Feeling a bit silly but would appreciate any advice! I spent the summer tarting up my 748, which involved stripping it down and having all the panels reconditioned and giving the bare bike and engine a deep cleaning and changing the belts whilst I was at it. Unfortunately, when all was finished, I couldn’t start the bike!!! I can hear the fuel pump on the turn of the key, but no intention to start at all. I’ve checked the side stand sensor and it’s all attached as it should be, so am lost to what might be causing the issue. I’m pretty confident in my spanner ability, but not so good at electrics and diagnosis, so any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance
what happens when you hit the starter button? just nothing, I would start with the starter relay, then check all the wiring to the starter motor. Sounds like the Fuel Pump is priming correctly though. Seriously pull off the battery and check all those wiring connectors again; there just has to be a crap earth somewhere. Speaking of which did you put the earth points back on the engine etc?
Check the wire underneath the tank to The solenoid, it often pops out. Mine had same symptoms and that was the problem.
Chris - unfortunately yes Phil - nothing happens when pressing the starter button. Thanks for the ideas though, I'll start with the earth’s and move on to the starter relay, et al. Thanks both for such quick responses. Much appreciated
If it is the solenoid plug, smear it in a bit of bathroom silicon and put it back in again, that will stop it popping back out.
as Carlos says - 9 times out of 10 on an otherwise 'fit' bike, it's the little plug on the starter solenoid (round thing next to battery) either not fully located or not making contact due to light corrosion etc
If Carlos means the same plug as I am thinking, it is a little white plug at the back of the starter solenoid to the bottom right of the battery, this could have been knocked out. Steve Too Slow Again!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to check the starter relay. Turn the ignition on, then using a large screw driver short it across the two big terminals on the starter relay/solenoid. This should result in (a few sparks) the bike cranking, assuming the battery is ok, main fuse is ok and all is connected properly...
If you have taken the ignition switch plug apart behind the headstock that can have the same symptoms if you have bad contacts.
you can always escape the festivity's... I put the recycling bins in the corner of the garage so that I can 'Errrr just taking out the Recycling'.....
I had a similar problem and found that I had connected the wire from the starter switch to the wrong plug near the head lights. Good luck.
