Any motorbike mechanics out there?

[swee'pea99]

I've charged the battery, I've checked the fuses, but when I push the button, nothing happens. I mean nothing. Not a click, not a murmur. Last time I tried it I got that chattering noise, which didn't surprise me 'cos I hadn't used it for a while and I knew the battery was very weak. But now I get nothing at all. Any suggestions? (It's a 30yr old BMW R65, BTW.)

 

[Panter]

Is the battery holding any charge? have you tested it?

 

[swee'pea99]

Is the battery holding any charge? have you tested it?

I haven't tested it - I have no testing things - but yes. And I've also tried starting it up when it's connected to a recharger, so definitely full power. I was told that if you push the button when the headlamps on it should dim. If it doesn't, it means no power's going to the starter at all. Well, it doesn't. Ignition on, headlamp on, press the button, no sound, headlamp doesn't dim. Nothing. (Sorry, should've mentioned that before probably.)

 

[Panter]

I wonder if it's just the starter button then? as you say, there should be some indication of the electrical load being taken up. Main fuse maybe? if not that, I'd check the switch and then the relay that it fires but I'm no mechanic

 

[swee'pea99]

Thanks. I suspect the switch. Does anyone know if that's numpty-repairable? (I have to go walk the hound now, please forgive lack of responses.)

 

[Norm]

Kill switch?

 

[Black Sheep]

Kill switch?

that's what normally catches me out!

although, having said that, my kill switch allows electrics to work, including the starter, it just won't fire. Think mine cuts the spark plugs not the starter. (2006 Honda 125)

 

[Norm]

My kill switch has gone dodgy (11 year old Fazer thou) which kept me pondering for a while when it first happened. I don't use it any more.

 

[Drago]

Undo and thorough clean the connections to the starter motor.

 

[Black Sheep]

not got corrosion in the connections to the starter?

 

[swee'pea99]

In truth I could have corrosion pretty much anywhere! It's 30 years old, and though I try to keep it covered, it's seen a fair bit of rain over the years.

It's definitely not the kill switch - or, at least, the kill switch is in the right position.

I probably should've mentioned that this isn't the first time this has happened. A couple of times in the past it's been the same story - push button, nothing. Once I got it vanned back to the garage, and when I picked it up it seemed to be fine. T'other, by luck it was on a hill and I managed to bump-start it - again, it seemed to have fixed itself next time I used it. Does the fact that it comes & goes indicate anything?

 

[Black Sheep]

try a bit of WD40 to try and get any damp etc out of the electrics?

 

[swee'pea99]

try a bit of WD40 to try and get any damp etc out of the electrics?

I like it! Easy, and cheap - two of my favourite adjectives! I'll definitely give that a go. Thanks.

 

[black'n'yellow]

And I've also tried starting it up when it's connected to a recharger, so definitely full power.

not so. connecting the battery to the charger does not automatically give you the ability to start the bike. Power is still drawn from the battery (not the mains), so unless the battery is charged, it won't make any difference. My guess is the battery is properly dead. New one probably called for.

 

[Black Sheep]

got a kick start on there?