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Electrical???

Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2008 9:54 pm
by dr_bar
My Valk is not running, I turn the key on, hit the starter button and the whole thing goes black. Lights go out, gauges go dark the works. The only thing that happens is a big click from the starter. If I push the starter button repeatedly, the motor sometimes cranks over a few times and then it's back to lights out...

Any ideas folks???

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:16 am
by ofblong
check the wires to your stator motor/rectifier.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 3:53 am
by coffee_brake
Charge the battery, and if it starts up, then either your battery is bad or you possibly have a bad connection to battery/starter solenoid/ground. Bad connections happen WAY more often than you'd think, even to newer bikes. Depending on what condition you know the battery is in, you might check connections first.
If you charge the battery and it still won't start, you can try connecting the two terminals of the starter solenoid with an old screwdriver (don't touch anything but the handle of the screwdriver) and if the starter leaps into action, it's solenoid or ignition switch troubles.

Sounds to me like the battery has discharged, though. If it's not an old or cheap battery, you should find out why, don't just throw another battery at at.

Lastly, if the battery discharged completely, as in, you left an electrical doodad on your bike switched on, it may not take a charge, that battery would be ruined.

I like the Valk. I thought it was too big for me when I started riding, but now....now I sure wouldn't hesitate!

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 6:37 am
by dr_bar
I'll have to start checking wires, because the battery is fine and fully charged, I've been keeping it on the tender as it's not insured and sitting unused.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 7:51 am
by BuzZz
Sounds very much like a wonky connection someplace. Time to start checking wire connections. Easy but tedious work, but it will probably fix the problem with minimal $$$ outlay.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 8:03 am
by jonnythan
dr_bar wrote:I'll have to start checking wires, because the battery is fine and fully charged, I've been keeping it on the tender as it's not insured and sitting unused.
Are you sure the battery is good? Bad batteries can show 12-13 volts with no load just fine. Check the voltage across the battery terminals while you hold Start.

Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 1:10 am
by ofblong
jonnythan wrote:
dr_bar wrote:I'll have to start checking wires, because the battery is fine and fully charged, I've been keeping it on the tender as it's not insured and sitting unused.
Are you sure the battery is good? Bad batteries can show 12-13 volts with no load just fine. Check the voltage across the battery terminals while you hold Start.
I just had this problem with a BRAND new battery and it was broken wires going to the stator motor. they rubbed on the frame and finally broke open. Although since its most likely an acid battery you may have to fill it with distilled water....

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:46 pm
by Sev
This has happened to me twice.

First time the negative connection had worked loose on the battery. The second time it was the positive.

You need to make sure to really crank down on those connectors.