KTM 990 Non starter.

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

This thing is starting to become more trouble than it's worth...

Background:
Had an issue starting - battery on charge via Optimate 4, go to start, it would turn over clean and strong for about 5-6 goes round, not catch and then start dying off until it's the usual ruurrr-ruurr-ruurr-dead.

Bought a new battery, a Motobatt. Charged before installation. Optimate 4 says Green for condition (whether that's worth a toss or not).

Installed new battery (yeah right Motobatt, direct fit my ass - had to stick some washers in there on the terminals to space out, otherwise the main starter feed cable would foul the body of the battery and not connect). Turned over really strong for a good 6-7 goes round, and then guess what - no catchy, no monkey Sad

Went to disconnect the terminals to put it back on charge and OUCH: +ve terminal was super hot Shocked

Can't say I've ever tried to disconnect a battery immediately after starting so I don't know whether this is normal?

Back on charge now, will try again in an hour. Annoyed of Essex Sad

TL:DR
Bike won't start properly even with new battery and battery +ve terminal roasted fingers; wot give wot do?

Monkeywrenche... · Nearly there... Joined: 27 Mar 2015 Karma :

Well the scorching hot terminal suggests it's drawing a lot of amps out of the battery.

So, bad connection, earth or live at the starter, or possibly fucked starter, bearing collapsed etc making it tight to turn maybe.
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2001 Aprilia RSV Mille R -dead, 2016 XSR 700-gone, 2018 Dorsoduro 900

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

This sounds 'terminal'. See what I did there?

Seems it's going to be one of those electrical problems I really can't stand that you have to chase around the place until you've replaced everything Rolling Eyes

I really need the bike for next weekend; I don't want to go touring on the Enfield Laughing

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

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Fixored it now, I hope.

Got the meter out and noticed I had a drop one side of terminal to the other. Took it all back apart, re-seated it and tried again and BOOM, first turn of the key I got glorious brappy twin nonsense.

Cheers for the pointer, it got me in the right direction Thumbs Up