Starting Issue

Martin Higgins · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 Oct 2019 Karma :

Hi all,

I'm having a problem starting my bike. I did my valve clearances this morning and then took the bike a run to check it ran OK (which it did). I then proceeded to put the side fairings back on and went to start the bike up, when I tried the whole bike died before the starter tried to turn, no lights etc.

After checking I noticed the positive terminal on the battery was loose, tightened it up and tried again. Now the bike lights up etc and tries to turn over but doesn't quite fire up. The starter is clicking but the bike just won't start. Any advice?

I'm new to motorbikes and still learning the basics and maintenance so any help will be greatly appreciated.

dynax · Trackday Trickster Joined: 06 May 2019 Karma :

Try charging up the battery Thumbs Up

____________________
Mike.
Bikes: Xena, Bridget,Florence
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmihUc0xXxYbR4_0l-F1FzA/videos?view_as=subscriber

Martin Higgins · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 Oct 2019 Karma :

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

That's bordering on 'not very good' as a standing voltage.

Recharge it and try again. If it falls back to a standing voltage of 12.4 or less it's time to think about replacement.

Modern bikes are really power sensitive and a flat/low battery can cause other issues that don't seem related.

Sort your battery first and take it from there.

Try jumping from a car battery and see if it goes straight away.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Martin Higgins · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 Oct 2019 Karma :

Martin Higgins · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 Oct 2019 Karma :

So I charged the battery up, it was a little on the low side but still within range to start the bike. Still no joy on starting. Checked the fuses and all seem OK.

Moved on to fuel system as the enfine is turning over with the starter but is just refusing to start. Cracked open the fuel pump to see if fuel was there (which it was) so tightened back up. I then pulled the fuel line (pump) side out and reattached, and then the bike fired up first time.

Tightened the fuel tank back down and put the seat back on to take it a quick test ride and it wouldn't start again 😭

At my wits end now, guessing the fuel system isn't doing its job but it just doesn't make sense to me.

doggone · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

Sounds like a fuel line kinking when you put the tank on firmly?
Double check your battery terminals are clean and tightened up properly.
Are you now getting reasonably fast turning over but it won't fire?

Martin Higgins · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 Oct 2019 Karma :