Hitchcocks Forum

OK, I've been trying to get Thumper (2003 Bullet 500) back into working condition. The electrics died last year and it's been a pain to get it back. I have power to the ignition switch, flasher unit, lights and horn when I have the battery charger connected. No spark. Remove the battery charger and although the battery tells me it's delivering 12V, I have no power again. (It's a gel battery...)

Any thoughts lads? Help.

12v not enough I suspect the battery is duff.

Oh, the poetry! Watch out Scalyback.



I suspect papasmurf is right though. If the rest of the electrics are sound you should be able to start and run the bike with a capacitor wired in in place of the battery, assuming you still have points fitted. AC headlights on a 2003 shouldn't be affected.



For example: http://www.rexs-speedshop.com/epages/es ... oducts/BE1



If you have electronic ignition some (eg Boyer Bransden Mk3) might not get enough power at kick-over speeds, others like the BB Mk4 or a Pazon should be happier.



By the way, power TO the ignition switch is one thing, are you getting any power out of the other side? Sorry, had to ask...



A.

Adrian: I must. Because the lights won't work without the ignition being switched on, nor the horn, nor blinkers. which they do.. The ammeter deflects when I kick him over...
I too have a suspicion that Papasmurf may be right, so the next step is a new battery. Electronic ignition fitted. No points.

My lights on ASBO12 died this evening, presumably out of sympathy for Thumper (a good magneto got me home, fortunately) so I'll be checking my battery and/or charging system tomorrow.



A.

Hi Guys------ It's a Gel battery you say ??....then you'll need one of the so-called "Intelligent" chargers rather than the old style fixed amps charger....Something like the Optimate that our hosts sell..