Still have battery or charging issue

[RiverDog]

Okay you folks have been super helpful and I really appreciate it. I hate that I have to post multiple requests for help after just becoming a forum member but I really need help. I didn't think I'd have to post about this because I figured a new battery would fix the issue but it didn't and I'm SO frustrated. I haven't even been able to register or ride my bike because it won't start.

When I picked up the bike the battery was flat from sitting while not on a charger for 2 or 3 months. After I got the bike home I tried charging the supposedly new battery for 3 days (the seller told me it was recently replaced but again, it sat for months so I figured it was toast). After trying to charge the battery that came with the bike for 3 days, it still would not start, so yesterday I went to the local power sports dealer and bought a new battery. After installing it, it the bike STILL wouldn't start so I plugged it into the trickle charger, thinking maybe the battery had been sitting for a while. Today I was sure it would start but nope, no dice, even though the battery tender shows green which indicates a full charge.

I test road the bike before buying it so I know it runs well. The seller even shut the bike off and restarted it for me before I took it home. I'm so over this. I called a local mobile bike tech but they haven't given me a date to come out yet. Does anyone have any ideas of what could be causing this?

 

[RossKean]

Does it turn over but just not catch? Slow to crank, or not cranking at all?
2018, right?

If it is cranking at decent speed and not bogging due to a weak battery after a few seconds, I would suggest that it probably flooded - not uncommon, especially after a failed start due to low battery or start and shut off without letting the bike WARM UP FULLY - a couple minutes after the initial fast idle returns to normal. (Always warm up fully)

Usual solution to flooded is to start with a battery with lots of charge. Key on, wide open throttle and crank until it clears and starts (rough at first and smoothing out). Once it starts to catch, you may need some throttle management to keep it running until it is running properly. If it doesn't start after 15-20 seconds, give it a rest for a couple minutes to allow starter and wiring to cool a bit and then try again. If the battery starts to bog, charge (or use a different battery) before continuing. Battery needs to be strong for this.

Seems to me that you were mentioning fuel smell? If so, this is another clue to flooded condition.

Give this a try if, in fact, it is cranking decently but not starting.
If my guess is wrong, post up some more details...
Good luck.

You might do a search for "fast starter syndrome" or "flooded" on this forum.

 

[rickysnickers]

If you think you may have a charging issue, use this flow chart to see if it can help you diagnose the problem.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1091/5694/files/fault-finding-diagram.pdf?235929069374954073

 

[RiverDog]

Does it turn over but just not catch? Slow to crank, or not cranking at all?
2018, right?

If it is cranking at decent speed and not bogging due to a weak battery after a few seconds, I would suggest that it probably flooded - not uncommon, especially after a failed start due to low battery or start and shut off without letting the bike WARM UP FULLY - a couple minutes after the initial fast idle returns to normal. (Always warm up fully)

Usual solution to flooded is to start with a battery with lots of charge. Key on, wide open throttle and crank until it clears and starts (rough at first and smoothing out). Once it starts to catch, you may need some throttle management to keep it running until it is running properly. If it doesn't start after 15-20 seconds, give it a rest for a couple minutes to allow starter and wiring to cool a bit and then try again. If the battery starts to bog, charge (or use a different battery) before continuing. Battery needs to be strong for this.

Seems to me that you were mentioning fuel smell? If so, this is another clue to flooded condition.

Give this a try if, in fact, it is cranking decently but not starting.
If my guess is wrong, post up some more details...
Good luck.

You might do a search for "fast starter syndrome" or "flooded" on this forum.

The starter doesn't even turn over. It's acting like it has a dead battery.

 

[RossKean]

The starter doesn't even turn over. It's acting like it has a dead battery.

OK, it wasn't clear from the initial thread.
Does the dash "wake up" when the key is turned?
Does it make any noise (fuel pump prime)?
Any click when you try?
First thing is to test the battery - did you check voltage? key off, key on and when thumbing starter?
I think the first thing is to establish if the battery is viable. Charge fully and get it load tested.

