Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Bike wont start Bike wont start
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 123
Bike wont start
The last few weeks the battery has hardly had the power to turn the engine over fast enough to start it.

I assumed (probably wrongly) that the battery was past it's best so I bought a new one, followed the instructions regarding filling with the dilute acid and put on a slow 12 hour charge.

Using the multimeter I just bought the old battery was putting out the same volts as the new battery so not surprisingly the new charged battery wont start the bike either, it seems fully charged but can hardly manbage to turn the engine over.

It used to start straight away.
Lights are not on and I don't have anything on permanently like an alarm that could drain the power.

Any suggestions?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Far North Queensland Australia
Posts: 80
Dodgy brushes in the starter motor or dirty commutator can cause these symptoms. You could get an Auto Sparkie to take a look at the starter.
__________________
An idea comes suddenly and in an intuitive way. But intuition is nothing but the outcome of earlier experience.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 123
I am new to this area and a bit isolated so don't know any mechanics in the area.

In the parts catalogue is the starter motor listed as "Generator"?

Under the electrical section in the catalogue, ignitor unit assembly, ignition coil assembly, rectifier and regulator assembly are listed but not starter motor or commutator.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Start with the easy things.

So you know the battery is working. Good.

It should be easy enough to check the spark plugs are working too. Pull out one spark plug. Check that it is clean. Now with the spark plug out of the engine but connected to the distribution cable, turn over the engine. Keep an eye on the spark plug to see if you get a spark. If not then clean it with a wire brush or sand paper and try again.

After the spark plugs check the starter motor. This can be tricky especially if you don't know what to look for, try a continuity check first then second take off the starter and investigate.

Next would be a solenoid problem or possibly Carb??? I'm getting out of my depth. Check general health of the electrics for any obvious corrosion or burnt out components.

Good luck.
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 123
Yes the battery is good but even on full charge the engine turns over very slow.

The spark plug is clean and sparking well.

I have followed the leads and connectors leading from the battery and all are clean dry and corrosion free.

I don't know where the starter motor is, is is where the black negatice battery lead goes to? If so it's a bit awkward to get to.
What am I looking for if and when I get inside the starter motor?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
the battery was always a bit weak for the engine in XTs, could do with a decompressor!
__________________
dave
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
HELP!! XT600 86 Wont start Annie XT600 Yamaha Tech 7 18 Aug 2009 21:08
kle 500 wont start nigelanderson Kawasaki Tech 4 18 Mar 2009 14:46
wont start triumph Yamaha Tech 2 11 Aug 2007 18:35
LC4 just wont start leslyrix KTM Tech 6 21 Mar 2006 00:59
Help!!!!! It wont start OXXT Yamaha Tech 1 28 Jun 2002 17:02

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 10:29.

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