Triumphrat

Rincewind · 08-11-2006

When leaving work today, I pressed the ignition as usual. The starter ran for 1/2 second, then went dead. Everything else was working fine. I was able to bump start the bike and ride it home.

I've since checked the fuses, and they all appear fine. I opened the handlebar switch and didn't see any faulty wiring there. I fear the starter's gone bad. I reviewed my Hayne's Manual on starter replacement. It's seems a moderately involved process just to get to it.

Does anyone have some advice for me as to what to check next? Any ideas on replacement cost in US $$ for a new starter? And complexity of replacement?

I'm on the fence whether to ride 50 miles to one of the three Triumphs dealers around here tomorrow. Martin's in Pottstown is advertising Saturday walk-in service, but I'm not sure they meant this sort of thing, or if they'd have a replacement starter in stock for me.

Incidentally, I don't think this is related but yesterday when leaving work the bike only appeared to be firing on 2 of its cylinders. It was running quite rough that way, and needed some extra choke to quit stalling. I was a bit distressed at this turn of events, but then a few miles down the road the third cylinder kicked in and it ran fine. I hope that's not indicative of a coil going bad, too.

Thanks for your input.

[ This message was edited by: Rincewind on 2006-08-11 17:53 ]

maxpower · 08-11-2006

If it does not makes a "Click" Noise when hitting the start
button

then check to see if the starter will operate with the bike in Neutral if so this would indicate a fault in the switch/sensor in the Clutch lever.
Check for possible issue with the contacts in the start switch (sounds like you already have).

if there is a "Click" then check for:
Bad Ground:
There is a ground cable that is under the rearward most alternator mounting bolt (only 3,front top,back ) check it for corrosion and looseness, Also Negative Battery connection may be loose or corroded.

Next, Positive Battery terminal and the cable/connections from battery to solenoid.
Check to see if in the solenoid sends Voltage from the Solenoid to the Starter.
Lastly: Check the Starter Brushes refer to Haynes Manual. The brushes in the stater wear and once reach/near their service limit will need to be replaced.

If it is the starter I think new from triumph for around $400.
However they turn up on EBay and can be had for under $100.

[ This message was edited by: maxpower on 2006-08-11 20:06 ]

Rincewind · 08-11-2006

There is no click with the starter button. I press the button and nothing happens at all. Are you saying that indicates that it is not the starter, but instead a faulty switch somewhere? I will refer to my Haynes manual for reference on the clutch switch/sensor you mentioned.

Also, perhaps I should remove the igntion switch housing again - I did not get to fully dissassemble the kill switch and ignition button to visually inspect the contacts.

Thanks for the response.

Saigon5 · 08-12-2006

No click, nothing, I would check the battery first. These bird are on the batteries. Happened to me before.

jimmyj900 · 08-12-2006

No click means the starter solenoid isn't engaging. If your headlight and indicators are on then it's probably the starter switch or wiring to the primary side of the solenoid.

Try shorting across the big solenoid terminals with a large screwdriver and see if the starter cranks.

Make sure the bike is in neutral!!!

If the starter cranks, then you've isolated the problem to the solenoid circuit.

Check the small connections on the solenoid for corrosion and damage.

Check the start push button connections on the bars and check the switch itself.

If you find nothing there, check the connector in the headlight.

Jim

Rincewind · 08-12-2006

I was amazed this morning that the bike turned over again, no problem. However, seeing that the battery was more than a couple years old, I went ahead and bought a new one today. So far so good.

Hopefully the new battery will resolve both issues; but I appreciate having these great tips at hand if my Bird refuses to start again.
Thanks again for the responses, I really value this forum.

Tumbleweed · 08-12-2006

Dead bird? ...hmm...makes me think of kentucky fried chicken....mmm...hungry......

Oh well, the batteries are known to wear out fast, or at least go dry quite fast. Glad you got it sorted! Pay attention to the levels on your new battery though.

T'Weed

Rincewind · 08-12-2006

The new battery is a sealed type, like the last one, so there are no levels to be checked. It's an advanced glass mat type.

Still I should probably drop some cash for a battery tender this winter to help maintain it. I've gotten away without one till now, but geez, those new batteries are kinda costly.

Saigon5 · 08-13-2006

Our birds are overcharging. I used a sealed battery before and it died on me very fast. I now use the old type battery and check the water.