I recently purchased a 2000 w/ 5k miles on it. When I bought the bike, the previous owner said he'd had no starting problems unless he'd accidentally left the lights on. Nevertheless, he replaced the battery (with a new one). I had no problems for a week, then one day, after having already ridden for an hour or so, I couldn't get the bike to run. I got the clicking of the starter (that's what the clicking is, right?), but the engine wouldn't turn over. So I pushed it down a hill in 2nd and got it running, took it for a drive for an hour, hoping that'd recharge (or whatever it is) the battery (or alternator if one is in there, I don't know). But this morning, two days after the problem, I got NO reaction from the starter at first, then it clicked and the engine made a meek attempt at starting, then just the clicking. Again the lights ran fine. If it matters, it was about 35 degrees outside, but had been in the past when I'd got it running.

Help me out please, I don't know anything about the mechanics of the bike and besides the battery not holding its charge I don't have any guesses as to the problem. Thanks.

OK the battery isn't the problem... check the alternator and regulator. The basic idea is this.... measure the voltage at the battery, then start the bike... better to start with a fully charged battery... and measure voltage at the battery... if its 13.5 - 15 volts... the cahrging system is OK... battery is bad. If the voltage is under 13.5... the charging system is bad... then turn off the bike and measure the resistance of the 3 terminals from the alternator... If the resistance is fine (manual says what it should be)... and the 3 are all open to ground as per manual... test the regulator... manual says what that should be also... So 1 of these is busted... replace it and start testing till everything checks out. Regulators were sold by someone on the site... you could have them cheap... alternator... might have to buy new... costs a bundle... like $100+
Cool.
Srinath.

Also bikes suck at charging a dead battery, charge the battery on a charger overnight first to get it all the way up then try it again. But the charging test will work if the battery is dead or not. Also might want to clean/check the terminals. If its a new battery they usually have a warranty and you can get it replaced if that is the problem.

I had a similar problem recently with my '01 , clicking solenoid but not starting , turned out to be the solenoid itself , the relay was working fine ( clicking ) but the high draw side of the solenoid ( starter motor) was making a crappy contact , so failed to turn the motor over ..you could try bridging the solenoid to eliminate this as a problem



Lev

I know this sounds retarded, but what's the fluid level in the battery?  if it is too low it won't charge.  just tryin to help.