No Start

[chromedome195]

OK....I need a little advice from our experienced and helpful group.

I go to start the GZ250 today. And it will not make a sound. No cranking, no lights, no nothing. The battery was replaced just recently when the bike was inspected. The last 3 days the bike has been started and run with no issues.
I understand there are sensors that complete the circuit at the clutch lever, the key, the kick stand and the kill switch.
Question 1--is it just the key lock assembly that would cause the everything to be dead including the headlight? Or can any of the other sensors also be responsible for that symptom also?
Question 2--is there anything else I should consider as the culprit?

thanks

[blaine]

Check your main fuse under the seat.

[chromedome195]

I checked the fuses under the seat. All good.
Checked the 20A fuses under the right side cover. All good.
I put a multi meter across the battery terminals. I was expecting to see
12V. But it read only 5V. So, I think I've found my problem, sort of.
This is a new battery...about 2 weeks old. And the dealership that installed it
while doing the state inspection said they checked the charging system and it was working fine.
Hmm.

[chromedome195]

One other question--can I use a 12V jump box to start the GZ250?
Just want to make sure I wouldn't damage the electrical system.

On a separate note:
I am on my way to pick up a battery tender now to use till we get a more permanent
fix.

thanks

[alantf]

We've had reports that new batteries that are not charged up before fitting will soon fail. Even if the salesman says it's not needed, the battery should be charged. If it is a failed battery, take it back and complain.

As for starting with jump leads - that's fine, so long as the donor vehicle engine is switched OFF. The high charging voltage of a running car engine will fry the small bike battery.

Try charging the battery with the tender (Suzuki recommend no more than 0.75A). When it's charged, remove the tender and let the battery stand for half an hour or so to remove any surface charge, then test with a voltmeter and let us know the results.

[chromedome195]

alantf---thank you. Will do. It is charging now with a .75A battery tender.
And yes it was a brand new battery that was not charged and the place gave it about a 10 minute charge before installing. So, maybe after this it will be ok.

thanks again.

[alantf]

ten minutes? A battery needs five to ten hours to get a really thorough initial charge. When I got my new battery, earlier this year, I charged it overnight, before fitting it. The bikes been standing for three months (I broke my femur) so the other day I gave the battery a five hour charge, and it started up first time. Make sure your battery's ok, because a weak battery is the cause of most of the GZ's electrical problems.

[Water Warrior 2]

Alantf, what is your opinion on the battery itself. I don't think it will ever be as good as needed or last very long. The short initial charge at the shop has likely compromised it's ability to function reliably.

[5th_bike]

I'm not alantf but I hear the death march playing in my head, reading about that 5V battery. It's a goner.
RIP (Return Immediately to Provider).

[chromedome195]

Just curious can I use a jump box to start the bike?
It is 12V 350 amp starting power jump box.

many thanks