bike wont start

blueaudis4 · 02-08-2003, 09:21 AM

hey guys,
i took my bike out for a ride about three weeks ago. i would love to be out on it this weekend but for somereason, it won't start, like it trys then its just seems to die out before starting. it has a brand new full tank of fuel in it, its in neutral, the kickstand is up, what would be the problem. could it be a battery drain?? how long do the batteries last on these things?? any help would be greatly appreciated.
brian

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

was it garaged or outside?

GUS · 02-08-2003, 12:05 PM

Hi
Most likley the battery is drained.Did you have a bad cold spell,as this can render a battery useless,Get a battery charger/conditioner,like a optimate which i use to great effect.This will charge battery and tell you its condition.My battery lasted nearly 5 years before it expired,so yours should be ok.
regards gus

blueaudis4 · 02-08-2003, 02:48 PM

i always keep it garaged and clean. it has been very cold, last week we had it at negative 13 degrees, and that is not including a wind chill or anything. i was just hoping that the starter wasn't going, but it feels like the battery is drained or dead. how does a battery charger work, i mean i know how it works, but if my battery is drained can the charger bring it back to life or will it just give me a enough to start the bike and would i have to buy a new battery???

GUS · 02-08-2003, 03:13 PM

The optimate 3 will revive batteries which are complety flat.You can leave it plugged into the bike when not in use,so your battery is always in tip to[p condition.
regards gus

dsl · 02-09-2003, 05:26 AM

Read the FAQ on this site. It will tell you everything you need to know.

http://batterytender.chainreactionweb.com/default.php

So what it is it.... an S4 or M3? Judging by the temps and snow... hope it's the former.

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

I recommend the accessory outlet addition www.bmwonline.com or wherever, and plug into a battery tender when not riding. Even if the bike starts I have read that ABS might malfunction with a low charge.

It sounded from your first post that it was turning over, starting, then dying. If that was true I might suspect water in your fuel or frozen fuel line.

Joe · Joe's Garage

blueaudis4

I had the same experience as you when I first got my bike and it sat for a couple of weeks. It would turn over and almost fire but wouldn't stay running. It's the first Fuel Injected bike I owned and didn't know it didn't have a cold start injector the best way I found is to give it half Throttle in these situations then after it starts just use the fast idle lever on the handelbar.

blueaudis4 · 02-09-2003, 01:57 PM

i will go to start and it gives a crank or two but doesn't start, i try again and it trys but this time its as if it is dying like there is no juice left in the battery, the starter doens't even have the same crank noise at this point. and it just makes this odd ball sound, and nothing moves.

GUS · 02-09-2003, 02:43 PM

Reapeating knocking noise=flat battery.

Micky Motor · 02-09-2003, 03:02 PM

Blue,
It sounds like your battery has gone flat or is knackered. The clicking sound is the solenoid throwing in but there is'nt enough charge to turn the engine over. Options are:
- Charge the battery and see if it stays charged, ie the bike will still start 24hrs later. You can also take your charged battery to an auto electrician and get it load tested. If it is stuffed then:
- Fit a new battery and keep it on charge when your bike is going to sit for extended periods of time. There are plenty of systems available that will do this.
- If you are up to it, you can do a charging and current drain test when you do finally get going, or get the auto elect to do this as well. He will need the whole bike without bodywork for this though.
Good luck.

M Motor