Intermittent starting fault

[kennif]

Don't you hate it when this happens! I have a 2009 model 1200GS - 18 months old with 53,000kms on the clock. Just recently I have had this most annoying starter fault. I will take the bike for a run, park it up for some time, and then I will try to start it. About 1 time in 5 it won't start. Everything seems to be coming on as normal -the dashboard display is completely as normal; but you press the starter button and nothing happens. And I mean nothing! There are no EWS codes displayed - everything seems as it should be. If I then wait for something like 10 minutes, checking every minute or so, it will start working as normal. Grrrrrr!

Any thoughts?

[marc]

Battery and battery cable are the first things to check. I'd get the battery load tested if you can.

[kennif]

After my last post, I started the GS using a spare key - the funny little plastic one. Since then I have had no recurrence of the starting fault. Coincidence maybe? Somehow something has been reset maybe? Still only early days I guess but I have done 1,500kms since my post on Monday (it's Friday today in NZ) and all seems ok.

[pdxrmccgs]

A AGM battery nearing end of life will act as you described. There is
not enough power for the start initially. The sealed AGM has the
property called "bounce back" that is essentially the residual chemistry
in the battery "recharging" so at some point in time it has enough
power to start the bike. It usually happens when stopping to get gas.
The bike is usually pushed to the side of the station and cussed and kicked
for about 30 minutes and then like magic it starts.

Some will say no that is a ring antenna failure. Could be, could be.

Some will say no your alternator regulator is headed south. Maybe, maybe.

With a digital voltmeter and a little knowledge you should be able to sort it out.

[kennif]

Thanks to you both. I had the battery checked by the dealer and they said it was ok. I'll check it myself though and say how it is.

[RickC]

The next time it does it, put it in first gear and rock forward and back just enough to turn the engine just a bit, put it back in neutral and hit the starter button. Let us know what happens.

[pdxrmccgs]

Previous poster correct in that clutch or gear status may lock out
start system as will defective side stand switch.

[kennif]

Thanks again. I had the dealer check the side stand and it seems ok. Checked the battery today on a multimeter and it showed 13 volts. That's ok isn't it?

[RickC]

Originally Posted by kennif

Thanks again. I had the dealer check the side stand and it seems ok. Checked the battery today on a multimeter and it showed 13 volts. That's ok isn't it?

Yes, that is a good open no load voltage.

[kennif]

Originally Posted by RickC

Yes, that is a good open no load voltage.

So...is that different from being "load tested"?