Bike won't start noise from ignition switch?

[NitramA]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone might be able to help me.
I've a Gen 1 Fazer 1000 with 9000 miles on the clock.
Planned to go for a ride this morning to enjoy the sunshine and it wouldn't start - the old starter solenoid clicking but not actually turning the motor over problem.
Thought it might be the fact that I'd not charged the battery, even though I'd used it last week with no problems, so I put it on charge.
Took about 10 minutes before the charger showed a full charge, so I don't think its the battery. (might be wrong of course)

Whilst I was messing around looking for a fault I noticed that when I switch the ignition on there is a crackling from the base of the ignition switch for 10 seconds or so then a click from the starter solenoid. Then the crackling stops.

I've looked at the plugin connector from the switch at the solenoid end and it looks free from corrosion.

Soooo I guess I'll have to remove and clean all the connections, but before I do I wondered if the collective knowledge here might be able to tell me its the 1st dooda on the left that's faulty and save me some time. I might even get out  before the good weather comes to an end!!!

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.


thanks.

[maxzer1500]

  Not a solution i'm afraid as am crap when it comes to electrics , but there could be one thing preventing the bike running and another causing the noise . EXup motors can make the noise you describe and on your bike the motor is under the front of the tank not far from the ignition switch .

[unfazed]

Sounds like a classic flat battery, what make/type of charger did you use to charge it for 10 minutes?
The wrong type of charger could ruin the Fazer battery

[richfzs]

A battery went from flat to fully charged in 10 mins? That on itself is suspicious - sounds like it's focced to me....  Before you piss around any further, I'd treat the bike to a new battery...

[NorthWestern]

I think he used the ten mins to full charge to illustrate the battery had kept its charge over the week - and thus is fine

[The Male Whale]

Bridge the solenoid poles with a screwdriver with the ignition on.


If it fires up you need a new solenoid.




It WILL spark...


Whale

[NitramA]

First off, really sorry for asking a question and then not acknowledging your responses.
Not being an ass (honest), just been busy.


The battery charger is a Halfords unit that has settings for standard and gell batteries, plus there's a bike or car switch. According to the writing it will condition gell batteries and won't overcharge.


I've tried shorting the starter solenoid and that didn't work. Other than the sparks as you said 


I did try the car setting on the charger to give it some more amps and it did turn the engine over for a few seconds then same fault as before.


So my next plan is to get some jump leads and connect up my car battery.


Looks very much like the battery is stuffed as suggested.


I must admit that whilst I normally leave the charger on over the winter period this time I didn't bother. Just charged it a couple of times when I thought. As it was ok last week I assumed all was well.
Seems not.


It's odd that the ignition lights seem bright before and after I try to start it. It's only when I press the starter that everything goes dim. Guess it's just that the battery can't supply the big amps  to turn the motor over.


Oh, I've decided to ignore the noise from the ignition switch for the moment - if it is the fault I'll know when I connect the car battery     


Thanks for the help so far.

[NitramA]

'Twas the battery.
Bought some jump leads (more difficult to find than I'd have thought), connected to the car battery and off we went.


Just ordered a new one on line.
And the ignition switch didn't burst into flames, so that's a bonus 


Hope it turns up soon so I can enjoy the decent weather.
Thanks again for all your help.

[NitramA]

Just to close this down, and maybe for the benefit of some poor sole in the future, it was the battery.
New one turned up and  when I fitted it the fuel pump immediately clacked into life when I switched the ignition on!


Of course that was what was making the noise, not the ignition switch.  [size=78%] [/size]

[richfzs]

oo, oo, shall I say it? shall I? shall I?


Of course I will - I told you so 

[NitramA]

And did I listen? 


Thankfully I did.  Must admit I nearly had the whole front end in bits.
In my younger days I'd have pulled everything apart and it would never have worked again.


Thank god for the interweb and forums like this to protect me from myself.