2009 XB12 wont start

[SoB]

Hey there,

So im having a little issue with my 2009 xb12r. The past couple days i noticed the bike was getting harder to start, just seemed sluggish when hitting the start switch, however it would still start and run excellent while it was running. now when i go to hit the start switch, all i get is the sound of the starter spinning, it doesnt turn the engine over whatsoever, I was able to push start it, and the bike ran just fine.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue before i start removing stuff. Could a bad battery be the cause of this? I would think a bad battery would still TRY to turn the engine over, but it just spins the starter. I havent heard of the starters being an issue on the XB's, expecially a newer one with less than 25000kms on it.

Thanks for any thoughts...

 

[wolfo68]

I don't think the starter should spin without trying to crank the engine. I believe it should have tension on the chain all the time. You could try hooking another battery up and see if it fixes the problem. that would be an easy test.

 

[jimijeans]

Welcome to the Forum. Yep the battery could be possibly trying to go out. Make sure to charge the battery and check the battery terminals just snug should do. After that see how it goes. How many Miles are on the bike? I figure you are the first owner?
Any changes to the Bike?
The Battery is only 200 cranking Amps. If you make short trips a lot or a Head light modification has been done the bikes Stator just can t charge the battery quickly enough with short rides.
Never Jump the bike to start it with a Vehicle running just leave the vehicle off the battery in the Vehicle you are getting the Jump from is plenty large enough to do what is needed THEN Get the cables off quickly don't leave the cables on figuring the vehicle will help charge your battery Not True/ OR you will smoke (burn ) the electrical wiring causing even more problems down the road with the Bike..
The New bikes many models are ALL that way. Also since you are new to the forum please take some time and read up on your bike so as to be better informed in the future. Have you reset the Throttle Position Sensor by using the Throttle and Key Switch method? the 2008 through 2010 Buells all can be done that way.
More on that another time. Always make sure the Bike is in Neutral before trying to start the Engine There is information to learn for helping you here on the forum..Take your time. *Jimi

 

[SoB]

Just to re-cap incase anyone else encounters this problem.

it did end up being the starter that caused my issue. well just the starter drive, i went to HD and they wanted $170 just for the starter drive. not including the actual starter.

so i bought whole used starter off ebay for $70 + s&h, waited patiently for it to come in the mail. threw it on and im back on the road...

also while having the primary cover off, i figured it was a good time to install the xb9 sprocket and chain i had. and for anyone thinking of doing it... i highly recommend it if you dont mind losing a little off the top end.. makes 0-60 a hell of a lot funner

 

[jimijeans]

Yep I was hoping your starter was good And it was just a Battery. I had mine 2008 XB12R red black and grey replaced while it was under warranty. . while I was at it bought a complete Reman kit brushes bearings the works nearly 77 bucks!. I only had 3'800 or so miles when mine went out.
The Bolts that stick out where the harness is on right side of bike. Watch the oil line or the Vibration will slowly cut a hole in it . I cut a tiny piece of vacuum hose or wiper hose I think and slipped it over the Extended bolts so that won't happen. I've actually had bikes come in with oil leaks and sometimes grounded out Starters from such a small thing. Sometimes you can find vacuum plugs to fit but the Vacuum hose has been on mine for years now. Glad you are Riding. *Jimi

 

[SoB]

oh, ok. will check the oil line when i get home today. never thought of that, thanks