2008 FJR-AE Starting Anomaly

I'm a horrible person I know, but I left my 2008 FJR-AE sit for the last seven months.

All I've done to it is periodically trickle charge the battery.

Right now the battery idle voltage is 12.8, the voltage when attempting to start it ~10 volts. Using a booster pack doesn't help. I don't think my battery is bad.

When I tried to start it I was able to shift from first to neutral, but it won't shift back even if I roll the bike around.

Attempting to start produces the anomaly shown in this video, which may be related to the YCCS computer controlled clutch.

Any Ideas?

TIA

Make sure the rear brake pedal isn't gummed up and not returning to the up position. Kickstand up of course also.

From what I read in this post on another Forum, it sounds like your battery needs to be replaced. Possibly your battery connections at the terminals are loose. When is the last time you replaced it? This guy has the same symptoms as you're having:

My 2009 AE won't start. When I turn the key, I hear a clicking sound behind the instruments and the yellow "shift" light flashes. BIke is in neutral but will not shift, either with thumb or toe lever.

I have searched here and found some suggestions but no solutions.

Nobody who had the problem took time to come back and tell the forum what the problem turned out to be or how they resolved it. Not helpful.

My battery is fully charged with clean terminals and tight connections. Both 30 amp fuses on the starter relay are good.

Answer:

JOY, oh JOY!

I trickle charged my NEW BATTERY overnight, installed it and was rewarded with the SWEET sound of a running FJR engine!

Frightening visions of my dealer “SERVICING” me vanished and my weekend trip to Maine is back on!

The new battery read 12.7V one hr. after filling and 13V after charging to float level overnight. The “old” Yuasa battery was just 13 months old, had been ridden regularly in season with a light accessory load (just GPS) and connected to a Battery Tender Jr. in the off season. Still, at 12.3V unloaded, it gave the electronics skull cramps sufficient to prevent them from allowing the starter relay to be energized (the clicking sound was another, yet unidentified relay behind the instruments, NOT the starter relay which lives just aft of the battery at terminal level). The battery had leaked badly around one terminal, causing severe corrosion to the post, terminal and battery strap. (Yes, I did try cleaning and charging that battery before replacing it.) I think the battery was defective but YUASA refused to help me since it was one month out of warrantee. I have always had good luck (and no leaks) with YUASA before and went with their battery again.

So, lesson learned:

Th FJR apparently performs some sort of battery “welfare check” early in the start sequence and will not energize the starter relay and even attempt an actual “start” unless the battery is in PRIME CONDITION.

Thanks to all who took time to offer advice here.

Our online community is truly one of the best advantages of owning an FJR.

If you will excuse me now, I’m going for a ride!

Ride on, Jeffery