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[Sidecar jake]

I have a 2011 efi electra deluxe, yesterday I tried starting it, but it would not. The solenoid was buzzing when i pressed the starter button, so I assumed I had a low battery. I proceeded to try and kick start the bike, still no joy (All lights work and fuel pump primes etc). So i removed the battery and put it on charge overnight. Installed battery back on bike.....nothing changed, checked for spark when kicking - weak.

Please help

[trevorch]

My guess would be a faulty starter solenoid, or bad connections to same. If it buzzes, that is an indication of the contacts not closing to complete the starter circuit. Kick starting, remember you have to keep the throttle closed. Even then mine is sometimes very easy, sometimes a real sod. Is it not under guarantee? Best of luck TrevorCH

[jaffa90]

You might be charging a duff battery,what`s the voltage reading as in 12.8 volts dc.

[Michael]

Check the side stand cut off (although by the sound of things, it is OK as your fuel pump primes). As Jaffa90 says, check battery too. But the buzzing does sound like an arcing in your solenoid - clean the contacts and check with DVM (service limits are in the service manual). Regarding kick-starting - I always kick mine now (ES knackered) and I found the best routine to kick is to kick it over 3/4 times with the clutch lever depressed to free off the clutch a little, twist the throttle just a little, let it relax back to closed and then gently kick. The gentler the kick, the better. Catch the idle by using the manual bistarter, and once it settles blip the throttle to keep the bike alive and happy.

[Sidecar jake]

Putting the kick start not working due to lack of spark on spark plug, i've now changed the plug and get a decent spark when kick over the bike, looks like the engine was absolutly full of petrol (due to kicking over with duff plug), will leave overnight with plug out to dry the chamber.
Allready have disconnected the sidestand switch as this caused problems earlier in the year.
Will have a route around for a solenoid in my shed and see what i can do, as long as drying the chamber and kickstarting work i'll be happy.
Voltage is good on the battery too.

Thanks for the advise, hopefully I wont be asking for more.