, then the battery isn't good enough as it stands. If there is a charging issue, you'll need to find that later with a good battery.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

redeem ouzzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2015 Karma :

Battery is toast. Replace it and double check the bike is charging once you get it running.
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Islander · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Aug 2012 Karma :

That sounds like a dead battery with the terminal voltage dropping as soon as a load is applied. I use Tayna - they're quick and reliable. Thumbs Up

https://www.tayna.co.uk/

MCN · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2015 Karma :

Bought a motorbike and do not own a multimeter yet? Smile

You need a pixie finder.

If you put the kill switch to on and everything dies is could be a short in the main power relay.

If the battery is new it is 'unlikely' (though not entirely impossible) that the battery has failed. Mostly they are kinda robust devices. (unless some obscure Ching-Chong brand).

I would get a meter and check open cell voltage (between the battery posts) Battery connections and if you can find the main power relay the connections to that.

If it's new then it will possibly not be crated with the battery fitted or connected if installed in the beast.
It's up to the PDI person at the dealer to fit/connect the battery.
Perhaps they were distracted by that bit of skirt who just started work for the accounts dept. and never tightened the wee screws holding the battery leads to the post. It is possible.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

Kawasaki Jimbo · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Oct 2015 Karma :