Bike won't start. well confused!
 

So I've been at this a few weeks now.
I didn't run the bike for about 10-15 days over xmas, and when I came to start it it wasn't having it, it would turn over but not start.
So i charged the battery and it started (reluctantly)
Took it to work and 8 hours later again it would't start so I tried charging the battery but no luck (had to leave bike at work over the weekend)

I charged the battery again for a little longer and it seemed to work, it got me home, and seemed to work for a few days.
Then I left it 2 days that weekend and after that it wouldn't start.

I tried charging again and sometimes it would work, other times it wouldn't.

I looked at the spark plug and it seemed to be ok, but I bought a new one fitted it and charged the battery for a good 24 hours and it started quick (like really quick)
Took it for a spin for half an hour and left it at that.

So I thought I'd figured it out!
Left it for 24 hours and then back to same, turning over but not catching (as always)


As far as i can tell my multimeter says the battery is charging and then holding the charge about 12-13v if it wasn't i would definitely presume it's the battery!

I'll be buying a new battery tomorrow anyway as I've run out of ideas...

Anyone any more ideas?

Thanks for listening :emot-words:

When it doesn't start next time carry a spare spark plug and pop of the HT cap and insert it to make sure it's sparking ok. You'll need to earth the body of the floating plug again some metal.

Thanks Cozi, I'll give that a try.

Might sound daft BUT take your multi meter with you on a ride..when it wont start check its still holding the voltage you recorded after charge.

Tbh Id put money on it being the battery. It may hold the voltage BUT may not have enough amps to turn the motor.

Buy the best battery you can afford. I bought one from Halfords,YUASA YB9B-BS. �57..less if you have a trade card.

Thanks Nicroc, I really hope it's the battery and most things seem to point to that.

pm for you

I had a very similar thing happen and my battery looked ok ,won’t go it to the long story. But it was my battery replaced it never had the problem again

Cheers bud, I plan to buy one tonight so fingers crossed!

Well now I'm even more confused!
I charged the battery last night to try this morning just in case it worked.
When I put it in the bike it did the exact same thing as usual, turning over but not starting.
So I left it in all day, went to work and picked up a new battery on the way home.
When i got home i thought I'd try the bike as you never know, and even though it seemed to splutter a little it started!
I thought maybe it's a fluke so turned it off and tried again, it started 3 times in a row!
What the frig is going on?

Has the weather changed where you are??..ie from very cold for a few days to milder?

Sounds daft but if the battery is failing then the cold weather can really screw up its oommphh..remember its a single and its a fair amount of weight/inertia to throw over .

Kinda like trying to run for the bus when you smoked for 40 years and are overweight..