Starter solenoid

[Guest]

I had a weird thing happen to me today. I hardly ride my bike right now because I commute on the bicycle. Went to the doctors office without incident but when I came out click and no power.
Called the wife and got some tools and a multimeter. I also brought a spare fuse block.
I determined that the click was coming from the solenoid before the power was dead. Not the usual solenoid click but a bad connection type click.
I could not get the starter to turn by jumping the solenoid. I wasn't getting power to the switch via the battery. I carry a spare battery cable so I switched it. Still the same.
I disconnected the battery power to the switch and it clicked like it should when pushing the starter button.
I bypassed the solenoid, push started it and rode home.
This is my question. How can a switch be connected straight from the battery with a Y connected straight to the fuse block cut the power to the entire bike. Can the switch short out? But wouldn't you still get the power at the Y to the fuse block?

 

[rustybronco]

Jump it or change the battery.

 

[tkent02]

I didn't know bicycles had solenoids and starters.

 

[posplayr]

I didn't know bicycles had solenoids and starters.

I was wondering why Bill got home late last nite; Solenoid on the bicycle was out :-\\\

 

[posplayr]

This is my question. How can a switch be connected straight from the battery with a Y connected straight to the fuse block cut the power to the entire bike. Can the switch short out? But wouldn't you still get the power at the Y to the fuse block?

You need "T" connections, not "Y" connections.

 

[tkent02]

I was wondering why Bill got home late last nite; Solenoid on the bicycle was out :-\\\

No, he probably blew the crank out the bottom of the frame.

 

[Guest]

It was the battery.
Thanks for all the help

Except Dale of course

 

[Guest]

I put a Lowe's lawnmower solenoid on it and it did the same thing. ARRRGH
Since the battery had good connections I came to the conclusion the battery had an internal short. Jumped the bike without the battery from the car (not running) and it started right up.
Bought a Yuasa sealed battery for $99. Had it charged and ready to go in an hour.
I had a fun ride home from work. I put a new Silverstar headlight in it about a month ago and never rode it until today. With a good charging system and a new battery the light was very nice. Plus I love the feel of a 1100. Can't wait until the 1230 motor to get done. Looking like two weeks.

 

[blowerbike]

ok so was the silver star headlite for the bisexual cycle or the motorcycle

 

[Guest]

ok so was the silver star headlite for the bisexual cycle or the motorcycle

I've felt man raped after a fifty mile ride with my old seat. Bicycle seat that is.