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[Perorec]

Hello, for last few days my cast iron bullet 5 speed, year 2006 have problems with electric start. Sometimes it starts normally, but very often it gives only "tk tk" sound when I press start button and nothing else happens. As I press start button, there is brief negative reading on ampmeter. What is problem with electric start? Any ideas? Battery is ok and spark plug also. In that situation I use kickstart and it starts in first or second attempt.

[Gwilly]

There are a number of reasons which you have to check and eliminate in a systematic manner.

Are all cells topped up in the battery and is it fully charged and holding this charge overnight. Replace with new if old and knackered.

Is the Main earth battery to frame sound, clean and tight connections.

Check with a multimeter that you have 12.5VDC or more at the solenoid connection when the button pressed..

If not then back track using a wiring diagram for guidance on colours and check all connections from the solenoid back through the start button to the ignition switch..

If all good then check the earth side of the solenoid being the wire that runs back to the clutch switch and or neutral switch, both of these switches are fragile and often fail..

Sounds complicated but half hour with a multimeter will find a fault were trying to guess and throw parts at it will just lead to expense and frustration..

[Adam]

The only thing I would add to Gwilly's advice is a quick squirt of electrical contact cleaner into the right hand switch assembly where the start button sits. Worked for me Adam