Hi, I have a starting problem just appeared. Last month, I replaced plugs and coils, I have started bike a few times and been out once, (though I did think there was an issue on starting, while out although ,it did start.) When I go to start it ,primes ,lights up, tries to turn over, but seems that, it does not have enough in battery. it might try once more. then. after that does not seem to have enough power, lights still work, but, everything flickers . It wont jump straight off either, car must be running and left for a moment, then she fires no problem. I go for a long ride 50 miles then switch off and try to start straight away, battery seems flat (might try once more ). I put battery on multi -meter and it's over 12 volts I was told battery was new, middle of last year. All suggestion welcome. Once started runs great. and I want out to play.
I would check the connections on battery are tight first and no corrosion, clean everything. The battery voltage at rest should be 12 and a half or above volts I believe and even then it may not have enough to start the bike if a cell is going down,it may be failing under load. What voltage do you get without engine running with lights on,this can tell you a lot? What is the voltage with engine running? I would try borrowing a good battery off a mate and see how that goes. You may have a charging issue too if it fails to charge after a good run but as it runs ok on a run maybe not. You dont wanna be turning the engine over too often with a low battery or you will do your sprag clutch in just found this thread,it may be useful to you http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-tri...-diagnostics-rectifier-regulator-upgrade.html
Hi ta for getting back. starting to think the battery is failing under load charged battery shows 13.02 volts havn't checked running voltage as i was charging.I think we have been reading the same threads (link)The fact that it starts with a jump but wont start after a run I am beginning to suspect it is the battery, this is a gel battery and I believe the failure rate is horrendous. Its not a starting issue cos it starts from another source, Its to much of a coincidence that the same battery that wont sart the bike when charged ,then is'nt charging on bike . seems more like both things are battery I believe batteries can show good charge but not have the amps required to do the job. cos there shot just as you said
also agree with you about the fail rate of gel batteries, when they are good they are great, when they fail they give very little warning.
Battery does sound like main suspect. Get a load test done, friendly dealer should do this free especially if yer looking for new battery. Needle needs to go into green on tester. If not tester, suspect rectifier (won't push required volts out to battery to charge) I've had green on optimate BUT when load test done, not got above 8 volts. With engine running multimeter should show 12/13 even 14 volts depending on battery need. Good luck
Agree with Recycled Rocker - had same problem with the Bonnie - always showed the green light on my charger, but not enough juice there to fire the motor up. Probably looking at a new battery - mine was supposedly only 16 months old. Not an issue with the Bonnie but watch out the sprag clutch on yours.
