Starter/Electrical Problem

[jg85302]

Hello. Im a Newbe. Was out ridding last night. I stopped to enjoy the the night time peace and the stars. When I started out again, I turned on the key, headlite came on, and i half-assed pressed the starter button a quick short press. Which it didn't start, but head light turned off, and now it wouldn't start. I ended up push starting it, and rode it home with a dim head light, and no tail light. I got home and checked all fuses under the seat they are all ok. I liken this to driving a car with a bad alternator running on battery power only. Can anyone help me with this problem?

[mrlmd1]

Check your battery first before looking for something else more exotic. If you have access to a load tester or a local battery shop, get it tested.
Before testing it or bringing it in to a shop, put it on a charger, no more than 2 amps, for 6-8 hrs., then let it sit for at least a half hour, then load test it. Resting, it should read a minimum of 12.8V or higher, the load test will tell immediately if it's any good regardless of the initial voltage.

If you could push start it, there's nothing else wrong, it's probably the battery. If you get it running by jumping it from a car battery (WITHOUT THE CAR ENGINE RUNNING), you can quickly check the alternator output by measuring the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine at mid range speed. You will know right away if the charging system is bad, but it's more likely a discharged or old battery that's at fault.

By the way, when you stop and turn it off, be careful of the key position so you don't accidentally leave the rear light on (a hazard warning when parked on the side of the road) and drain the battery. You may not notice the light is on when you park it and walk away from the bike. It's happened to a few members on here.

[Easy Rider]

Hello. Im a Newbe.

Hi, noob. This is a fairly small forum. Most everybody reads ALL the sub-forums; thus, posting your question only ONCE is usually enough !!
..........and it keeps all the answers together. :)

[mrlmd1]

So what happened? Any followup to solving your problem?
Inquiring minds want to know.

[jg85302]

Thanks mrlmd.. I hooked up my bike to a car battery and it started right up. next i will follow up with the rest of your advice. I apologize to all inquiring minds for delay in follow-up. this AZ 115 degree heat is hela hot.
Thanks again, you guys are great.