First post and I've got a problem...

[Tulkas]

So I've been lurking around TriumphRat for the last two months since I sold my Buell and bought a 2005 ST 1050, garnering lots of useful info (thanks all) and planning my first memorable post with a slick avatar, sig, etc. but this morning my bike won't start so I'm asking for some advice. The bike has run like a top in the two months I've had it; it's only got 3700 miles and has already had a first service. I switched it over to Amsoil last sunday and cleaned/lubed the chain and everything was running well then. Today (Tuesday) I got up to ride it into work and it started up but was blowing a little more smoke than usual; I didn't think much of it since it was a bit chilly and humid at 5:30 in the morning, but then all of a sudden it cut out and now I'm not getting the "needle sweep' which is normal when turning the key in the ignition. The lights come on with full brightness and the PIAA driving lights mounted on the front mudguard will also come on, so I've got power from the battery. There's no activity of any sort on the dash- e.g. no LCD, no engine lights, and absolute quiet when I hit the starter. Is there some sort of "fail-safe" which the (admittedly rather inadequate) user manual doesn't mention which I could re-set or am I stuck having to pay for a tow 30+ miles across town to the dealer? Any and all input will be greatly appreciated and I look forward to contributing to the forum in a more beneficial way in the future.

[DaveM]

Hi Tulkas and welcome to TriumphRat.net and the Sprint forum.

Firstly I am NOT known as one of the technical geniuses on this site but I am sure they will soon be here to help.

Do not be offended if these are too obvious and you have checked them already.

Things I know you could check:

battery terminals are clean and tightly fitted
side stand switch is not damaged
kill switch is not in off position

These bikes are very sensitive to the battery being in top shape.
This seems more of an issue with the newer 1050's than the 955i's.

If you are waiting for more expert advice please do a search as you will find some better explanations than mine.

It appears from my limited understanding that the 1050's seem to suffer from a battery that is possibly a bit short on grunt required to start if not in premium condition.

DaveM

[whoosh]

Welcome and sorry to hear of your problem - a search of the forums may halp, I think there may be more than one thread about not starting, won't start, poor starting, battery etc

[Tulkas]

I don't think it's a battery issue as both the standard and aux. PIAA lights come on full bright- the bike was running when it suddenly cut out, so unless the kill switch can trip itself I don't think it's that simple either. In rummaging through the forums this morning I've noticed a few posts regarding the ignition relay- is there any obvious sign of fault (other than a scorched casing) which one would look for in a bad relay? I really dread the thought of paying to have the bike towed to the dealer across town and finding out it was something relatively simple like a relay needing to be replaced.

[Calliway]

Well you definately have an electrical problem. Does the fuel pump prime? Have you checked the fuses? Have you checked the relays on the right hand side under the fairing? Have you checked the negative terminal on the battery? Start with the simple stuff.

[mglemans86]

A few weeks ago I tripped the kill switch while wheeling the bike out of the garage. The bike exhibited the exact symptoms you described. No activity on the instrument cluster but lights on bright. I'd check that circuit first

[airrider03]

Originally Posted by mglemans86

A few weeks ago I triped the kill switch while wheeling the bike out of the garage. The bike exhibited the exact symptoms you described. No activity on the instrument cluster but lights on bright. I'd check that circuit first

+1 That's what I say...I was baffled for about a minute when I tripped the kill switch and had the same symptoms.

Go team New Jersey! We'll fix it for ya!

[DaveM]

No worries, your welcome Tulkas.

DaveM

[ventur4th]

My 06 has died several times due to electrics.
First time was due to a faulty fuel pump relay. Symptoms began as hard starting a few times, then it just died while riding. Obviously, these aren't the sympotoms you're experiencing - but the second time it died, it had those exact symptoms. Thankfully it died in my driveway and there were no towing bills. Under the fairing below the head lights on the riight hand (throttle) side is a connector for the right side handlebar electrics. The connector seperated as I pulled in the driveway after a 150 mile ride. You can easily find the connector by following the wire loom from the kill switch assembly down to the connector under the fairing. Mine is now firmly zip tied in place.

[Tulkas]

Problem solved. As ventur4th suggested in the previous post, it was the fuel pump relay. No dealer tow-in charge, but I did have to take a half day off work to get the fairing off and pull the relays, which means I have that much less vacation time to take my Sprint on a road trip.

It does bring a question to mind though; what sort of spare parts do you guys suggest carrying on an extended road trip through sparsely populated areas? I've seen suggested on other threads in the forum that carrying an extra clutch and throttle cable is a good plan, and obviously things like fuses and relays don't take up much space and could be easily included. Assuming the bike's up-to-date with all major maintenance, what are some parts I should always have with me?

BTW, my list already includes important parts like a box of rubbers.