Single click sound when I try to start

[alantf]

Originally Posted by jonathan180iq

Since batteries are a common issue on these bikes, I would charge the battery and/or have it tested before I started worrying about parts failing.

[zuluanshee]

Originally Posted by jonathan180iq

Since batteries are a common issue on these bikes, I would charge the battery and/or have it tested before I started worrying about parts failing.

I had the battery tested today and it's at 100%.

[alantf]

7.jpg

This is a simplified drawing of the starter circuit. You need to get a multimeter to find where the fault is. Set at dc voltage, you need to test (to ground, each time) each side of starter relay large terminals. If one shows voltage, then put your meter on the other terminal, and you should get voltage with the starter pressed (clutch pulled in). If this is ok, next step is starter motor terminal (with starter pressed and clutch pulled in) Do these tests, and let us know at what point you don't get voltage.

[raul10141964]

jump be twin the 2 big bolts with the black and read wires, if the engine crank is the relay if not run a wire from the positive at the battery to the starter

[alantf]

Originally Posted by raul10141964

jump be twin the 2 big bolts with the black and read wires, if the engine crank is the relay if not run a wire from the positive at the battery to the starter

He said that he heard a click. This sound is most likely to be the relay pulling in. In that case I'd try the tests,to give a positive result. As for running a wire to the starter motor, it'd have to be a bloody great thick one, as the starter motor takes around 80amps. Don't even think about doing that with a bit of thin cable! BTW, the same applies to shorting out the relay terminals. As an electrician (retired) I'd say that the risks of shorting things out will always outweigh doing the proper tests. It's just not worth the risk of blowing youself up. I once saw a battery explode, and it's not a pretty sight.

[zuluanshee]

This is a cheapo multimeter. Is it ok to buy a cheap one, this motorcycle will be the only thing I use it for probably so I don't see any reason to buy anything too elaborate.

http://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3300-Ha...rds=multimeter

[5th_bike]

Yes it's OK, any meter is better than no meter.
Although, I like the autoranging one better. It also has continuity (beeps when the wire is good)

[zuluanshee]

I found the culprit (facepalm). The cables to the battery terminals were loose. I didn't actually wiggle them, but on closer inspection, they were not fastened at all! No nut or anything.

So I bought a couple of nuts, but they don't fit in the holes in the side of the terminal, the holes are too small.

I had it fixed about a year back and the guy put a new battery in. I think what happened was the guy didn't have the right size and used a bigger one. But it doesn't look like there were any threads on the terminal.

So what is my next option? How do I fix the cables to the terminals?

[5th_bike]

There are no threads on terminals, so you need bolts and nuts.
Go to the hardware store and buy a pair of little bolts and nuts.

If your battery has the 'hollow cube' type of terminal, get square nuts that just fit in them.