So, this isn’t “Click no start”, but “No click no start”!
Not been used all winter, stored sheltered but not undercover - so gets some rain if it’s going sideways.
Washed and then tried to start today, and nothing! Ignition on, dials sweep, all normal dashboard lights on, just pressing starter and nothing happens. Not even a click!
Used a jump/boost battery too, to help, no change.
Checked all the fuses, seem intact.
Opened starter switch on handlebar and sprayed electrical cleaner in there on both starter switch and kill switch (just in case), no change.
So, what’s next?
Is there a way to bypass the starter switch, without too much hacking?
Could it be a relay that has failed? If so, which one is it?
Not worked on a 750 Brava but all pre v100 v twins that i have seen have the solenoid (heavy duty relay that triggers the starter motor) on top of the starter motor. The solenoid is triggered by a large 12v current arriving at the spade terminal at the back of it. This current is between 10a and 40a so take a 1m long heavy gauge wire with a female spade connector at one end, bare copper at the other. Attach the spade connector to the solenoid and flash the other end across the battery +ive. If the Solenoid is working you will hear the clunk then the engine will turn. Now just got to find why 12v is not arriving at the starter. The first place to look is fuses(DONE) then the starter relay (i do not know where this is on a Breva)
If no start = dead solenoid needs replace or repai.
There are two “safety relays” (37 and 38) shown in the attached diagram that control the starter relay (36) this feeds/or doesnt feed power to the starter solenoid - these safety relays ensure the bike is in neutral or the clutch in, and the side stand is up before allowing the starter button to work. The neutral switch (41) Side Stand switch (13) clutch switch *(35)*could also be faulty. If the neural light goes on and off as you select gear and neutral this one is ok.
To check the starter solenoid touch the ends of a piece of wire from the battery + to the small tag connector on the starter motor if the starter engages the issue is with the wiring or relays
I would check the solenoid, if thats ok replace the three relays as these are a consumable item in reality, if that doesnt sort it check and replace the clutch and sidestand switches.
So used a wire between starter Spade and battery +ve - seemed to engage starter, loud clack etc. but each time made me jump (along with the spark!). Didn’t start because I’d removed the plug leads on purpose.
So, probably one or more relays. But which? There are 4 (seemingly) identical ones; two, then another two. Replace all four?
Ive never owned a Breva so I cant help you identify the location of the Safety Relays and the Starter relay - There are five relays on a Breva - the other two are for the fuel injection, one of which has an internal diode. The relays normally have a little diagram on them showing the circuit
Do not do this, possible risk of damage to ignition coils and especially (any) electronic ignition amplfier because of high Voltage with nowhere to go. Best method is disconnect the coil primaries aka amplifier, failing that a couple of spare plugs inserted into plug caps and lying on engine or frame somewhere.
It would be prudent to check the pin numbering on off the shelf relays coincides with those relays that are being replaced too, they almost certainly will be the same but best to check. I got caught out with this on a BMW in the early 90’s
OK, so as far as I can tell of the 5 relays, 4 are identical. Managed to buy 3, and replaced them one at a time. No joy
For the 4th one I swapped the old 3rd with the 4th (so three new remained in place). I figured only 1 relay was likely to have failed.
So, next, bit of WD-40 on the clutch switch I guess. Side stand switch already bypassed after it failed years ago (not accidents from forgetting it, yet!).
Local Guzzi-specialist garage is not far away, but would need their help to get it to them. Obviously…
