Bike doesn't start, WHY?

[Foobin]

Hey guys

Ran into a weird problem, just out of the blue my bike no longer starts

Now when i turn key on, the usual lights etc still turn on, so i know the battery is still connected, but when i try to start it, it doesnt start. The starter motor kinda makes like a dying sound but doesnt start the bike. I can push start the bike (with help that is) but second i turn bike off, i cant start it again.

What could be the issue? is the battery dead and just needs a good charge or do i have bigger problems at hand?

btw, its a suzuki bandit 1990 GSF250

thanks for any help

[Henk]

I'd try charging the battery as a first shot. It sounds like it's either flat or dead to me and it's a cheap and easy way to confirm it. If the battery won't take a charge try using jumper cables.

[Foobin]

is the battery the same voltage as a car battery (12 volts)?

[vagrant]

Does the starter motor turn the engine over at all, even slowly?
Or does it just make a clunk and stop?

When the bike is running, does it run alright? Does the headlight brightness change with revs?

[JimO]

is the battery the same voltage as a car battery (12 volts)?

mine is........

[vagrant]

Here's a link to a service manual for your bike,

http://pdftown.com/PDF-Suzuki-GSX250...ce-Manual.html

Use the upper of the two download buttons, the bottom one appears to be broken.
The scan is not the best, but it's free.

[Foobin]

Does the starter motor turn the engine over at all, even slowly?
Or does it just make a clunk and stop?

When the bike is running, does it run alright? Does the headlight brightness change with revs?

Initially the starter motor will start and make the sound it would normally do as if the bike is cold and needs the choke to be turned on. but then after 3 mins or so it just doesnt start and can hear like a tick sound somewhere like a switch is moving.

The bike runs fine when someone gives me a push start, and yes the headlight brightness does change, goes brighter when i rev it.

[MaxB]

Try charging the battery first (12v) and see if that makes a difference. If it is a normal lead-acid type check the fluid levels on each cell and top up with distilled water if required. If it is a maintenance free type forget that last bit.

[skidMark]

have it in neutral with headlight off. if when you push the start button the dash lights, ie for neutral dim down then you don't have nough grunt in ya battery.

If you do have enough grunt they will only dim slightly if you do not they will almost completely go out.

yes your bike is 12 volts. hook some jumper leads from a car battery to it and try that, do not start the car, its to much charge with car off is plenty.

if still not going then your starter motor is seized.

[FilthyLuka]

Here is an easy test.

Put bike in neutral, ignition on. Hold the starter button on and give the starter motor a decent thwack with a hammer, if it turns over once then stops, you have worn brushes. You can be sneaky and replace just the brushes, or be not so sneaky and replace the whole starter motor.

My money is on worn brushes not making contact

[DIN PELENDA]

Is alternator is not charging .You got litle charge when your rewup so your lite is brighter,so your batery is flat or 1/2 full but is not good to start up motor .is all conected, i have same problem.So take tu bike shop and get them to check alternator and charge your batery may be stil ok.

[idb]

Initially the starter motor will start and make the sound it would normally do as if the bike is cold and needs the choke to be turned on. but then after 3 mins or so it just doesnt start and can hear like a tick sound somewhere like a switch is moving.

The bike runs fine when someone gives me a push start, and yes the headlight brightness does change, goes brighter when i rev it.

You're running the battery down then before it starts.
I'd suggest that it isn't taking a charge and is stuffed.
Try jump starting it off a car battery.
If that works take your battery in to get checked.

[sinfull]

Initially the starter motor will start and make the sound it would normally do as if the bike is cold and needs the choke to be turned on. but then after 3 mins or so it just doesnt start and can hear like a tick sound somewhere like a switch is moving.

The bike runs fine when someone gives me a push start, and yes the headlight brightness does change, goes brighter when i rev it.

The tick sound generally means dead battery and wont have enough grunt to turn starter (solenoid click)
If the lights brighten up when ya rev up means charging system is ok !
Turning your starter over for 3 min will flatten any battery !! (means you have electric or fuel prob not a battery one !
Take battery leads off and clean contact surfaces, Also at starter end ! check that all leads are tight !
Charge ya battery up!
Or if ya aint got a charger jump start it and check that it does brighten up, If it does then Ride to nelson and back
Enjoy the ride !!!

[sinfull]

Do those things run a mag or generator ? If mag there could be a link between that and battery broken but still brightens up the lights when running ! simple test to check it if ya know anyone with a elec tester !

[Foobin]

wow. thanks for the number of replies guys. will try to charge the battery a bit with my car, hope that will fix the problem. if not i might just take it into the shop and let them do their work. unfortunately i dont really have much time during the day to do try and error with the problem !