Electrical help

[Jwlh001]

First off hello all, I am a new member from Arkansas, I am needing help with what I suspect is an electrical problem. I have a friend with an 07 R3 classic. 2500 miles, 8 months old from dealer.
The bike was rode to work last week and set in an afternoon thunder shower, started fine and went to the post office, came out and nothing.
Had headlights and horn, had no dash lights, WOULD NOT START,towed to the house.
After setting at home a couple of days for the rain it started right up no problems.
Went in got the riding gear, went back out same thing, dead with only headlights and horn.
Checked battery then tried using a starter charger, nothing. Then cleaned all battery conections and removed ground straps, cleaned and replaced them, replaced all fuses even though all were ok, removed the tank and side covers and checked all electrical plugs for connections.
Metered the starter button and the kill switch, also the side stand switch.
We through in the towel and could find no reason for this bike not running.
PLEASE HELP.

 

[Jimmy Rocket]

Sounds like something electrical got wet, then dried out again. I've twice lost a $40 headlight when washing my bike. But it sure runs great otherwise. What a machine!

 

[redrocket]

May be the ignition switch, they are prone to soldered connections seperating. You got it relocated or is it in the stock upfront location?

 

[owl]

Ignition switch was my first thought.

If any of the wires become unsoldered, it gives that all or nothing syndrome.

 

[Jwlh001]

Thanks for the fast reply's , Currently have at the dealer since it is under warrenty, But it is still bad not to be able to ride now that the sun is out.

 

[Jwlh001]

RedRocket you refered to a relocation ???? Could you please explain, Thank You.

 

[redrocket]

RedRocket you refered to a relocation ???? Could you please explain, Thank You.

Some Caps are relocating their ignition to that plastic panel located under the rear of the fuel tank and in front of the left side cover. I asked if yours was moved there.

 

[Jwlh001]

No, Still in the factory position. Although I think I can see an advantage to moving it.

 

[Jwlh001]

Going to pick up at the dealer tomorrow, There computer says there is nothing wrong with the bike. When we unloaded it off the trailer last Saturday the bike was dead with only the horn and lights working, the owner of the shop and his two shop mechanics seen this also. but by Wednesday when it made it to the work bench, it fixed its self. Dealer said something was probably sticking due to setting for the winter, only problem is that it gets rode at least once a week. This really makes a man feel secure taking an out of town trip. Wounder if hot wiring the ignition is possible on the road.

Also going to look into moving the switch anyway, There should be no problem for me to re-solder the switch wires while it is off, once again thanks for the input from the rest of the members.

 

[headster]

really easy to hotwire a R3, as long as you have a 8mm and 10mm wrench to remove the left sidecover, if you are on a R3T it is even faster.

I was able to start the R3T in under 15 seconds, if the wheel is not locked then your bike will be gone in 16 seconds.

The R3 took me just under 2 minutes without removing the seat, but you need the wrenches.