Frustration this morning

[dunringil]

The bike wouldn't crank this morning. It turned over a few times then kicked off. No power. Turned my switch off and the oil and ignition lights blinked like flashers for a few moments (yes, with the switch OFF). Turned the switch on, nothing happens, no lights at all. I suspect I've blown a fuse or relay.

Ideas?

 

[keiffathome]

Could be the ignition switch, from what I've seen on this site it's not uncommon for them to fail.

 

[atomsplitter]

Several possibilities. First hook a real battery charger to the battery (and check terminals tight). See how many amps are pulled with the ignition off. If less than 5 amps the battery is probably not your issue, if it's greater than 5 amps then the charge is low. After the battery is ship-shape spray some WD-40 in the ignition switch to dry the contact points and switch it on. Check the charger ammeter, should go up about 2-3 amps for the headlights. If it pegs the ammeter, your battery likely has a bad cell and needs replaced. Battery cells are pesky critters and can check out when you put load on them. Hope you sort it out.

 

[dunringil]

Thanks, good tips.

I just put a new battery in a month ago. The battery has been strong and it cranked good and hard and the lights were bright, then it was like someone flipped the switch off and nothing.

 

[tazoom]

That usually happens to me when my neutral light, the kickstand, the tranny, and the clutch fail to be coordinated properly. I hate getting old....er.

 

[theBarzeen]

+1 check the terminals

lots of swearing only to find the simplest problem....

 

[BinDerSmokDat]

+1 check the terminals

lots of swearing only to find the simplest problem....

Nothing like a cold spell to find the weak link in your electrical system. I've been riding mine only 2-3 times a week, so if it will be more than 2-3 days between rides, I put it on a 2 amp trickle charger. That will soon be a solar charger, so I can leave it plugged in all the time in the winter. The cold seems to really require extra cranking to get the Rocket rolling.

 

[Navigator]

I used to have problems starting the old Harley in the dead of winter. I finally started putting my propane garage heater, radiant heat, on the engine from about four feet away. Magic. Easy start.

I keep mine on a battery tender all winter.

 

[BigPH]

WD40? Wouldent some contact cleaner be better?

 

[Navigator]

WD40? Wouldent some contact cleaner be better?

Probably describing use of the WD-40 to "displace the moisture" would have been more correct. To me it is one of those wonder products that can be used for just about anything, from cleaning your guns to use on electrical contacts.

Well it probably shouldn't be used as a laxative though.