Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
Click when pushing electric start button. Click when pushing electric start button.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
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 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 32
Click when pushing electric start button.
Hi.

Been searching on internet as to what it could be...

My dr650 1996 was doing well until i left it in the hands of my uncles friend who was trying to sell it for me.... great!

he didnt sell and a picked it up and it didn't start.
just a clicking sound coming from i think the solenoid.
i just clicks the once everytime i push the starter button.
i had the battery charge, and it made no difference.
i've checked fuses part checked wiring.

i was just reading that it could be a fault with the starter motor.

any advice.
any tips or tricks.

many thanks
mike
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bassett, Nebraska
Posts: 276
Hi Mike,

Sounds like a weak battery, dirty contacts, loose starter connection, failing starter button or bad starter solenoid.

If the bike started fine when you dropped it off and now it just clicks, that sounds like a bad battery. Try a known good battery to eliminate that first. Jumper cables and a car battery to see if the starting mystery is solved would be my first move. Charging a battery with a bad cell won't make it work any better. Followed by cleaning and tightening connections to the starter and battery, and bypassing the starter button to find the fault. Others may have ideas.

Good luck!
John Downs
__________________
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Hi Mike, affraid to say it does sound like the starter is u/s.. Check the engine earth to the battery is making a good connection..Try gentle tapping the starter with a hammer whilst pushing the starter this may shake the brushes enough to make contact..

You may be able to strip the motor and replace the brushes, I'm not sure if its a sealed unit or not..
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 32
thanks guys.

ive not yet tried with car battery and leads so will try that tmrw.

ive noticed also just now, lisening close to the starter when pushing starter button a sound that sounds like pressured air tring to escape a very small hole that is partially submerged in water. bit like checking bike inner tube in water for a puncture.. and if i leave the button pressed long enough i here a slight clunck. some movement. it doesnt sound like a nasty clunck.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 32
what you mean saying 'the starter u/s' ?/
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Take John Downs advice and substitute another battery first before you start spending money. I had much the same problem about six weeks ago. Bike started fine and I rode one mile before stopping for fuel. It was then completely dead. Given that it was fine five mins earlier I didn't suspect the battery but that's what it was. They can and do just give up.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyboris View Post
what you mean saying 'the starter u/s' ?/
Just a shorty for unserviceable. As said check the battery or jump from a car as the starter does draw a lot of amps before reaching in your pocket.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyboris View Post
thanks guys.

ive not yet tried with car battery and leads so will try that tmrw.

ive noticed also just now, lisening close to the starter when pushing starter button a sound that sounds like pressured air tring to escape a very small hole that is partially submerged in water. bit like checking bike inner tube in water for a puncture.. and if i leave the button pressed long enough i here a slight clunck. some movement. it doesnt sound like a nasty clunck.
Just a thought, put the bike in gear and rock it, it could be that the starter is jammed. That air noise is probaby the air expanding as the starter warms up - Not heard of it before though..
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 32
thanks jim.

just tried any is the same.

also ive tried bump starting it so i guess that would of free it if it was stuck.
will have to wait for tmrw to tried with car battery.

thanks all.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Oct 2011
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
As I stated recently on a BMW tech thread, I had a stsrter motor problem and a jumpstart started the bike but vthe extra amps pumped into the starter temporarily 'masked' the starter problem.
John Downs seems to have the checklist for you pretty much covered.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Oct 2011
gixxer.rob's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Back in Melb
Posts: 287
The clicking you are hearing is the solenoid actuating to allow the main current through to the starter motor. This generally means that it (the solenoid) is working correctly.

Check your earth points. Clean up the contacts with sand paper. You should also check the standing voltage of the battery (it should be no less than 12volts really) but the important one is in the under load voltage which should be at least 11.5 but even that is a bit low.

I would try to jump start it with another battery and check the charging voltage to see if the reg/rec is behaving correctly. The jump start attempt will also show if there is something major wrong with the starter motor.


If you can't jump start it (no other battery) you could try push starting it with a mate.

Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 32
ok.so

i've tried push staring it with a mate.
i've tried jumping with van battery.

and the problem (the clicking is coming from the unit which the positive supply from the battery is going to. where the 30 amp fuse is and another feed going from this unit to the starter motor.)
ive taken a picture.
i dont know where it is earthed.

should i buy i knew one of these?

cheers all
Attached Thumbnails
Click when pushing electric start button.-pa203573.jpg  

Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Electric Start XR600R Cugel Honda Tech 26 3 Jan 2018 23:43
93 DR650 electric start hyrdorider Suzuki Tech 4 19 Jun 2008 10:00
I wish I had Electric Start NJ86XT600 Yamaha Tech 8 14 Mar 2007 22:10
electric start jim tt600 Yamaha Tech 0 18 Sep 2006 23:03
Electric Start Ian R Yamaha Tech 1 18 Oct 2000 21:40

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 06:43.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top