Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Manchester
Posts: 150
Question Starter motor stuck on

Hi I went to start my 2004 TTR600RE today and the starter motor just stuck on I turned that cut out switch off then turned the ignition off and nothing stopped it till the battery went flat luckily the Engine never started running.

Has this ever happened to anybody on here ? I must say thats never happened to me before in a car or Bike, I'm glad to say I was at Home when it happened I tried bumping it but it was a bit hard, then after charging the battery for 10 mins the bike started up normally.

Anybody any idea what could of caused it ? the Bike wasn't wet at all and hadn't been for awhile.
__________________
Yamaha TT600RE 2004
Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke 99
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by Panzer View Post
Has this ever happened to anybody on here ?
Yes .. not uncommon on bmw k series.

There is a large (current) relay between the battery and the stater motor .. that can stick closed. The contacts in the relay 'wield' closed .. the easiest fix is to replace the relay. It is sometimes caused by the battery being partially flat .. check if the bike is discharging the battery when parked.

If it does happen (again) .. you should find a method of disconnecting the stater motor .. find the easiest place to get to and develop a method of disconnection .. that way you won't end up with a flat battery miles from nowhere. If miles from nowhere .. configure the stater motor this way .. a lead from the starter motor with the end not connected .. when you want to start the bike .. connect (by hand - you may want your gloves on for this .. can get warm) the end of the lead to where it is normally connected (this is usually the really) .. . If the starter motor does not turn over .. go to the other large lead on the relay .. once the bike starts remove the lead .. [I'm not talking about bolting the lead on, just touching it by hand].
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
definitely sounds like a knackered relay, just fit a new one!

Relays are fairly generic (signal in, load in, load out and earth) so I carry one with me on big trips, but then again I have an Italian machine so carry more electrical spares than a Maplin lorry.......
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 235
agreed. replace relay.

Note:, if your battery was partially flat, ....the drain would cause the voltage to drop. However the wattage required to turn the starter remains the same. This causes the amperage to climb to compensate for the voltage drop which then can cause the relay point to "weld " together. In fact the entire system starts getting uncomfortably hot. This is basically a runaway system... the more amperage required the more the voltage drops the more the amperage required until your battery gives up the ghost.
When this happens it's not just the relay that takes strain. You'll notice the starter motor getting rather hot to. Beware the starter brushes packing it in too.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Manchester
Posts: 150
Thanks for the replies so it seems like the relay went faulty, as it seems to be working again but could cause problems again do you think fitting a battery isolater switch on one of the big leads i presume they will be big leads like on a car starter motor similar to what Frank Warner said would be a worthwhile thing to do, it could of perhaps been a random glitch this happening ?
__________________
Yamaha TT600RE 2004
Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke 99
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 235
random, yes. In as much as the battery may have been a bit flatbut otherwise ok. You may have no further damage caused and carry on per normal. I would, the system is surprisingly hardy. But if it happens again I would certainly change the relay. When the points stick in this manner they do pit etc and so reduce the effectiveness of the connection which then creates more deterioration.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Manchester
Posts: 150
I do recall an auto electrician doing a job on my car and he opened up a relay and did clean the points up, do you think it would be worth me if its accesable trying to inspect the relay for pitting and perhaps clean it up ? I have started the bike 4 times since and it was OK.

Oh yeah when my Brother in Law bought his 94 XT600 the other year we had to bump start that it was the relay that was faulty on that Bike but that had been stood a few months when we picked it up, so are they known as a bit of a weak point or could it be down to just a random glitch ?
__________________
Yamaha TT600RE 2004
Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke 99
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
could do, but it might be a sealed unit. Have you replaced/recharged the battery since the problems? Higher load across the relay would cause it to stick, have known relays (in non-automotive) settings jump open without a signal if the load across them got too high
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Manchester
Posts: 150
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
could do, but it might be a sealed unit. Have you replaced/recharged the battery since the problems? Higher load across the relay would cause it to stick, have known relays (in non-automotive) settings jump open without a signal if the load across them got too high
Id like to think the battery is alright,the Bike turned over for about a minute till the battery went dead and only took 10 mins charging before it got enough life in it to start the Bike again then I did a few short errand's and it started everytime.

if it happens again I will deffo change the relay money is a bit tight Ive had the Bike 12 months now so had to reinsure it this week and tax it at the end of this month and tax is £47 quid
__________________
Yamaha TT600RE 2004
Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke 99
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Apr 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Hi! that has happened to me on my 1990 XT600E... all it take to stop it was to just giggle the cables with my hand and it stopped trying to turn the bike on...

Check all the connections . even the one on top of the starter clutch.
Mine has 2 small cables that connect to the solenoid and the one that is blue and white severely corroded......
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Manchester
Posts: 150
Quote:
Originally Posted by bacardi23 View Post
Hi! that has happened to me on my 1990 XT600E... all it take to stop it was to just giggle the cables with my hand and it stopped trying to turn the bike on...

Check all the connections . even the one on top of the starter clutch.
Mine has 2 small cables that connect to the solenoid and the one that is blue and white severely corroded......
Cheers I will check tomorrow not sure how accessable the wires are near the starter, i think I was panicking a bit turning ignition off and cut out switch hoping to stop it and hoping it would'nt start the engine and do some real damage.
__________________
Yamaha TT600RE 2004
Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke 99
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Apr 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
the solenoid has a black rubber band and is located on the outside of the battery box towards the engine...the flasher relay is just under the solenoid..you might have to take the left hand side seat fairing so you can have a more clear look or to just to unplug the battery cables.... and clean the battery connectors if needed to!

You can also take some time to checkup all the other wirings just in case
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Apr 2008
big t's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 89
I,ve got a spare solenoid, bought off ebay last week, not needed now. Just got a starter motor(99p!!!) Cheers T
__________________
big T
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by Panzer View Post
I was panicking a bit
Yep. If you have never heard of it before that is the normal reaction.

Bashing it with a hammer sometimes works.

Getting a new one is a 'permant' fix.

"Sealed" units were at one time made - so they can, with some work, be 'unsealled'. Use a points file .. not a normal file - you don't want other metalic particals in there. Be very carefull of teh coil windings - they are very fine wire and can easily be broken ... I'd only do this if you have the skill, are stuck with a faulty one or have another one lying around .. see a wrecker for a cheap one?
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
starter motor jmrivet Yamaha Tech 0 22 Mar 2008 07:19
r 100 gs starter motor radioactiveangel BMW Tech 6 7 Dec 2006 11:25
Noisy starter motor Mark Yamaha Tech 3 1 May 2004 06:03
3AJ starter motor cover stuck Barry Johnson Yamaha Tech 4 8 Jan 2004 23:11
starter motor mike thompson Yamaha Tech 1 31 May 2003 12:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:13.