Help! It won’t start!!!

[R.]

when not driving for longer than a week I keep the battery connected to something like this  https://www.optimate.co.uk/products/optimate-4 (disclaimer , I do not have stock in this company).
I have to replace my battery on average every 5 years and have (knock on wood) never had any starting problems.

R.

[Lancstony]

Had the charger on and it’s started now so yep it was the battery 🤦🏻‍♂️ I’m such an idiot! Will see how it goes and if is a problem looks like will be a new battery, oh dear :-(

[Jarse]

All good then 👍🏻

As stated, an optimiser or similar is a good idea.

[Hax]

Originally Posted by oxidefilm

I'll pile on here-- The dash and lights require very little power. The starter requires a great deal of power. It sounds like you have a battery that needs charging. Try to jump it from a car and see if that works.

Caution! Watch what you’re doing jumping from another vehicle..
NEVER jump it from a running car. ECU’s and everything are really suseptical to power surges so from a low battery at say 10-11 volts jumped to a running car at 14.5volts then you run a high risk of frying the brains/immobiliser etc.
Static 12 volt good battery and you’ll be fine.

[bladerunner]

I have the same sort of problem with my explorer. its been on a trickle charge all the time but when I pull the clutch and press start all I get is a click and nothing . Dash lights all on but wont start.  Eventually starts after pushing start button dozens of times. Any ideas anyone?

[Lancstony]

I don’t know what that would be to be honest, I didn’t even recognise mine as a flat battery so I’m useless with this stuff! Good job I can ride a bike!

Don’t understand why it would start after a few presses on the button unless it’s a loose cable somewhere maybe?

[kenw]

Originally Posted by bladerunner

I have the same sort of problem with my explorer. its been on a trickle charge all the time but when I pull the clutch and press start all I get is a click and nothing . Dash lights all on but wont start.  Eventually starts after pushing start button dozens of times. Any ideas anyone?

If it does start eventually, I don't reckon its the battery.  Seems unlikely to suddenly work after not working.
If there is always a click, it's not the starter button or wiring to it.
You seem to imply that the dash stays powered up while the button is pressed but it's not starting.  I reckon that makes it solenoid contacts or starter motor brushes, or a shonky lead/contact to the starter.  -Or something in the HT system.
Does rocking the bike against the engine before trying make any difference?

If you have a multimeter (and you should have), monitoring the battery voltage while trying to start it will rule in or out battery issues.  Fortunately the TEx battery is easy to get to -just take off the seat.

[bladerunner]

Rocking the bike makes no difference. I think Ill have to put it in to my local mechanic and have him look at it. Thanks all.

[R.]

Originally Posted by bladerunner

I have the same sort of problem with my explorer. its been on a trickle charge all the time but when I pull the clutch and press start all I get is a click and nothing . Dash lights all on but wont start.  Eventually starts after pushing start button dozens of times. Any ideas anyone?

What happens when you use jump start cables  (preferably connected to a running car , do not switch on contact on the bike before connecting the cables ) ?
Is it the same or does it start without any problems ?


R.

[Crosshairs]

Originally Posted by R.

What happens when you use jump start cables  (preferably connected to a running car , do not switch on contact on the bike before connecting the cables ) ?
Is it the same or does it start without any problems ?


R.

Actually if you're going to jump it from a car it's preferable that they not be running...... many automobile alternators are capable of putting out way over 100 amps which is entirely too much for the motorcycles electrical system