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Had my GZ125(L plates) for a week, ran fine, frost hit London, reached for the choke - wouldn't budge, won't start! I know I know I should have checked it already, I'm a newb what can I say! Anyway, should I get a new choke cable or new left hand switch? I've got a Haynes coming in the post, but is there anything I can try for now? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

Ordered a cable lubricator and a new cable, hope they get here before Christmas! Wish me luck!

Best of luck!

Tried squirting each end of the cable with WD40, but until the manual comes I'm not gonna do any more! Still doesn't start with what little choke I can give it, but now it turns over a couple of times and then makes a rapid clicking noise. It does this every time I try and start her now, should I be worried or is this normal? I'm only trying to start her a couple of minutes at a time. Should I stop trying until I get a new cable?

cwarrener wrote: but now it turns over a couple of times and then makes a rapid clicking noise. It does this every time I try and start her now, should I be worried or is this normal? I'm only trying to start her a couple of minutes at a time. Should I stop trying until I get a new cable?

It sounds like you're draining the battery. Not surprising if you have been trying (unsuccessfully) to start the bike for awhile. The battery power drops low enough that it can't energize the starter relay (solenoid), which results in a clicking sound. I'd recommend putting the battery on a charger.

Well, I removed the old cable (it was seized solid no matter how much WD40 I tipped down it) and replaced with the new cable, all well and good. The battery IS too flat to turn her over now but I'll buy a charger (can I use a car battery charger to charge it up? If so I might be able to borrow one from a neighbour)

ALSO..(!)..once everything was reassembled I checked all the indicators and lights were working and noticed that the full beam switch produces dipped lights (with blue indicator) and the dipped switch produces full beam?! Have I unwittingly swapped a terminal around, or have I (dangerously) been riding around with full beam on?(Gulp) ANY advice, MUCH appreciated!

Cheers.

Car chargers put out too much current and will shorten the life and capacity of the battery. Get a Battery Tender or equivalent. Don't bother with a "Trickle Charger" as they will boil the battery too. For about $30 US you get get a decent Battery Tender type charger.

Glad to hear the new cable works. I'll restate you should buy a Battery Tender and not a charger. New Enough has 'em.

No help on the lights, sorry.

Is a tender just a good intelligent charger? I was looking at the Oxford Oximiser for charging up? Once I'm back in town after Christmas, I'll charge to full and keep an eye on her. The bikes been poorly looked after, so I reckon the original 2003 battery may still be in there, time for a new one? Any recommendations for good brands of batteries?

I think I'll put the weird light problem to one side for now, I wonder if the low battery might be affecting things? One thing at a time. I really need to check her head to tail in daylight, which I haven't had chance to since I bought her.

Can't wait to get some decent tools over Christmas. I did the choke cable with a pair of needle-nose pliers and a maglite - TORTURE!

The battery tender is just an intelligent charger.
Its trade name of one made in USA (in Florida)
It would probably be closer to £50.00 in Britain.
Americans don't seem to realise not everyone has money to throw around like they do.
It mainly about being able to make the payments here rather than actual cost.
Its an easy come easy go attitude to motorcycles and many people are living years into debt. I'm amazed by how many 19~20 yr olds already have the equivalent of £20,000~£50,000 debts (loans, credit card, hospital bills, etc)
PJ