I don’t think it’s unusual, but are they all the same thing, how can I tell (I’m not very technical).
V7 cafe classic 2011, had it 3 years or so, no probs till last week. Rode 50 miles, stopped an hour. Came to start, dash lights on, press starter, dash lights off. Checked fuses, wires, all OK. Rocked it back & forth in gear. Eventually started but was it mechanical or electrical (battery newish & on optimate). Had to stop for fuel on the way home, same problem starting. Trouble is I fiddle with everything and don’t know what solved it. Got home, restarted OK. Also a couple of times cold in the garage during the week. Thinking the problem must have gone set off for a bike meet but first went round the block, see if it would restart, yes. Repeat, yes. So set off on 50 mile run to bike meet. Setting off for home - wouldn’t start. I’m thinking it’s not electrical, maybe starter sticking, but I’m an idiot so that doesn’t help. Still starting first prod cold in the garage, won’t go wrong when I want it to. Any ideas, or is it time to involve a garage? Thanks,
Dave
I had this issue with a 2006 Japanese bike last year, it was the solenoid block. Replaced with a Chinese item because the Japanese OEM one was many times the price.
So far still working.
It could be that there is not enough oomph to the started solenoid. Check the connection through the starting circuit and clean all m & f spade terminals. There is a fix for this on older Guzzis where a wire is run direct from the fuse board to the starter relay as the original route is around the houses. If cleaning terminals doesn’t work try that.
Best Wishes Chris
Thanks for your advice.
I’ve not had chance to look into this until now. I did ask at my local bike shop but it is a busy time of year and they’re booked up with MOT & servicing all month.
So I thought I’d look at it myself and see what extra damage I could do. The bike always starts to get me there, just plays up before getting me home. So first job, warm it up so I can get the fault on my drive instead of in a car park. 10 miles round the village, turned it off on my drive. It started again. OK, another 10 miles. Same again. I think the bike is laughing at me. Or maybe I’m lucky and the problem has just disappeared?
I have a 2009 V7 and it does the same thing…the solenoid just clicks…the best way I found was to quickly keep pressing the starter button until the current trips over the solenoid to the starter, has always done this since I owned 4 odd years ago.
If you haven’t check earths are clean and tight and battery terminals.
I have a 2005 HD sportster which are renowned for broken and loose earths which cause the problems you describe…
Hi Dave
If you’re on the south coast give me a call. 07980 639289
Nik
Once again thanks for the advice.
I did try tinkering and as expected made things worse - it doesn’t select neutral now if the engine is running!
It’s in the repair shop. I don’t need it this weather so I told the mechanic he’s welcome to use it as a fill in job, I don’t mind when I get it back.
70 next Jan, maybe it’s time to review motorcycling. But this cold, wet, dark weather isn’t the time to think about that, see whether the enthusiasm returns in Spring (if the bike’s fixed by then!).
cheers,
Dave