STARTER PROBLEMS

[HONKER]

I just returned from a 5000 mile trip on my rocket and it performed great! however on the tail end of the trip a problem started to come and go, and was wondering if any one else had experienced it.The problem is this... when i turn on they key and let the gages go through their function i will then hit the starter button but nothing happens.If i shut they key off and start over eventually after several times it will work.it never does it when the motor is completely cold only after it has set for a short time and is still hot. all battery connections are fine,all lights remain on and functional, the starter is the only thing affected. any thoughts anyone???? p.s the trip was from my home in Iowa to nova Scotia, down the east coast and home.My rocket has a all aluminum side car thats looks like a 33 ford chopped top street rod. if i could figure out how to post pictures on this site i would show it to all!! thx!

[Toystoretom]

There is also a starter relay under the seat... check page 18.19 of the service manual... It is under the right side cover and is farthest to the rear. If your bike has this problem again, hold down the starter button and tap on the relay with something like a screwdriver handle and see if it will crank.

Also there is a freaky deal... if your headlights are off the starter won't operate. It could be that there is an intermittant open in the headlight ciruit... possibly a bad connection with the fuse in the fusebox. You could pull this fuse and twist the tangs a little and reinstall it... this helps the connection.

Failing any of that and what others have mentioned.. if you can duplicate the no start condition I would start testing the circuit at the starter relay and work your way back. Of course you would need a wiring diagram and a test light and a touch of electrical circuit knowledge. I posted the entire wiring diagram awhile back but it would be better if you had a service manual.

If it keeps up and you have a dealer nearby.......

Tomo

[Gemini3]

HONKER,don't be a wuss,just bump start it!
Cheers,Mike.

[SteveRed]

Hey Honker... You are holding the clutch in when you hit the starter right!? :razz:

SteveRed

I had the same problem with my 05' rocket during a rally. I worried that I could not start my rocket and I would have to tow it back home. I was about to drive it off a cliff. It was the most unreliable bike at the time. I would sit there with the clutch pulled in, kick stand up, and keep pressing the starter button for about 5-10 min until it finally started. I took it in to the shop and that told me it was the starter relay. After they replaced it it ran fine and I dont have a desire to run it off a cliff now.
Try it. I am sure your problem is the same as mine.
chuter