CBR starting issue

[Jonty]

Hi all

Well it has been a while since I last posted. I hope everyone has stayed safe in the last 9 months or so since i was last active. It has been a very busy period at work and getting free days to get out on the road are few and far between.

Anyway, I have two problems I would like help with. Today when i went to start my CBR 600 F (1998), it started fine but would not hold idle. This was strange as it was going fine on friday. I also noticed that if I kept up the revs to avoid it stalling, when I took off it would cough and choke a little. Once it was up and running it was as sweet as ever. What I have done is increased the idle screw to solve that issue, but I havne't been out to check it yet (any ideas on what is going on would be great).

Next, when the engine died the first time (in the garage as i was putting me lid on), when I went to start it, the starter refused to work. It did not "tick" (as if it were a solenoid prolem), it just does not engage at all. I managed to roll start it to at least get it going. All other electricals are fine - what can i check

Thanks guys

[Jonty]

Just now I have managed to cross the solinoid with a screw driver and the starter motor engages but can only just turn the engne - dodgy battery? I have got it on charge now to check.

[davereid]

Yeah good idea. Very tricky to sort out electrics, if battery dodgy.

[Jonty]

Well putting 2 amps into the battery helped. Now it is away. Very strange that it started fine once then was completely dead the second time 1 minute later? Further, the alternator didn't charge it on a 20 minute ride. All very odd, I shoud probabaly look to getting a new battery.

[breakaway]

Before writing the battery off, did you put a multimeter over both terminals of the battery & rev the bike to see if the alternator is doing its job?