My turn for the battery problem.

[Tripps]

Had the battery fail because the bike was started too many times in a short period. (Troubleshooting a bad relay). I had a R3T beforre my GT and the battery was always on the verge of failing. Not big enough for the application. I learned my lesson then. I now run a 10 gauge wire from the +tve terminal to a copper clip that fits into a sunglass holder I mount behind the left saddlebag. When I need a jump, it's very convenient. I use a lug on the back wheel for the boost ground. I carry an 700amp lithium bank / starter to be self sufficient and help others in need. They are not very big and will start my zx14r without a battery.

Interesting, I think I had the exact same thing occur, bad relay, then battery no good. I struggle-started it a bunch of times

 

[TURBO200R4]

Hi. If I was to replace, or add in another start relay, It would be able to handle the current expected from the battery. Say 150 amps? Instead of a 30/40 amp relay, Why not use something like...

the thing about the 30/40 amp relay it does not handle the load of the starter
it activates the starter solenoid then the starter contacts take the heavy amp draw about 150 amps or so depending on bike condition
the starter solenoid may be close to 30/40?

 

[G-Force Junkie]

the thing about the 30/40 amp relay it does not handle the load of the starter
it activates the starter solenoid then the starter contacts take the heavy amp draw about 150 amps or so depending on bike condition
the starter solenoid may be close to 30/40?

So, a relay is used to energize another relay? Sounds redundant. Anyone with access to the wiring diagrams?

 

[Kiwicol]

Nope, the 30/40a relay is used to energise the starter solenoid, not another relay. As Turbo said, the starter takes the heavy load, not the relay or the solenoid.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

So, a relay is used to energize another relay? Sounds redundant. Anyone with access to the wiring diagrams?

 

[atomsplitter]

The solenoid is what connects the battery + terminal power to the starter motor. The starter relay energizes the solenoid which is a coil. Inside the coil is a bar with electrical contacts on one end and a spring. When the coil is energized the bar is drawn in against the spring pressure and the electrical contact is closed, putting full battery power on the starter motor lead from the battery and the starter housinng is grounded so current flows from the battery to ground through the starter motor. The amount of current used in the solenoid is fairly low since the only force it's overcoming is a spring. When the starter relay drops out (after engine start) the solenoid is de-energized and the spring then opens the electrical contact shutting off current flow to the starter motor.