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[Reg]

Bullet 500 2005 wouldn't start after being left uncovered outside for a couple of weeks in the rain.Fitted new plug, points and condenser, and bingo, started first kick. Went for a spin about 5 miles, all running sweet as can be. Covered bike and left her for a couple of days. Next time, she starts first kick but seems to be running eratically, as if she needs more choke. I rode off hoping for the best but no real improvement. Later that day she starts first kick but is now running extremely rough, with the odd dramatic backfire. That evening after a first-kick start things have got worse. After much revving to keep engine running I pulled away accompanied by backfire every few hundred yards. Only just made it home, perhaps a mile-and-a_ half. Sounde like a badly shot-up Spitfire! Went to fix things today, bike started and ran eratically again, but now won't start at all. No spark at points, battery showed 10v. when I started fiddling, now down to about 3. I'm thinking coil???

[PeteF]

You'll not get very far with 3v. Sounds like new battery time.

[jaffa90]

10v,sounds like a cell down,3v,the battery is shot as PeteF says.I would check the charging voltage with new battery and engine running.

[Alan R]

Hi REG, ---- check-out our hosts TECHNICAL NOTES in the left hand column of this page ( You can down-load and print it)---- A 12v battery receiving a healthy charge should read in the approx. area of 13-14 volts.... On average a battery can be expected to last 5 to 7 years ?? I have heard from a well-informed source that a certain Mr. X. Mass has just these very items currently in stock !!!-------- I cal my wallet "Time Team" because it holds ancient artefacts and you have to dig deep to find anything of value.

[Beezabryan]

Your battery is shagged

[Reg]

[Reg]

Thanks lads, Battery showed 10.6v when I took it off the bike. After charging for 5hours still showed the same. Hitchcocks suggest wet electrics, especially switch, so I'll spray everything with WD40. It was also thought the carb may be gummed up,though it ran perfectly until now. I checked the float bowl and main jet and found no crud/water and jet clear. What's best product to clean carb with? Can I just spray something in the air intake?

[geoffro]

Put your old condenser back on and try that first, there are some really crap condensers on the market. If your bike wont start after being left out in the damp for two or three weeks take the plug out and heat it up, you'll be surprised the difference it makes and it's a lot cheaper than going out and buying new parts. If none of these work you've lost nothing.

[jaffa90]

A good top up battery in service should read 12.6volts,your reading shows a cell down,how can wet electrics or switches give a false battery reading?

[Beezabryan]

They ain't listening to us Jaffa, when a battery is u/s it is u/s and no amount of ferking about will make it any better and more to the point will mask any other underlying problems, if any.