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Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 8:12 pm
by IanD
I have a problem on my 2008 Bullet Sixty-5.
Last week it didn't start on the button, no click no solonoid nothing but kick started fine.
Yesterday it then started on the button, then cut out and the button did absolutely nothing, no click just silence - but again it kick started 1st kick again.
All lights & horn work, battery is charged but no electric start - any ideas why? I can't see any obvious disconnected wires, burnt out fuses or anything.
Thanks
Ian
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 8:18 pm
by tedmunds
Check solenoid connections for corrosion and tightened up, also i replaced the 2 glass fuses with proper spade fuses. This made a big difference to the power getting through to the solenoid.
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 8:21 pm
by Adrian
Duff solenoid? Battery ageing - enough juice for everything else, but not enough oomph left in it for the starter motor? Fitting a new AGM 14AH battery did wonders for my Electra-X starter (until the sprag clutch crunched).
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 9:05 pm
by IanD
Thanks guys, the solonoid connections are clean, it's tucked up inside the LHS tool box. Is there at way of testing it?
The connections to the fuses seem a bit crap so I'll try to get some new connectors or blade type fuses tomorrow to try.
The battery is in charge but doesn't seem to be taking a full charge, but my charger may well be knackered it said my ktm was fully charged when it's knackered.
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:46 am
by PeteF
Do you have a voltmeter? If so, check the voltage across the battery. It should be 12v at least. Then check it with a load on. It shouldn't drop much - if it does, it's toast. Also worth checking the earth strap connections - not just that it's tight but clean as well.
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:35 pm
by Presto
Even if the battery was low, you'd expect some response from the solenoid and/or starter. If there is no response from the solenoid, and the battery connections are secure on the terminals, it almost certainly has to be the solenoid at fault.
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 6:21 pm
by Adrian
Is your neutral light coming on with the box in neutral? If not try pulling the clutch lever in and hitting the starter button. A.
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 6:31 pm
by Gwilly
I think Petes advise regarding the readings given on a multimeter are the only way to test with any certainty..
Removes the guess work.. I would extend the test to check if your getting a healthy voltage to the solenoid primary circuit..
Could be a crudded starter button switch which is exposed to the elements up there on the handlebars..
A poor earth connection after the solenoid will have a similar effect, Testing for voltage drop before and after the component is best..
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 8:32 pm
by jonsmith
Hi,
Just had same problem on my 07 electra x
After a lot faffing and testing, it turned out to be the plug on the clutch lever, it had come loose.
Jon
Starter won't start! Bullet 65
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:00 pm
by Micah
I have this model and had this exact problem. I changed the battery and then it worked fine. my solenoid would just click at first, then eventualy it made no sound at all. Its a good idea to make sure your battery doesnt fall below 12.8 volts when you're not rideing it during winter.