If the battery checks out, you may want to make sure that the bike doesn't have a high parasitic draw that is discharging it. Any aftermarket electrical accessories at all? You have a way to go to check out everything but it is likely something simple. May be nothing more than a fuse or a starter relay.

 

[SkooterG]

Yeah, RK above gives excellent advice. As for you young man, we need more detailed info if we are going to help you. Not just 'it won't start'.

Do you own a voltmeter? If not, they are cheap. Go get one.

- Like RK said, do the gauges sweep and lights come in when you turn the key on?
- What is the voltage of the battery with everything off?
- What is the voltage at the battery when key (ignition) turned on? (Assuming gauges sweep and lights come on)
- Check battery connections, both + and - are tight.
- Check the main 50a fuse.

 

[RiverDog]

Good points about testing voltage. I'll do that tomorrow (yes I have a meter and can use it). When I turn the key, the dash and lights come on and I can hear the fuel pump prime. However I noticed a new wrinkle when I went into the garage to give it one last try earlier tonight. The starter would try to cycle but sounded like it couldn't get enough juice, just like a dead battery, but I heard something I didn't notice before. The fuel sloshing in the tank every time I tried the starter. I'm assuming it's not supposed to do that right?

Edited to add: Yes a PO added LEDs to make the bike glow at night but I unhooked that crap when I replaced the battery. Also thanks for the tip on the 50A fuse. I'll check it out.

 

[Onebohemian]

How did the bike get from seller to your house?

If the bike started when first home, but then you removed wires for lights and now it wont start, I would be worried that you yanked something you shouldnt have.

 

[Rocnsanman]

If the gauges sweep and you can hear the fuel pump spin the 50a fuse is good.
Wide open throttle and fully charged battery.
Are you sure the spark plugs are getting juice?

 

[RossKean]

Wide open throttle and fully charged battery.

He's not even getting it turning over so WOT isn't doing it. If the gauges are awake and the fuel pump primes, it seems likely that the battery is too weak to spin the starter. First step is to evaluate the battery and/or jump with a known good battery.
One thing at a time...

 

[RiverDog]

How did the bike get from seller to your house?

If the bike started when first home, but then you removed wires for lights and now it wont start, I would be worried that you yanked something you shouldnt have.

I trailered it home. It wouldn’t start at home so I put it on the charger for a few days, hoping to revive the battery. After it still didn’t start I replaced the battery. I only pulled the wires out as a last effort after trying all that.

 

[Pete-o]

Just a former observation. I had a battery one time that would charge perfectly, had close to 13V at rest, ran the headlights operated the run and brake lights... no problem. BUT when you hit the starter switch it dropped to half voltage. Just because a replacement item is new; doesn't necessarily mean it's good. I've felt your frustration before, keep after it and these gentlemen will get you the answers you need.

Pete-o

 

[Geezer]

You can try to jump start it by hooking up a car battery, but do not have the car running.

 

[SkooterG]

You can try to jump start it by hooking up a car battery, but do not have the car running.

This. Quick way to determine if it is the battery or something else.

 

[torch]

Begin with the basics:

1. Neutral light on?
2. Sidestand up?
3. Handlebar kill switch to "On"?
4. Clutch pulled in?
5. Does the clock reset to when attempting to crank?

 

[lee stroke]

How much gas is in the tank?

 

[RossKean]

How much gas is in the tank?

Not going to matter - the engine doesn't turn over.

 

[bonami00]

2. Sidestand up?
sounds stupid, but been there

 

[Rocnsanman]

Just throwing this out here. I had a similar issue a few years ago and it turned out to be an issue with the ECU. Apparently when I jostled the wiring harness near the ECU I dislodged a pin in the connector. I took needle nose pliers and carefully pushed in each pin.
Bike started right up.
Hope this helps