I feel like such a newby!!  

The bike started yesterday and today I went to register the bike, insure it, and all that.  I wanted to start it up again and now it won't start.  I hear it try to start, but then it just click click clicks continuously.  All the lights and everything work.  I tried putting the choke on, but don't think that's the problem.  Also, now the tail light is on and it won't shut off, what's up with that??

Any advice would be great.  I'm not sure what to do.

ok, it sounds like a dead battery to me. put it on a trickle charger overnight, or take a car batter (WITH THE CAR OFF) and try to jump the bike. As for the brake light, it sounds like you put it into park (just past full lock) when you shut it off. Just my 2 cents, hopefully this will get you started.

"
ok, it sounds like a dead battery to me. put it on a trickle charger overnight, or take a car batter (WITH THE CAR OFF) and try to jump the bike. As for the brake light, it sounds like you put it into park (just past full lock) when you shut it off. Just my 2 cents, hopefully this will get you started.
"

Thanks, yes, I did have it in park.  I thought there was only locking the handlebars, but now I know.

Would a dead battery make it just click when trying to start up?  What kind of charger do I want?  Do I have to take the battery out of the bike?

A low battery could just make a click but have enough in it to power the lights, sounds like a classic "P" syndrome job.

You need a 12v charger, bike specific ones are cheap. If the leads can reach the bike from your power source then fine, most likely you need to remove the battery. Simple cross head driver to undo two bolts, be careful not to drop the nut as you slacken things off. The only other thing to be careful of is the drain pipe, be sure you slot it back on when you return the battery, it's simple enough, just look and take your time.

if i was you i'd jump start it.

Get jumper cables...hook them up to a car and to your bike battery following typical procedure and start the bike..it should start right up and let it run for about 5 minutes..that should charge the battery itself.

Just don't turn the car on...the battery alone is enough to start the bike. If you turn on the car it might fry the bike battery.

Thanks a lot everyone, I'll probably go tomorrow to buy a 12V battery charger.  It doesn't click just once though, it's click continously.

:lol:

I'm having the exact same problem . . . see my thread a few down about "anyone in san jose have some time to help me this morning?"  Just got the bike, it's doing the same thing.  First thing is to get the charger; it'll come in handy even if that's not the problem now.  Per Hugh's recommendation and some other reviews I've read, the Battery Tender is your best bet.  I picked mine up from Pep Boys for about 60 bucks.  www.batterytender.com is the website.  The next recommendation I've had is to check the terminals.  Mine are real dirty, so I'm going to clean them tonight and see if that fixes it.  Good luck, and I'll let you know what, if anything, I find out tonight.

Quote from: Mickey_D100:lol:

I'm having the exact same problem . . . see my thread a few down about "anyone in san jose have some time to help me this morning?"  Just got the bike, it's doing the same thing.  First thing is to get the charger; it'll come in handy even if that's not the problem now.  Per Hugh's recommendation and some other reviews I've read, the Battery Tender is your best bet.  I picked mine up from Pep Boys for about 60 bucks.  www.batterytender.com is the website.  The next recommendation I've had is to check the terminals.  Mine are real dirty, so I'm going to clean them tonight and see if that fixes it.  Good luck, and I'll let you know what, if anything, I find out tonight.

I know how you feel.  I read your posts.  It does suck!! :guns:
I'm going to buy a battery charger.

FYI, cleaned the terminals with baking soda, distilled water, and a wire brush, and between that and the charge last night, she started right up!      

My bike seems really clean and I'm hoping a charge will be enough.  I'll check the distilled water another time.

Yes!!  That was exactly the problem, the battery.  I charged it up today.  It does feel good to work on your bike.  Thanks all.

 

Glad to hear it!  Have you ridden it yet then?  I just finally got on mine about ten thirty last night for the first time.  

argh :guns:   Don't get me started.  The seller checked off the box next to the miles saying it's over the mechanical limit.  Instead of 3600 miles, it has 103,600 miles.  lol, yeah, so I have to wait a few days till I get that fixed so that I can get the plates and stuff.

Well I've driven it just a tiny bit.  In a parking lot and then just down one block to my house when I first bought it a couple weeks ago, but I don't want to get caught driving it and get in trouble.  I might just wait it out. :x

Was the registration not current?  If it was current, as long as you sign the title and he signs the title, my understanding is that you can legally ride it as long as you get the transfer done in ten days.  However, I'm in Cali, and I can't remember since i'm now in the posting page, but guessing from your name I'd guess you're in Boston, so the rules may be different.  Here a lot of times you don't even need new plates, or so I've heard.  I'll find out more about that during my appointment next Monday.

I was in San Francisco last week.  Lots more people with bikes, probably cause of the weather, much more rider friendly.  Also, they get to legally pass between the lines. :nana:   LOL

Well here they checked a box saying that the mileage is actually higher than it really is.  So I have to get that fixed before I can get my new title, plates, etc. It's killing me here.