So I’ve been having problems with my bike starting it occasionally (like 1 in 10 times maybe). It’s not every time but the dash will fire up and when it doesn’t start right up I can hear the starter click but it won’t turn over, usually if I’m somewhere and need to get it home it will pop start and after it’s started it runs fine and normally if I wait later it’ll fire up with no problems . I had some electrical issues fixed last riding season, my girlfriends dad (a Harley guy) is saying it’s most likely the voltage regulator, when I had the electrical stuff worked on the mechanic was telling me the fuel pump is about to go, I also have had some issues with the bike dying at a light (not stalling just dying) and it seeming like the battery isn’t charged in the panic to get it started again (but most of the time I’m in Chicago traffic and I don’t know if I get that same click or not) but I can always pop start it and it’ll run like the battery’s getting charged... I’m completely at a loss please help!

 

Do you have access to a multimeter ? Finding out whether your charging system is functioning properly is a good place to start.

 

Also, if you have access to a load tester, check your battery. If the bike runs fine after you get it started, your charging system is probably working. A weak battery can cause all kinds of weird problems when the bike isn't running.

 

This is the 3rd battery I’ve put in this bike (and went for the oem suggested battery) and it just won’t keep a charge. Is there any chance the charging system is just weak? If so what should I do?

 

Just curious, when your bike won't start, is the headlight on? CBR's have a known issue with the kill switch/start switch assembly going bad. When that's the case, the headlight will also not work, and it's a very intermittent problem. I've dealt with that one myself. To test your charging system, like wes 17 said, you'll need a multimeter or battery load tester, something that can read voltage. With the bike running, put the leads on the battery posts. Your voltage should be between 13.5 and 14.5. If it's lower than 13 you have a charging system issue. You can get a basic Fluke multimeter for around $40 online. I recommend Fluke over all the other affordable ones.