A story about a short wire

[BKKBuell]

After about 2 years having my XB9SX I experienced starting problems, pushing the starter button it sometime did not crank in bit mostly it did, I did not pay a lot a attention to it. Then the bike stood for 2 weeks and pushing start it did not crank in at all. here we go

1) Check the Battery --> 12,6V
2) Check the starter circuit, switch to relay, relay to starter --> all normal
3) Check the starter onboard and found resistance at the starter solenoid when open
4) Took off the cover and cleaned the contacts, removed the motor and tested&cleaned it --> all fine

Then I but everything back and suddenly the starter cranked making a noise like a automatic gun --> PANIC

5) Took off the starter, took it apart and cleaned check and this 3 times --> still not work
6) Now the battery was down I used a pickup battery --> still not work

to be continued

 

[BKKBuell]

part 2

7) after 3 attempts I measured the battery again --> 12,5V open but pushing start it dropped to 8,8V --> Battery deep discharged AHHHHHH

8) Charged the battery for 4 hrs at 6 Amps --> start success

After 2 days again automatic gun behavior, battery 11,8V WTF is going on

9) I found current discharging the battery and finally (2 days later) a found a wire rubbing to ground having the insulation damaged (almost impossible to see).
10) repaired the wire, charged the battery and since then its fine

what I have learned: a deep discharged battery might have open voltage that looks ok but when starting the voltage will drop suddenly

And the issue with PickUpBattery? tja.. connecting with small cables will cause a voltage drop under load.. I now you will tell me : I would have told you in the very first place

but I learn best by trail&error