Trying to start, won't turn over

Message
Author
mcdojohn
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2006 2:23 pm

Trying to start, won't turn over

#1 Unread post by mcdojohn »

I just moved my motorcycle cross-country in a u-haul and finally got around to trying to get it started and up and running after the move, and I can't get it going. Here is what happened. First I tried to start the bike in neutral with the clutch in, kill-switch off, and kick-stand up. It wouldn't do anything for me (weird right there). So I released the clutch and tried starting it. It tried to turn over a few times this way so I put the choke on and tried again. Once again it sluggishly tried to turn over, but wouldn't start. So I hooked up my battery charger to it and waited until the charged said it was fully charged and tried again. I had the same thing happen, but this time after trying to turn over a few times it wouldn't even do that anymore. It just started clicking instead. Per advice in this forum, I sanded the terminals, replaced the battery and replaced a fuse that apparently broke during transit. Here is the remaining problem. It won't start! It will give it a good effort to turn over now, but it just won't catch. It is full of gas, and the engine kill is off. It won't even try and turn over when I hold the clutch in. I've tried it both kickstand up and kickstand down. Any suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!
User avatar
NorthernPete
Legendary 3000
Legendary 3000
Posts: 3485
Joined: Mon May 02, 2005 4:24 pm
Real Name: Pete
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 11
My Motorcycle: 1988 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
Location: Northern Ontario, Canada

#2 Unread post by NorthernPete »

how are your plugs?
1988 VN1500
2009 GS500F
Shorts
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 3452
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:42 pm

#3 Unread post by Shorts »

NorthernPete wrote:how are your plugs?
+1 be sure you're getting spark.
User avatar
safety-boy
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 378
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:43 am
Sex: Male
Location: North Carolina

Maybe...

#4 Unread post by safety-boy »

Do you have an off position for your fuel? Maybe you turned it off before moving?

--Dave
Don't think of it as a stop light. Think of it as a chance-to-show-off light.

Vulcan 900 Classic LT (2007)
Ninja ZX-6R (2006)
Ninja 500-R (2004)
454 Ltd. (1986)
Boulevard S-40 (2005)
User avatar
insaneman_12
Veteran
Veteran
Posts: 82
Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 5:46 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 25
My Motorcycle: Motorcycle

Hi

#5 Unread post by insaneman_12 »

First thing change your oil if you havent. Petcocks go out and let fuel though. It will fill up your crankcase and that will make it sluggish turning over. The problem is probably you startor relay. There is a check for that in your manual. Next chack you cluch saftey switch. Trace the wires and unplug them. Take a ohms reader and when you pull the clutch in you should have continuity between them you will have to check your book for sure, but most bikes test this way. Hope this helps.
User avatar
ArcticHarleyMan
Elite
Elite
Posts: 154
Joined: Sun Oct 15, 2006 3:43 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Yukon, Canada

#6 Unread post by ArcticHarleyMan »

Also check the wire for your kick stand shut-off, if you have that type.
Post Reply