Chch based newbie needing help or maybe just a mechanic (Jen)

[schrodingers cat]

It sounds like the battery has dropped a cell. Not uncommon on an older bike. The battery will charge up ok but won't have enough amps to achieve cranking. See if a neighbour has got some jumper leads.

If it starts like that then you know everything else is ok.

Otherwise bump start if you're brave enough. You can soon end up a few hundred meters from home, hot sweaty and rooted with no interest or ability to push the bike home...

Good luck

[FJRider]

.... You can soon end up a few hundred meters from home, hot sweaty and rooted with no interest or ability to push the bike home...

Good luck

Are you are saying that as an incentive ... or warning ....

Good luck ... ???

[The Lone Rider]

I am free until mid Jan if you need a hand. Probably won't be able to help much.

Or if you can trailer it over, you're welcome to use my little workshop if you supply your own consumables.

[Flip]

Well worth a read:

http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

[Jen]

Thanks for all the advice guys, have still not managed to get it going and now i'm back to work and the weather is supposed to pack up. Its a project for this weekend in the garage. I have a mechanically minded friend coming to look at it, so fingers crossed next fine weekend I"m off into the sunset lol. I'll keep you all posted as to what the issue is. I doubt very much its the battery as its brand spanking new. Time will tell.

[Jen]

Well worth a read:

http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

Thanks for the link, that will come in handy I think

[Jen]

Well its been a week of events. Tested the starter solanoid and it was definitely dead on the negative terminal. Bought a universal which then caused a slight headache due to the connection to the old solenoid being a 4 prong male and the universal was a 2 prong female lol some hours later figured out the wiring dilemma with help of a friend we got it sorted. Not sure the wiring is correct though as it is still having a starting issue, not sure if it is the starter motor itself missing or if the wiring is sending too much power to the starter causing it to miss. But good news, I have had it started, been out on it a few times and today managed a ride to akaroa and back withonly one starter malfunction but not enough to put me off. (had jump leads in the saddle bag on friends bike just incase had to short it to start lol But HELL it was great to be out there today! Thanks to all those who gave me advice and numbers to get in touch with. I will get it to a mechanic or sparky to ensure the starting issue is fixed for good as the bike itself, though old, is original and such a classic I think I want to hold onto it. Even when I get a better bike.