ER-5 Not firing (clicking)

[AngryAnt]

Hey guys, had a bit of trouble with my motorbike over the winter. Went for its MoT last month and had to have some new parts, but was left sitting out for a few days so the battery ran flat.

Charged the battery when i got home and everything seemed fine, till a few days ago. The bike started making a clicking sound when i was trying to start it. After leaving the battery on charge all night, it still had the same problem.

I've been able to get at one spark plug, without having to remove the fuel tank, and it looks like it isn't sparking. But this could be due to the battery.

I'm the first to admit i'm pants when it comes to mechanics (i can repair a computer with one hand behind my back and both eyes closed, but not bikes), and was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

Cheers (and hopefully this is in the right board)

[Guest]

Yep, right board Ant

Sounds like the battery is kaput. Have you got access to a multi meter? Or access to another battery and some jump leads?

if the battery is kaput, being on charge won't help it. It will have lost its cranking power.

If you have access to another battery, hooking it up should determine for sure if it is your existing battery or not.

[AngryAnt]

Thanks,

I don't have access to another battery.. well, unless you count a car sitting right next to it. Just glad i won't have to drop the fuel tank if it is the battery.

[Guest]

That is an option. Carefully does it though, especially if you are not confident about it. Got a mate who can help you out?

[AngryAnt]

got a parent who i can rope into it.

So the car battery will work? (just to be clear, don't want to have to run after my bike as it jumps eight feet away

[Guest]

pmsl, yes it should work. 12v system to 12v system. Ensure the leads are connected the correct way etc. And there should be no need for the car to be running really. Its not like you are jumping a car which requires much more ooomph.

By hooking it up, you should merely determine wheter or not your bsattery is kaput. ie the clicking should be gone.

Assuming this is the case, a new battery will be needed.

Usual pitstop disclaimers apply...

The only issue I am aware of with this method on bikes is it can spike the ECU. But I don't believe the ER5 has one, so should all be good!

[AngryAnt]

Well they seem to think its the battery aswell, though we can't find any jump leads (and after about 20mins in the garage decided they have been lost).

Thank you for the help , i'll say if it was it, once we get a shiney new one.

[Guest]

lol ok