Strange happenings with my bike

**bogan** · 10th June 2013, 20:09

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Well, this evening I had to ride it home. I couldn't start it again, it just sat there as if the kill switch was on. I then tried pressing and releasing the starter button repeatedly and it turned over. Smooth ride all the way home, no hiccups.

Just took apart the starter block. Wires and contacts look really good, especially for this age. Gave a squirt of CRC and put it all back together. Started fine, no hesitation.

I'll risk it and take it to work tomorrow and see if the starter may have been the main issue... *pray*

So the lights were dimming when you tried to start it that time or not?

**Drew** · 10th June 2013, 20:09

One thing at a time is the only way to find electrical faults I find.

So it's make a list time for the OP I guess.

Add to it, remove the two main positive leads from the solonoid, and ensure there is good contact. Bit of a sand and some contact cleaner on there. Just had to chase that wee gem down on my CBR400 powered ride on mower.

**nzspokes** · 10th June 2013, 20:10

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Well, this evening I had to ride it home. I couldn't start it again, it just sat there as if the kill switch was on. I then tried pressing and releasing the starter button repeatedly and it turned over. Smooth ride all the way home, no hiccups.

Just took apart the starter block. Wires and contacts look really good, especially for this age. Gave a squirt of CRC and put it all back together. Started fine, no hesitation.

I'll risk it and take it to work tomorrow and see if the starter may have been the main issue... *pray*

There goes my theory. Bad wire or faulty solenoid?

**Drew** · 10th June 2013, 20:11

Originally Posted by bogan

So the lights were dimming when you tried to start it that time or not?

I took what he said to mean that the ignition/warning lights dimmed when he thumbed the starter.

**nzspokes** · 10th June 2013, 20:11

If it starts, take it to a dealer and trade it in.

**bogan** · 10th June 2013, 20:17

Originally Posted by Drew

I took what he said to mean that the ignition/warning lights dimmed when he thumbed the starter.

Just had a look at the diagram, it appears it has the lights wired in to the starter switch to turn off.

Tigadee by 'Dim' did you perhaps mean turn off completely?

**nzspokes** · 10th June 2013, 20:19

Originally Posted by bogan

Just had a look at the diagram, it appears it has the lights wired in to the starter switch to turn off.

Tigadee by 'Dim' did you perhaps mean turn off completely?

Post #75, ive seen the bike.

**bogan** · 10th June 2013, 20:22

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Post #75, ive seen the bike.

Ah yup, missed that with the page change.

Electrically there is a big difference between dim and off Tigadee

**Tigadee** · 10th June 2013, 20:23

I'm gonna check the air filter, and see if I can locate the petcock...

Originally Posted by nzspokes

There goes my theory. Bad wire or faulty solenoid?

What does the solenoid do? For starting or for running?

Originally Posted by Drew

...my CBR400 powered ride on mower.

Wut? Really?

Originally Posted by bogan

Tigadee by 'Dim' did you perhaps mean turn off completely?

As in the headlight dims, not goes off completely. Like brown out, not black out?

**Drew** · 10th June 2013, 20:30

Originally Posted by Tigadee

I'm gonna check the air filter, and see if I can locate the petcock...

What the hell is a petcock?

Originally Posted by Tigadee

What does the solenoid do? For starting or for running?

The solonoid is a big contactor switch, operated by a low current switch. Big cable to the starter motor comes from it.

Also usually has a fuse on it, and EVERYTHING else runs from that.

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Wut? Really?

Yeah bro, doesn't everyone have a stupid fast ride on mower?

Originally Posted by Tigadee

As in the headlight dims, not goes off completely. Like brown out, not black out?

Wierd....I've got nothing.