Are there mobile mechanics in the Bay Area? Please recommend
- Thread starter BoomerE30
- Start date
Thanks for the response guys.
Just changed to a brand new battery.
Put in neutral, side stand up, lights go on, dashboard lights up, kill-switch OK, and the fuel pump seems to make a noise. I even checked all the fuses, the tilt/tip over sensor, all seem to be fine.
However, the bike doesn't crank over or attempt to start.
Im thinking two things:
1) New battery is not charged all the way (will try to jump start it with my car later on
2) Starter motor is gone? Have no idea how to check for that
Just changed to a brand new battery.
Put in neutral, side stand up, lights go on, dashboard lights up, kill-switch OK, and the fuel pump seems to make a noise. I even checked all the fuses, the tilt/tip over sensor, all seem to be fine.
However, the bike doesn't crank over or attempt to start.
Im thinking two things:
1) New battery is not charged all the way (will try to jump start it with my car later on
2) Starter motor is gone? Have no idea how to check for that
Yeah I figured Shawn would away with his race team around now. Really happy he was free when the valve check came due on my Africa Twin earlier in the year.
Many thanks!
I've contacted Shawn Keene (elskipador?) via email/PM
What the best way to get a hold of Dave Moss, I couldnt find contact info on his page.
Also, cant find info on Jim Wilson in your sig.
banshee01
Well-known member
I would take this offer here.
Appreciate the offer! PMing you right now!
Let me know if you have received it. I try to send it but my "sent folder" remains empty
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hahahah, it showed me that the messages didnt go through!
But yeah! Deal, no butt stuff!
S21FOLGORE
Well-known member
Let me ask a few questions.
1) How old is the bike?
2) What was the reason for the new battery?
3) (related to question #2) Have you had anything like ... bike gets difficult to re-start after ride( or when it's hot), starter motor spinning slowly ?
In other words, did you replaced the battery because of slow starter motor turning (thinking that's because of the worn out battery)?
you mentioned
1) All electrical parts work, except for starter.
2) You hear fuel pump priming, but it won't crank.
I can suggest two easy test.
1)Turn the key on, press the starter button, while carefully watching the headlight brightness.
Does the headlight get slightly dimmer when pressing the starter button?
If not, that's a good indication of your starter circuit is open.
2)Try to jump start with car or jump starter.
I guess you'd just get the same result. (Fuel pump priming, but no crank.)
Can you bump start it?
If you can bump start the bike, but cannot jump start, then, it's your starter circuit. (relay/solenoid, or motor itself).
I found this video, which use Tiger as an example, so watch this. It may help you.
youtu.be/MlY-0L50x2c
Marcoose
50-50
I have Dave’s mobile, but don’t know if he wants it shared. Jim is the owner of Catalyst.
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No problem, thank you!
Discovered some new fuses that may be causing the problem. There is a starter solenoid has an additional 30 Amp fuse attached directly to the solenoid, beneath the rider's seat. I havent inspected it yet as its under the battery. As it seems that the starter is not turning over, it may be that fuse!
S21FOLGORE
Well-known member
It seems to me, either the relay, or the starter motor is shot.
That youtube video shows how to test them.
So, after watching that video, you should be able to test by yourself.
If you have a helper, that makes the job slightly easier, but you can do it without helper, if you remove the relay from the bike.
I'd prefer to do it that way.
(Removing the relay from the bike and bench test it. Relay is small and weigh nothing, easy to take off / put back on.)
The video doesn't mention it, but when you remove the battery tray and get to the relay, make sure the trigger wires are not loose or damaged.
To do the work all by yourself, you will need ...
DMM (Digital Multimeter)
Test lead with alligator clips
Jumper cable
Known good battery
To do the test (relay and starter motor), you don't need a motorcycle mechanic. If you are not familiar with this kind of work (and/or don't have tools) and need some help,
someone who works on car electronics (like, car audio / alarm installer) can help you. (And most of them offer mobile service).
I'm in San Rafael.
Unfortunately, I work all weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun) and I work until (very) late at night. (On top of that, my DD (car) is out of commission, so I have to commute on (borrowed) bicycle ...
Otherwise, I'd offer to help you.
But, if you are not in a big hurry and really need a help. PM me.
Oh, and if you decide to do it by yourself, check the wiring that goes to the motor, make sure they are not loose.
Starter circuit is high current draw, loose connection can cause arcing and burning.
For the same reason, when the bike is reluctant to start, don't keep cranking for more than 10 seconds, or, repeatedly hit the starter button over and over again. That kind of behavior can cause overheating problem and can cause problems.
That youtube video shows how to test them.
So, after watching that video, you should be able to test by yourself.
If you have a helper, that makes the job slightly easier, but you can do it without helper, if you remove the relay from the bike.
I'd prefer to do it that way.
(Removing the relay from the bike and bench test it. Relay is small and weigh nothing, easy to take off / put back on.)
The video doesn't mention it, but when you remove the battery tray and get to the relay, make sure the trigger wires are not loose or damaged.
To do the work all by yourself, you will need ...
DMM (Digital Multimeter)
Test lead with alligator clips
Jumper cable
Known good battery
To do the test (relay and starter motor), you don't need a motorcycle mechanic. If you are not familiar with this kind of work (and/or don't have tools) and need some help,
someone who works on car electronics (like, car audio / alarm installer) can help you. (And most of them offer mobile service).
I'm in San Rafael.
Unfortunately, I work all weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun) and I work until (very) late at night. (On top of that, my DD (car) is out of commission, so I have to commute on (borrowed) bicycle ...
Otherwise, I'd offer to help you.
But, if you are not in a big hurry and really need a help. PM me.
Oh, and if you decide to do it by yourself, check the wiring that goes to the motor, make sure they are not loose.
Starter circuit is high current draw, loose connection can cause arcing and burning.
For the same reason, when the bike is reluctant to start, don't keep cranking for more than 10 seconds, or, repeatedly hit the starter button over and over again. That kind of behavior can cause overheating problem and can cause problems.
S21FOLGORE
Well-known member
Didn't see your last post (I was typing, the landlord called me, went off for a while, then hit post reply.)
@S21FOLGORE highly highly appreciate the advice! I ordered a multimeter on Amazon so should have all the tools you've mentioned by tomorrow morning, will give that a run through.
Also, hello neighbor! Are you currently on a bike? Lets ride after I finally get mine in working order!