So I went out and tried to get the bike to start. After about the 5th attempt there just wasn't enough juice to get it going. I waited 5 minutes and tried again but all I hear is like a small spinning motor sound, kind of what a small roto tool sounds like. The battery was already on its last legs so I went out to cycle gear and got a new one. They filled it with acid there and I dropped it in and all I get is that same roto tool sound. Do I need to charge the battery or is there something else wrong? Thanks y'all!
Yep you need to charge the new battery. :thumb:
- Bboy
Spinning motor is not it. If battery is weak, the motor can not spin because it is connected to the engine with a one way friction clutch.
This is your problem...
Quote from: BockinBboy on March 13, 2014, 10:13:54 AM
Yep you need to charge the new battery. :thumb:
off topic, but ive always been told that...but ive never actually had to charge one. i always say "well lets just try it" and she fires right up and runs fine... haha :woohoo: maybe i have the magic touch ;)
Quote from: kvon11 on March 13, 2014, 10:45:55 AM
Quote from: BockinBboy on March 13, 2014, 10:13:54 AM
Yep you need to charge the new battery. :thumb:
off topic, but ive always been told that...but ive never actually had to charge one. i always say "well lets just try it" and she fires right up and runs fine... haha :woohoo: maybe i have the magic touch ;)
Also depends onthe battery. If you add acid - you must charge it.
LiFe batteries are charged up right out of the box. Probably many gel sealed batteries, too.
Remember: weak battery will not make the starter motor spin. We do not have a starter "solenoid" that makes the starter catch with the motor. All we have is a relay that turns on the starter motor. The starter motor is connected to the crank with a one way mechanical slip clutch. One way it always catches (starting) then slips when the engine crank is turning faster than the starter motor. See video for explanation.
Quote from: adidasguy on March 13, 2014, 10:51:46 AM
Remember: weak battery will not make the starter motor spin. We do not have a starter "solenoid" that makes the starter catch with the motor. All we have is a relay that turns on the starter motor. The starter motor is connected to the crank with a one way mechanical slip clutch. One way it always catches (starting) then slips when the engine crank is turning faster than the starter motor. See video for explanation.
Gotcha ;)
Btw, I took the original post to be more like when the motor does turn, you hear the higher pitch sound from the starter, but the engine doesn't fire up - but rereading his description, it seems to be more like the sound posted in your video, and the engine not turning at all... which I hadn't heard before, and definitely sounds different than what I was thinking.
- Bboy
Quote from: adidasguy on March 13, 2014, 10:51:46 AM
Also depends onthe battery. If you add acid - you must charge it.
Yep... batteries where i need to pour the acid in... a few times now, i am surprised that it works too... must have been about 2 or 3 batteries. i pour the acid in, let it sit for a while. drop it in the bike. go to get the trickle charger but stop and figure "maybe ill see if it works.... " and then magic happens and it fires up. :cookoo:
oh well. ill let this thread get back on topic and stop spreading information that probably confuses most.
Oh man, that's exactly what it sounds like. Dang, SxSW is happening and parking is ridiculous right now. I was hoping it was a quick fix but it looks like I'll have to work on it this weekend. Thanks adidasguy for the great info!