bike wont start : (

[Zeus]

i tried to start her up this morning, but whenever i start the ignition button it just gives me a low hum. it comes from the 2 red and black things.

https://www.angelfire.com/planet/batman13/bike/thumbnails/400x300/P1010094.JPG

it works perfectly fine when i kick start it.

it connectes straight to the battery so is that the problem? if so how does a noob go about fixing it? i

its a lifan 125 if thats any help.

thank you.

[Ichy]

Have you tried charging the battery up? Sounds like its a bit run down.

[Zeus]

could be, but i wouldent have a clue how to charge it up again and find out. is it that hard a job to do?

[mrbluesbox]

definitely a good place to start with the battery - whenever mines gives me that stupid hum its always time to stick the charger on.
if you wanna definitely check get yourself a voltmeter and stick the probes on the battery terminals - you should get 12v when the engines not being revved.
all youd need to do to charge it is get hold of a decent charger and stick the clip on the right terminal and leave for a few hours.
something like an Optimate 3 charger is a decent one and will last you forever.
the bike should also charge its self when you ride so if you can start it with the kickstart - go give a good ragging for a few miles and that should stick some charge in the battery for ya.
hope that helps.
gaz.
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I seem to have misplaced my pants...................

[Zeus]

ok thanks ill look into it, but in the mean time will it be ok to keep useing? its just im half way through my exams and i need my transport.

[mrbluesbox]

yeah you should be fine - especially cos its gos a kick start on it - you dont even need to bump start it.
all your lights and things should all run off the alternator and things once its started so you should have no probs.
TBH once youve given it a good run round there should be a load of charge in the battery anyway (provided all the charging bits are working ok - but i wouldnt worry about that yet cos it probably is)
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I seem to have misplaced my pants...................

[Timmeh]

Also a good idea to get it running and check the battery. Put a voltmeter across the terminals when the bike is running.

A good generator should give you about 13.2 to 14 volts on a 125.

Also, if the battery gets hot during use, the plates have sulfonated and it won't hold its charge, so it's time to buy a new one.
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GSXR400 x2 | '94 RVF400 | '93 TZR125 4DL (again)
20:22:30 BLUEX5: i would love to be forced to undergo a**l plugging with different sizes
20:48:18 Temeluchus: comp you hunk of smouldering homos3x you

[Bardeey]

99% a battery problem.. Running it will recharge the battery anyway.

Try the horn.. What does it sound like? Weak? If so it's the battery.
____________________
:: P Speedfight 49cc => Gilera DNA 124cc => Suzuki Bandit GSF V 400cc ::
:: CBT=Passed 07/08/05 :: Theory=Passed 31/05/07 :: Practical= Passed 02/08/07::

[Zeus]

thx for help guys

the horn just makes a little couching sound so guess its the battery

i like that Optimate 3 charger, think ill buy that 1.

im just looking at voltmeters and i came across this one. will it do the trick?

https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10151&productId=237839&categoryId=79859

[mrbluesbox]

optimate 3 is the one ive got and is really good - you can leave it permanantely connected to your bike cos it switches its self off automatically.
i just got myself a cheapo voltmeter off ebay - cost about 7 quid including delivery.
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I seem to have misplaced my pants...................

[Zeus]

is it worth spending a little extra and getting a nice voltmeter or is it just beter to buy a cheap and nasty one like this?

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DIGITAL-LCD-MULTIMETER-VOLTMETER-AMMETER-OHM-METER_W0QQitemZ140126537477QQihZ004QQcategoryZ58277QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Zeus]

well i just ordered the charger only to know find the site is closed till the 13th of june and with no way to cancel it : ( just my bloody luck.

[Zeus]

well today was the big day. had my exam in the morning and all went well for a few miles until the bike decided to die on me. after giving the bike some encouragement i.e shouting some abusive at it, i was off again. it once again died on me at which point i had to give up and get a lift.

on the plus side, my exam went well : )

[Robert2014]

are u driveing with your light's on ??? if so try turning them off and driveing and also if it going to cut out hold the clutch in and rev it that will keep it going sound's to me as if it's the battery how old is the bike mate ???
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If you require a mechanic then I am your man. Bike collection and recovery service available. Don't let a monkey work on your bike, call the family run business on 07778 873 184 01505684994 https://www.rdbikes.co.uk info@rdbikes.co.uk

[Zeus]

the bikes pretty new, but i had a little bump recently and it stood for over a month which I'm guessing drained the battery. it did get it going again yesterday when i went to bring it home but some tit on a bike got in the way just after i shifted up and i lost it.

[Bardeey]

You may have charged it but how topped up is it? (That's if it's acid & not gel!)
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:: P Speedfight 49cc => Gilera DNA 124cc => Suzuki Bandit GSF V 400cc ::
:: CBT=Passed 07/08/05 :: Theory=Passed 31/05/07 :: Practical= Passed 02/08/07::

[Robert2014]

try changeing the earth wire from the battery to the body for a thicker one that should help put charge into the bike if not is the bike still underwarrntery ??d
____________________
If you require a mechanic then I am your man. Bike collection and recovery service available. Don't let a monkey work on your bike, call the family run business on 07778 873 184 01505684994 https://www.rdbikes.co.uk info@rdbikes.co.uk

[Blau Zedong]

[Robert2014]

Listen if u ant got anything good to say please bugger off as most of the chinise Bike's iv worked on has had problem's with battery not chargeing and i change the earth wire to frame and it dose the job so beat it ok

[Zeus]

well i finally got my battery charged and back in the bike. i was just testing it with the volt meter and the highest it will go is just under 13. my haynes manual says the level should never go below 13.5. so do i have a problem or am i just being paranoid?

[Pete.]

If it's a gel-type battery and you let it run flat over time then it will be knackered and you need a new one.

If it's a gel battery and you charged it with a normal-type charger and the sides are now bulging slightly they it's definately ruined.

If it's a normal lead-acid battery and you charged it on a normal charger then that voltage should be fine.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Zeus]

ah good, thx for the feedback.