Hello,

Do you know any reliable motorcycle mechanics that will no charge me an arm and a leg?

I have a 1994 GSXR 750 that will not start up -- all I hear is a click -- tried jump starting, and again -- just a click -- not sure if the starter needs to be replaced or if the starter relay is no good.

Also, figured I could get the oil and spark plugs changed while we're at it.

Either PM or post in here.

Thanks!

1/8/2012 4:54:00 PM

I was in your shoes once. The best thing for you to do would be to fix it yourself. Joint the message forums that supper your bike like gsxr.com and ask in the technical section. It is probably a bad relay or ground on your bike.

1/8/2012 10:45:31 PM

you didn't try jump starting it with a car, did you?

Don't do that.

and I agree with ^



I had a partially shorted stator on mine that kept taking out rectifiers which wouldn't charge my battery when they blew out.

[Edited on January 9, 2012 at 1:10 AM. Reason : sdf]

1/9/2012 1:09:06 AM

Nothing wrong with jumping a bike from a car.

1/9/2012 8:40:32 AM

depends on the charging system, but, you're wrong

[Edited on January 9, 2012 at 9:29 AM. Reason : s]

1/9/2012 9:21:55 AM

Don't elaborate or anything.

1/9/2012 9:42:02 AM

V=IR 12=12

looks good to me

1/9/2012 9:51:24 AM

Don't use a running car to jump a bike. Possibly too much current from the alternator. Nothing wrong with using a car battery connected via jumper cables though, and that's what I recommend you do. Then,

Follow the big wire from the starter to the starter relay. There will be another big wire going to the battery. Stick a screwdriver across the connections of these two big wires at the starter relay(ie bypass the relay). There will be sparks and fire, but the starter should turn. If it does, it could be a bad starter relay or any of those bullshit safety switches. If the starter doesn't turn, check the wiring connections for corrosion or oil at the starter...you can take them off and sand them clean with sandpaper.

In the meantime, learn to roll start. Second gear, key on, clutch in. Run along side it as fast as you can, jump on HI HOH SILVER AWAY, let the clutch out for a split second then pull it back in as soon as you hear it fire. Park on hills henceforth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olha0NaBiwc

[Edited on January 9, 2012 at 10:26 AM. Reason : .]

1/9/2012 10:16:12 AM

a running car will put out more like 13.5v

It could only be 'too much current' if the voltage is too high.

Would like to hear more about the charging system differences. I too thought 12=12, but perhaps not 13.5=12?

1/9/2012 10:40:11 AM

motorcycle batteries will put out over 12v at full charge as well.

1/9/2012 11:15:11 AM

if the car is running, it will send too much current and destroy the motorcycle battery

it will work and possibly get you home, but severely limit the life of the motorcycle battery



if the motorcycle dies while running, (i.e. at a stoplight or in traffic), you might have problems with the stator, wiring, possibly the rectifier, but the rectifier, in my case, kept getting taken out by the short in the stator wiring


if the bike's been sitting for awhile and won't start, charge the battery first, don't expect the charging system of the bike to charge a dead battery, you're asking for more problems

just buy a new battery

1/9/2012 11:15:20 AM

Quote :

"if the car is running, it will send too much current and destroy the motorcycle battery "

That's why you don't start the car. Problem solved.

1/9/2012 12:03:51 PM

Thanks for the response guys...

I think I may have a bigger problem....tried push starting the bike, and the rear wheel kept locking.....could it be a locked engine?!?!?

1/9/2012 5:19:33 PM

I jump my bike with my car battery with the car turned off.

^
Yes, not good. take the plugs out and pray to tebow you can rotate the engine.

1/9/2012 6:04:26 PM

try to push start it in 2nd or 3rd gear

1/9/2012 6:08:46 PM

Did you just buy this bike or was it running recently?

1/9/2012 11:41:50 PM

been sitting for a couple of years.

Yeah, tried push starting it again on 2nd gear, same thing, rear wheel locked up.

