A cry for help in my hour of need

LeonAG · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 May 2016 Karma :

Hi all, I'm a new rider - I got my KTM RC125 2 months ago and in my teenage stupidity I decided it was time for an exhaust that matched the look of the bike. I installed a danmoto exhaust that is made for the bike and it ran fine until a day later. I went to the post office and switched off the bike. Upon trying to start it there was nothing. No display or electronics. I bump started it and got it home and when the revs drop low the bike cuts out. I manged to get it to idle but the bike alternates between 1000-2000 revs and sounds like it wants putting out of it's misery. I think I and my companion who installed the exhaust have knocked some kind of cable or wire and the battery will not keep any charge. I would be humbled if anyone can spare some helpful advice.

TL;DR I installed a new exhaust and now the battery will hold no charge. I can bump it but the electronics are all messed up and the bike is practically brand new.

Thanks for taking the time to read why I shouldn't be allowed near anything with wheels and an engine.
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KTM RC125, just a young'n on L plates

P.addy · *Formerly known as* P. Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Gonna be something silly but check the battery connections are nice and tight and take it for a nice long ride.

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

Well, retrace your steps in fitting the exhaust, and try to work out what you might have disturbed. Are you sure the new exhaust hasn't melted any part of the wiring loom?

It sounds like the charging system is damaged or disconnected. Does the bike work if you charge the 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.

LeonAG · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 May 2016 Karma :

LeonAG · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 May 2016 Karma :

bugeye_bob · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Karma :

might have nothing to do with the exhaust change, may have been a coincidence.

LeonAG · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 May 2016 Karma :

Hokum · Spanner Monkey Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Karma :

I have the RC390 and I like the hidden exhaust! I'd keep it stock.

Can you fit the original and see it it works? You didn't slip anything into the cylinder port by accident? Like the exhaust gasket?

As for holding charge have you tried with another spare battery?

Try and put the original exhaust one and take it back to the dealer if it's 2 months old.
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Sane: To know when you are doing something crazy.

LeonAG · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 May 2016 Karma :

LeonAG · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 May 2016 Karma :

***UPDATE***

I'm not a motorcycle expert or mechanic however I read that the lambda sensor could need removing as it's an aftermarket exhaust? Is that a possibility?

Also thanks to everyone for your replies, I really appreciate it Smile

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KTM RC125, just a young'n on L plates

weasley · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Karma :

A missing or defective lambda sensor might explain poor running, but it won't explain the symptoms you describe in terms of no power to start the bike.

It could be a number of things from a loose connection to a knackered battery.
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~~Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT~~ | BMW F900XR TE

iooi · Super Spammer Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Karma :

andyscooter · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 May 2009 Karma :

You do realise most exhaust noise comes out the back of a bike

Also if you unplugged a lambda sensor what did you do with it there will be a loose either plug or sensor somwere

What volts are going into battery and what is it reading on a multimeter

May be a duff Indian battery like what was on my LML when I bought it
it went after two months
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gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

1) If you want a 2T to run reliably, run it stock.

2) Loud exhausts don't make you easier to hear, a fuck off gert loud horn does that provided you are situationally aware and use it when necessary.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

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

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

If you put your location in your profile, someone local may come round and have a look.

The exhaust is unlikely to be the problem. If you had managed to cock up the fuelling to the point that the bike will not run, you'd have an error light on the dash.

Your problem sounds like a lack of electricity, either from a loose connection at the battery or a problem with one of the main feeds. My first place to look would be the thick black cable coming from the battery, probably going from the battery to the frame. Make sure it is connected at both ends - you might have undone one end while changing the exhaust.

As an extra reminder, keep the standard exhaust to refit it when you sell the bike. You might think it sounds great, but no-one else will. Standard bikes are worth more.