Hi Guys, need some help.

Thought I'd post here as I don't think the problem is bike specific.

Tried to start the bike this evening, all the dash lights come on and all the other lights work, but the bike wont turn over.

My knowledge of electrical systems is very limited, so I thought I would come here before I mess things up even further.

I've measured the voltage at the battery terminals and I'm getting 13.11V, battery is two months old and as everything else is working and not even a glimmer from the starter motor, I presume no juice is getting through. The voltage from the + terminal of the starter solenoid to the - on the battery is also 13.11V, so juice is getting there.

I suspect the starter solenoid, because the other week she died completely on me and I found the plug connected to the solenoid was burnt and insulation melted. I had another in the garage anyway, so replaced it and she fired right up.

Is it possible from the symptoms I describe it could be the starter solenoid?

Is there a test to see if the solenoid is bad?

Just in case, she's a '97 CBR900RRV

Thanks for any help guys

 

You can jump the solenoid and see if it cranks.

test to see if there is signal coming in from the switch.

some solenoids have a fuse inside. Not sure if you have that or not....

 

Cheers Demon, I'll try that

I read up on a couple of threads and they suggested this, but was too late to be tinkering

 

She lives!

Jumped the solenoid as you suggested mate and she turned over.

So replaced the solenoid and Black Betty rides again, thanks for the help

As a side note, the replacement solenoid has a 15amp fuse instead of the 30amp that is standard. I took it back to the shop and they assured me they have sold 1000's of them with no problems. They suggested perhaps the internals have been modified in some way

Anyway, I'll keep an eye on it, make sure it's not overheating and melting.