XB12R Electric problem

[WillRotten]

I know some will say I should google more. I googled so much I'm confused where to start. Right now I'm charging the battery, but as long as my rides have been, it shouldn't be needing it. I had already cleaned and tightened all battery terminals. Then I found this rats nest of directions. Before I start buying unneeded parts or instruments where do I start?

It starts up like this, but this isn't my bike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulGAQKvUKiA

The clock and trip keep clearing themselves. It's always 2:00 when I start it. I'm guessing Stator but these guys got me thinking it could also be loose grounds or starter solenoid.

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/3842/735931.html?1413040973

bringing the question here, cause I'm finding too many answers everywhere.

Thanks for any assistance.

 

[WillRotten]

BTW, it started like this when I bought it. The guy told me it has a new battery and that all Buells start like this.

 

[thrstrmech]

sounds like a weak/dying battery...could be a charging system issue, but start off with a good, fully charged battery. you can check for codes with a jumper on pins #1 & #2 in the gray dongle with black rubber boot cap, below the relay box or with ecmspy, if you have it. good place to start with.

 

[WillRotten]

Thank you. It's an '04 with 27k on it, and the speedometer sometimes doesn't work until a few miles down the road. Probably a separate issue.

 

[holleywood]

My first step would be to give the battery a good long slow charge. See what happens. If the engine starts better problem solved. If not then you can start testing all the other stuff.
Good luck.

V-twins take a lot out of a battery. A weak battery can cause the clock and trip odometer to reset when starting. My 04 had similar issues as you described ( slow starting and the clock resetting ). I was dreading forking out the dough for a new battery. I put the charger on 12 volts 6 amps for about 8 hours. A year later she still starts like a champ.

 

[WillRotten]

Thanks for the advice. I've never had a bike that I kept on a tender, but I now plug this one in when I'm not riding.

 

[holleywood]

I don't keep mine on a tender either. I had a spell where the starter would really drag. It would get to the compression stroke and really make me worry if it would roll over or not. It got so bad the bike would click, click, click sometimes before starting. I rode in between but the stator never seemed to charge the battery fully. Then I put it on a slow trickle charge and if continues to do fine. Should it start to get weak again I will put another charge cycle on it. Buells like Harleys are just a little different. Not bad just different. Good luck.

 

[thrstrmech]

Have you checked the connection to the instrument cluster since you mentioned it? Possibly not fully connected or dirty. Is there a ground wire connected to the steering head, just below the fairing stay mount?

Back to the battery, the PO told you it was new, more than likely he was blowing smoke up your..., go buy a new one. Start from there, still check for codes, remove your fairings and body panels, look over everything and take your time going through it. Use the service manual and go to the back, look at the diagrams given in Appendix D on how the electrical and other systems are routed. This will help guide you where things are and possibly flag something there or the PO messed with, added or removed. Anything is possible here.

 

[WillRotten]

I charged the battery and took it to AutoZone. They tested it and it's good. Brought it home, same problem. Today I noticed when I apply the front brake there is a buzzing sound until the bike slows down. It has had LED signals and brake lights installed. I don't know. I can turn a wrench but math and electronics is all greek to me.

Anyone in the Central Florida area with instruments and patience? I'd be happy to pay for your time, as long as it's more affordable than a Harley dealership. I'm not sure how long I'll keep this bike. I bought it for a stunt I'm doing next month and might just sale it after, if I can't get this figured out affordably.

 

[thrstrmech]

Today I noticed when I apply the front brake there is a buzzing sound until the bike slows down. It has had LED signals and brake lights installed.

locate the turn signal and brake light wires... disconnect them all and see what happens?

 

[WillRotten]

Thank you thrstrmech! I can do that.