1/11/2012 10:47:20 PM

Ah, that's different. If it's been sitting that long, the battery is probably trash. If you buy a new one be sure to get the right battery model. You'll have to add the acid and then charge it a specific way with a battery charger the first time. It's important to follow the charging instructions if you want to get much life out of the new battery.

Next step should probably be pulling the spark plugs, maybe pour a tiny bit of oil in the cylinders and turn it over with a wrench. Carburetor bowls should be removed and cleaned, plus fresh gas in the tank. I could probably take a look at it sometime towards the end of next week.

1/11/2012 10:54:57 PM

also, depending on your technique, you may just be sliding the tire as a result of "You're doing it wrong", so dont be scared that the engine is locked just yet

1/13/2012 4:55:04 PM

sit on it and have your buddy pull you on it using a strap or rope, then pop the clutch in 2nd gear at 10 or 15mph

use the choke

just might work to get it running


use a helmet

1/13/2012 10:06:07 PM

Quote :

"The best thing for you to do would be to fix it yourself"

Quote :

"The best thing for you to do would be to fix it yourself"

Quote :

"The best thing for you to do would be to fix it yourself"

and oil and spark plugs?? c'mon man. don't make me come take your biker card from you.




also: older bike + sitting for long period + carburetor = rotted seals = fuel flowing downhill = "water"-locked = no turnover = no start = locked rear tire on jump start. charge the battery, pull the plugs, put it in neutral and try to turn it over (outside, wear eye protection ). if it still doesn't turn over, let us know

[Edited on January 13, 2012 at 10:29 PM. Reason : im no mechanic but that's what i'd do]

1/13/2012 10:24:49 PM

Sounds to me like it needs a new battery, pretty much guaranteed if it's been sitting dead for any extended period of time.

1/14/2012 12:32:14 AM

just throw the old battery out, start with something good

1/14/2012 12:35:29 AM

New update!!

I had a friend push and popped the clutch at about 10-15mph and this time the wheel did not lock.....the engine sounded like it was going to start but it didnt -- at least we know the engine isn't locked!!!

Probably the plugs are bad and chances are the carbs need to be cleaned since it's been sitting for a couple of years. Furthermore, not sure if absolutely necessary, the choke cable seems to be missing from the left handle -- seems like the previous owner really screwed around with this bike....will the bike start if the choke cable wasn't used?

Regardless, looks like will need a battery, this one is dying -- but even with the jump start (as mentioned in earlier post), all i heard was the starter clicking but engine not turning.

zxappeal agreed to take a look at it, now I just need him to answer his phone

Any input, gentlemen?

1/14/2012 12:41:44 PM

You definitely need the choke this time of year, but that's assuming the carbs are even clean and properly adjusted. You won't bump start it cold without the choke, so you're wasting your time there. If it's been sitting, the carbs probably do need cleaning - hopefully it can at least run with a new battery so you can flush it with some Seafoam and call it a day. I do hope you at least drained the old gas and put fresh gas in it. I would still get a new battery and rebuild the carbs before doing anything else. Bump starting will not do you any good if the carbs aren't primed and adjusted and running it without a good battery will just fry your R/R anyway.

As long as you don't get ahead of yourself, nothing should keep it from running properly. Keep in mind that this thing is nearly 20 years old and it's probably got a lot of seals and hoses that may need replacing before it will run. Take the time to go through everything, top to bottom, before you go out and bet your life on it working right.

1/16/2012 9:10:51 AM

losing power at a buck plus in a turn is definitely one of the scariest moments in my life
that's the day I removed the fuel cut from my RC

1/16/2012 9:26:10 AM

Quote :

"Ah, that's different. If it's been sitting that long, the battery is probably trash. If you buy a new one be sure to get the right battery model. You'll have to add the acid and then charge it a specific way with a battery charger the first time. It's important to follow the charging instructions if you want to get much life out of the new battery. Next step should probably be pulling the spark plugs, maybe pour a tiny bit of oil in the cylinders and turn it over with a wrench. Carburetor bowls should be removed and cleaned, plus fresh gas in the tank. I could probably take a look at it sometime towards the end of next week."

All of this, and oil+filter change at the very MINIMUM.

1/17/2012 6:01:22 PM