Problem getting my babe to start

[gzeerider]

Hello everyone,

I really hope someone can help. This is my first post - and first bike.

My bike is a Suzuki GZ Marauder K5 125cc. I've had her a year and she's been a proper workhorse for me, never failing to start, no matter what the weather.
A couple of weeks ago, the choke stopped working - but she still started fine. I also checked and she needs a new air filter - the problem this weekend, the starter motor seems to be working - but the engine doesn't turn over, there's also an electrical buzzing/grating sound coming from under the seat. The alternator I think. Before I start spending a whole load of money - any advice...
- you can probably tell, I'm no mechanic, but would love to learn how to fix and mend her myself. If you need any more specific info or pics, please let me know.

I've been out of work since Feb, so too be honest, money is an issue at the moment, but I need to get her back on the road, to get to a new job i started two weeks ago... any help or advice would be appreciated.
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Si B

[Taught2BCauti...]

If the bike normally starts easily, it should start with a 'bump', but be careful if you aren't sure what you are doing - get a more experienced rider to try to bump-start it for you.

The buzzing noise from under the seat is probably the Starter Solenoid failing to engage fully - possibly due to a low or failing battery.

Most batteries will last 3 to 5 years, but if you can get hold of a cheap multimeter, it's worth checking to see what the voltage readings are; with and without the ignition on, with and without lights on, etc.
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Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[gzeerider]

Thank you for your quick reply. Really appreciate it.

The lights and horn seem to be working fine, so I wrote the battery off as being the problem. Will see if a mate has a multi meter, he may have.

Will let you know how I get on anyway - again, thank you.
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Si B

[flumpy7]

Your babe?
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2012 Sinnis apache

[Taught2BCauti...]

You should be getting more than 12.5v with everything off, and it shouldn't drop much below that with the ignition on. If you can get it running, the voltage should rise to between 13.4 and 13.8, and shouldn't drop much below 13.4 with the lights on full.

While you are there, see if you can borrow a charger - an overnight charge may help in the short term, but once they start failing, batteries will eventually die.
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Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[gzeerider]

Cheers for the voltage info - thought i would be wading through Haynes again! And yeah, had thought that its probably going to be a new battery - Will try a charge and see how long it holds - fraid the battery will have to wait till next week tho.

Again cheers
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Si B

[gzeerider]

Oh yeah - she is a little babe flumpy, lol, until now she's never let me down, no matter what the weather and more importantly - she never nags!
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Si B