Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all, I'm starting to become a regular here already after about a month of owning my troublesome bullet.



The problem this time started with a complete loss of throttle response on the motorway. Had to pull over and let it cool before trying it again but it wouldn't start, and the electrics were gone. Got picked up by breakdown service, after which first the indicators started working again but not flashing and the headlights were working too. Then, after being rumbled about in the van a bit more, everything worked perfectly and it started first try. One of the guys suggested it might be a carb issue, and checking inside the tank, small amounts of paint are flaking off and the filters on the carb and fuel cock are getting a bit clogged.



I don't have a spare gasket/carb cleaner etc. atm so I just emptied out the carb and filters and the air filter and shook them out, but the bike still won't start so I don't think it's a carb issue (but obviously won't be certain until I've cleaned the jets properly). And I'm growing increasingly convinced it's an electrical issue because:



First I made sure the ground connection was solid, and the voltage from it to the battery and it was all good (between 12 and 13V). However the indicators are back to just coming on continuously. I took out the spark plug and turned the back wheel in 4th with the ignition on, and wasn't getting a spark, at least that I could see in daylight, which I think I should be. I've tried replacing the spark plug but it's still not starting. And after doing that when I turned on the right indicator and I heard a buzzing noise, possibly from the powerbox under the seat, and none of the lights came on. Trying the left side, all the indicators come on, flashing, except for the rear right indicator.



This seems like a problem for an electrical genius, which I am not. Do I need to check the alternator? Or has anyone had this strange problem themselves?

It's been 25 degrees today and I'm so desperate to get out for a ride! Help!

Cheers,

Geraint

Having just watched a video, it seems that the headlight working is a sign that the alternator is fine, since it runs on AC, so I'm thinking it's the powerbox, which did seem to be the source of the buzzing earlier. I guess this means checking all the connections and, if that doesn't work, getting a new one. Let me know if I'm wrong!

Edit #3: it's actually a small box next to the powerbox that's buzzing, called a 'multilink', picture here:



https://ibb.co/kgXybn

And this multilink box has red/white and white wires coming out of it. I think it's the flasher unit, and have possibly just solved my own problem - how embarassing. Anyone know if this could be the source of ignition problems though?

This is probably not what you want to hear on a fine day, but I think you need to give the electrical system a complete check over, in particular:

• check all the connectors for corrosion, loose connections, etc
• check the wiring to make sure insulation hasn't been worn through anywhere
• check all the earth connections are good

and possibly replace the flasher unit.

PS, you might also have a carb problem



It's common to find a new-to-you Bullet keeps giving problems and you think they'll never end. Persistence can pay off though, and there is such a thing as a reliable Bullet!

Thanks for the encouraging reply! I've ordered a new flasher unit and in the meantime planned to go through all the wiring. To be honest, happy to redo it all given how old it is - it's probably a long overdue job and a lot of it looks pretty grimey.

I've found some near the tail light that has been worn through. But I can't work out what kind of wire I need to replace it with, as in what current rating (my system is 12V)? Or perhaps I can just tape over it with electrical tape?

Is there anywhere that's good to get lots of colours of the right kind of wiring? Turns out Homebase only do massive cables...

Geraintosaurus, 12 core trailer cable is available at less than £5 a metre.

Electrical problems can be so annoying, leave nothing to chance. I once chased around an electrical problem for ages as when I did a visual inspection everything looked fine, but when I tried the connectors to the fuse box one just fell apart in my hand. Ian