Electrical problem (2000Sie)

[Yellow Meanie]

Hi,
A few months ago I was having some electrical issues. The bike was not starting, even though the battery was good.
Well, she's doing it again, and now the tacho is not working properly. It works, then doesn't work, then works again 

Here's a little vid of the tacho:
Baski 2.wmv

Today I tried to start the bike. Fuel pump primes, started chugs over 2 or 3 times, then nothing.
Battery was charged overnight and reads 12.5V. I put it back on charge for 20 mins, then she started.
I shut down, then she wouldn't go... When cranking over, battery drops to just under 11V...

Please note: When I was at the track, I had the same starting problem. I needed a push start every time   
But sometimes, she would fire up first go, the starting system had all the power in the world...

[zooom]

I can't see your vid due to webfilter here at work, but based on the voltage you state, the battery sounds kaput...

on my old 01 M900ie I had, when I had issues with it starting, it was often a push button and nothing and it would be the white connector going into the starter solenoid, but if the starter even is trying to engage, you aren't having that issue. Is it possible a coil has gone bad? Yes, it is, but I would try a battery 1st. On that bike, it is much simpler diag the various things that would keep it from starting. Starter Solenoid, Main Fuse(big orange one next to Battery)and Battery would be the main culprits though. K.I.S.S. works for diagnosis!!!

[chris1044]

A battery that charged overnight should have a higher voltage than 12.5....what amperage were you charging it at?  A decrease to 11V when cranking doesn't necessarily sound bad, but it doesn't mean the battery is doing its job.

I'd suggest charging it up, taking it to a shop/autozone and having them load test it.  That'll determine whether or not it's bad, and to do real diag on an electrical system you absolutely must be certain your battery is OK first...

[Howie]

A battery that charged overnight should have a higher voltage than 12.5....what amperage were you charging it at?  A decrease to 11V when cranking doesn't necessarily sound bad, but it doesn't mean the battery is doing its job.

I'd suggest charging it up, taking it to a shop/autozone and having them load test it.  That'll determine whether or not it's bad, and to do real diag on an electrical system you absolutely must be certain your battery is OK first...

 

[ian48th]

If it's a conventional battery, what's the water level look like?  What's the voltage after a ride before being plugged in to a charger?

The battery is a good first suspect.  I have the same bike - 2000 M900Sie - and haven't had the tach problem, but have had battery problems more than once. 

[Yellow Meanie]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

I pulled the battery out this morning, along with all associated wiring.
Two cells in the battery needed topping up, so I did that, then put it back on charge on the bench.
I then inspected and cleaned all the terminals. I was intent on upgrading the wiring, but it was all in such good condition I decided to just put it all back together.
I also pulled off any earths that I could find, and cleaned them too.

Once it was all back together, she fired up straight away 
After a 2hr run around my local twisties she still starts, with the starter motor turning over strongly 

So, it was either:
A dirty connection somewhere.
Or the battery wasn't charging properly due to being a little low.

Easy fix