Mysterious Starting Problem

[Devilman]

Hey all

I myself placed a new battery and new regulator on my bobber but for some reason the bike turns over for one second, struggles and then starts. There are times when it wont kick over at all and I have to push start it. Ive had peeps at Fullbore look at it, friends and fellas at Steve Piper look at it but no one can tell me the reason for this. The battery is fine - its been double checked - weve pulled the plugs and and checked with other sparks and she turns over fine - weve checked to see if the battery is being recharged by the regulator - all is fine. SO, Im wondering if its the relay switch (a small black plastic switch - apologies if thats the incorrect term)? The new one ISNT waterproof (they didnt have any in stock at the time but its wrapped in electric tape) I replaced this about 6 months ago but Im starting to wonder as know one considered this while looking at the bike. Any comments would be appreciated, and if it is the relay switch, does anyone have the ID number for an 883 EVO turned 1200?.

[kiwidave]

Just a smalll point to start with, when you say it won't ''kick over'', you surely mean it won't turn over??? (I am certain you won't have a kicker on it. Though I did see on on the web recently on a Evo Sporty...but my god it must have cost thousands to engineer...). Not being a smart-ass, but if there was a kicker issue, that would involve a different reply!

If this was me i would:

Place a voltmeter across the battery. IGNITION OFF. See what the reading is. (should be 12.8V or damn close to that)

Keep voltmeter across the battery. SWITCH IGNITION ON....DO NOT START BIKE. See what the reading is. (should be 12.2/12.3V or damn close to that)


Hit the starter button, but keep the voltmeter on the battery. See what the reading is. (the voltage should not plummet too far below 11.5)

Tell us what you find. MAke sure the battery is fully charged first i.e. if you don't get around 12.8V on the first step, not worth going through steps 2 and 3.

[Hawkeye]

Had the same problem on my FXR. The contacts in the solenoid were burnt because the battery had gone flat. The low voltage will not turn the motor but it will pull high amps and this causes the contacts to flash/spark as they are made and then broken by pushing the starter button.

I took mine apart turned the 'big washer' around and it was ok. I bought a new solenoid which i have not had cause to fit.



I dare say i will now thought lol

[BaZa ®]

Deffo no kicker Dave.

[JaKS]

Hey Devilman,
Electrical issues are devilish to find and worse to sort!
You've most likely heard people say the word 'Intermittent'!
What that means is that the problem can occur one day, and not the next.
I would suggest, as a 'free' check, have a look at every single earthing point on the bike.
It looks as though you have gone through the process of rebuilding, in which case the frame has been repainted, so I would remove and clean thoroughly every single earth point on the bike.
This means any place where the wiring touches the frame and needs a return point for power from the battery or electrics.
Electricity needs a flow to and from the battery. If you route the power through a switch, (relay) it will still need a clean return to complete the circuit.
It is quite easy to do, and as I say, free. Make sure the contacts are clean and bare metal. Coat them in Vaseline after you have reassembled the connection.

[Ukkid76]

I don’t understand what you mean Kick over??

Dose the starter turn the engine over and it won’t start?

Or dose the starter NOT turn the engine over?

If the starter turns the engine over and it won’t start then I would look at or replace the ignition coil’s you will get a spark with a weak coil with the plug being held on the outside of the engine, but when the plug is under compression a weak coil isn’t strong enough to jump the gap at the end of the spark plug, however if you bump start the bike it WILL start because the battery’s power is slightly stronger. However if the starter isn’t turning the engine over then it’s a starter problem!!!

[Devilman]

Heyya Kiwi

The kickover comment was the use of twisted hillbilly jargon - apologies - just a common phrase we use to state 'turn over' - just like Im not a Yank Im a rebel - Im from the south dammit! har har
Im tellin ya buddy, Ive had four sets of eyes on the battery and weve gone through this. I still have ALOT to learn about motorbikes and thats why I had the boys at Fullbore and Steve Piper take a look and we swapped batteries, checked voltage at standstill, etc and the battery is in the upper 12s - hits the upper 13s when reving. I reckon thats why the fellas at Fullbore and elsewhere were somewhat Gobsmacked - but I do appreciate you taking the time to write your comments!
Best
Brody

[Devilman]

Heyya Hawkeye - Ill give that a shot
Many thanks to you too!
Best
Brody

[Devilman]

Heyya Jaks
I appreciate the advice and Ill try this too! Ill let you know the result!

By the way - my yellow bobber is now the REDNECK black bobber in the gallery - oh I hated the yellow tank!
Best
Devilman

[Devilman]

Heyya UKKId
Ill check that as well but that was one of the first probs we considered and according to my mate all looked well. WHo knows though - I should get a second opinion.
Many thanks fpor the comments
Best
rody von Devilman