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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrrrrr*
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Message started by firetruckredbike on 11/05/08 at 06:26:42

Title: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrrrrr*
Post by firetruckredbike on 11/05/08 at 06:26:42

Hi, maybe someone can help me with this.

This has happened four times over the last two weeks. After riding for about an hour, I stop for gas or whatever. I get back on the bike, and there is no "click" from the start button. The lights still dim slightly when I press it, so electricity is getting through - but no click.

I turn the handlebars back and forth, roll the bike forward and backward, take the key in and out, pull on all the levers, and say prayers. I can't say that any one thing makes a difference, but after awhile (5 minutes or so), the click is back and all is well.

I took Thump to the shop last week and they could not recreate the problem, so they were not sure what the issue was. They changed the oil, put in a new air filter and spark plug, and adjusted the microswitch in the clutch. But this happened again this morning, so none of those things was the problem.

A few other points:
- This has never happened upon first start in the morning, no matter how cold the temp - only after the bike has been running for an extended time and then shut off.

- Every time this has happened, it has been colder out (below 50) and I have been riding for about an hour.

- Every time this has happened, I had been using my neon underlights during the ride (draw 1 amp) because it's been dark. I turn the lights off whenever I stop the bike - they are on a separate switch..

- Three of the four times, I have just put in gasoline. The other time, I had run into Walgreen's to get gloves.

Any ideas? It's a bit frustrating. Maybe Thump is just testing my love for him, which is considerable. ;)

Many thanks for any help.
Ride safe,
Amy

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by Yonuh Adisi on 11/05/08 at 09:45:48

Check for loose or bare wires grounding out on the frame.

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by Robertomoe on 11/05/08 at 09:51:18

check the wires round the battery first. Being very careful...give the right side (the positive) wire a jiggle.

Then you might want to check the relay that is under the back of the tank in a rubber sleeve. Otherwise push together every connector and make sure you dont have any wires that got chewed up.

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by firetruckredbike on 11/05/08 at 10:37:36

Thanks guys. I am really puzzled over this.

So you still think it is electric, even though the lights dim when I push the ignition button (just no "click?")? Clearly some juice is getting through...

I will check the wiring all over.

Thanks again,
Amy

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by verslagen1 on 11/05/08 at 12:35:14

Ahh you added something... but I don't think that's it.

No click? But dimming lights.

How old is thump?

Is you decomp solenoid working?

Perhaps it's out of adjustment and the starter is stalling against full compression.

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by firetruckredbike on 11/05/08 at 12:42:56

Very perceptive verslagen, you noticed the add! ;)

Thump is 2006 S40. I bought him used in July with 1100 miles and have put on 6000 more since then.

Decomp solenoid...uh, well, I have no idea, but I can ask our mechanic to check?

Many thanks, you always give detailed help.
Be safe,
Amy

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by bill67 on 11/05/08 at 12:50:06

Is your battery ok does it need water

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by Tincanman on 11/05/08 at 13:04:54

I would be all over that batty. mine was goin out and gave me all kinds of hell.

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by T Mack 1 on 11/05/08 at 17:01:56

Question, if you ride in the same conditons (Cool ride for an hour) without the neon lights, does it do it???

Thought pattern here is two fold. First, maybe the 1 amp isn't 1 amp. Second, maybe something in the charging circuit has a loose connection or is dirty and not fully re-charging the battery, and the lights put it over the edge.

Where are you getting thepower for the neon lights? Did you have to move things around when you wired the lights???

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by firetruckredbike on 11/06/08 at 08:41:54

Hi, I can't say this has happened any time without the lights.

The battery has water.

A shop installed the LED's for me (sorry, they aren't really neon). He put in a separate fuse for the lights. I am going to have him help me look at the wiring.

The bike had a tuneup last month.

Thanks everybody - my ignorance is showing, but I'm learning.
Ride safe,
Amy

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by T Mack 1 on 11/06/08 at 10:04:54

4E415A4D5C5A5D4B435A4D4C4A41434D280 wrote:

..........
my ignorance is showing, but I'm learning.
Ride safe,
Amy

what do they say... "Ignorance is bliss " :D

Learning is a good thing, keeps the mind sharp and a sharp mind is more alert when riding.... 8-)

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by kennycreed on 11/06/08 at 11:17:45

could it be the stop switch on the side stand misbehaving or the wire to it shorting

Title: Re: Bike runs fine, then won't start again *grrrr
Post by firetruckredbike on 11/06/08 at 11:23:54

That's an interesting possibility, because I always have put the side stand down when this has happened...and put it up, and back down, and up, and back down....

Kind of fun picking through the mystery.

T Mack - thanks, ignorance is bliss I guess, so I'm trying to be less blissful. ;)

Ride safe,
Amy