Bike won't start (ELECTRICAL)
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 317
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From: Columbus, Ohio
Bike won't start (ELECTRICAL)
Ok, I have an 02 883R. I am fairly clueless with the electrical side of the bike, so bear with me. Got on it to head to work this morning, put the key in hit start and the bike made a "click" sound like it does when it starts but nothing happens, literally nothing, the starter does not fire repeatedly, no spark, nothing. At this point, there are no lights on my display, no headlight, zilch.
So, what do you guys think...dead battery, short, starter took a crap???
Thanks in advance!!
So, what do you guys think...dead battery, short, starter took a crap???
Thanks in advance!!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Since I don't know what I'm doing...I borrowed a multimeter, will that work, and what should it be set on (there are lots of settings and writing that makes no sense to me). What are the 4 connections, thought there was 2.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,337
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From: Houston, Texas
Set multimeter to read up to 20 volts. touch battery ground with black probe and positive terminal with red probe and take reading. the 4 connection points are both ends of each battery cable. See if there is any corrosion and that they are tight and not frayed.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Well, different brands work different but I'll make a stab at it. The black lead goes in the hole that's black or green and/or marked Gnd. The red lead should go in the hole marked VDC or volts. Setting on the meter should be DC Volts and if there is a "range" setting it should be set to 20 or higher. A good battery should measure 12+ volts with the key turned off.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 317
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From: Columbus, Ohio
Thanks guys, the range issue was my main problem. I assume that the V~ is AC voltage and the V--- is DC? And both ends of the cable, duh. If battery related, it is prob dead right?? Not something I can charge back up. Last think I need right now is having to drop 150 bucks on a new battery.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
1 - How old is the battery?
2 - Do you keep it on a tender when the bike isn't being used?
If the ans. to #1 is 3 or more years and the ans. to #2 is NO, then you likely need a new battery.
2 - Do you keep it on a tender when the bike isn't being used?
If the ans. to #1 is 3 or more years and the ans. to #2 is NO, then you likely need a new battery.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
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From: Wheeling, WV
I'm guessing that it's the original battery, and it's just time to replace it since it was giving you the clicking from starter. However, it could just need a good charge. My OEM battery finally gave out on me last week, (9.5 years of riding), which is really good. 
Oh, and the new battery from the stealer is only like $98 I think is what I paid.
Oh, and the new battery from the stealer is only like $98 I think is what I paid.