Need help with my 04 RSVR

[ss350z]

After I put a new battery and replaced a leaking oil tank my bike is having problems.

Once the bike has sat for a while and on the battery tender, I start the bike and it runs for a few minutes, then the revs go down to normal it shuts off. Sometimes it lasts more than others. If I try to restart, the starter doesn't turn and I just hear an electric motor sound but no cranking. If I leave the bike alone for while (I also take the fuses out by the battery but not sure if this makes a difference) the starter cranks again. Sometimes the bike starts (but then dies again) or it just cranks once but doesn't start and I'm back to just hearing the electric motor sound when I press the starter button.

Since the only thing that's different now is the battery I think it may be the problem, but it reads 12.1 volts on the dash (bike off) and its brand new. Also, if it does crank it starts, so why would it shut off and not let it crank again? I checked and there are no error codes, with the bike running dash reads 13.4 volts at around 3000 rpm.

Any ideas? Can a new battery cause this or somehow something else went wrong in the mean time? I did notice tonight the battery tender light was green (fully charged), I turned on the ignition to check the codes. After I put the battery tender back on the red light came on (charging) and stayed in for a while and I even just left it there. Why would the battery need charging again if I just turn the ignition on for a minute or two? Do I have a bad battery? Its an OEM Yuasa replacement. The battery tender plus is brand new as well.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[Ian_XX]

if you just put a new battery in and keep it fully charged(which you shouldn't have too) then I would guess the charging system. Perhaps the rectifier or stator?

[ss350z]

Since I can't ride the bike now and its been sitting for over two weeks like this I figured I leave the BT on it until I get this sorted out.

[fast4d]

get a multi meter and check the voltage at the battery. then check the voltage on the starter relay (right side behind seat) output when you press the starter button.

never run the starter more than 3-4 seconds

[theknurl]

check your battery terminals, engine grounds and solenoid connections

then try starting it ...still no? jump across the solenoid terminals

Noel-theknurl

[ss350z]

Will get a multi meter and try the above and report back.

[mooni]

any news?

[kzmille]

...Once the bike has sat for a while and on the battery tender, I start the bike and it runs for a few minutes, then the revs go down to normal it shuts off. Sometimes it lasts more than others. If I try to restart, the starter doesn't turn and I just hear an electric motor sound but no cranking. If I leave the bike alone for while (I also take the fuses out by the battery but not sure if this makes a difference) the starter cranks again. Sometimes the bike starts (but then dies again) or it just cranks once but doesn't start and I'm back to just hearing the electric motor sound when I press the starter button....

Sounds like the sprag clutch is giving up.

[theknurl]

Kirk;
don't think its the sprag clutch.....it runs and then dies
i think the motor he hears is the fuel pump

loose connections and or bad solenoid get my vote

Noel-theknurl

[kzmille]

Yeah, you might be right there. If it's the fuel pump he hears and not the starter free wheelin then I agree.

[ss350z]

Unfortunately I don't have time during the week to check, will hopefully do so this weekend and let you know. I too am hoping for something simple like a bad connection or solenoid. I have my service manual in hand so I can identify where they are, bike never gave me any problems so I'm not too familiar with the electrical/charging system.

Thanks.

[Tdawg]

check your battery terminals, engine grounds and solenoid connections

then try starting it ...still no? jump across the solenoid terminals

Noel-theknurl

jump worked for me and provided the diagnosis. oddly the solenoid pooped out when a new battery was added. AF1 or your dealer should have the stock one. There an aftermarket one and a yamaha one used as well, use the search for that.

[ss350z]

Spent some time with the bike Sunday and I had a Homer Simpson "D'oh!" moment, the tip over sensor was upside down. Now the bike starts and restarts just fine.

At least I'm glad it was something simple and the bike is still as reliable its always been

Thanks for all the responses!

[hooligan2229]

Don't feel bad... I had the same D'oh moment when I installed my alarm .... arrow up !!!

[PlatinumRSV]

We've all had our D'oh moments. Remember my first year of riding, couldn't get my bike started after lunch. My buddy even went to get his trailer so we could tow it home. Well, right before he came back, I figured out that I had my bike in gear with the kickstand down