robert@sri-spam.ARPA (Robert Allen) (08/20/86)
I'm having problems with my FZ600, which has about 1500 miles on it. The problem manifests itself after about 15-30 minutes of low speed movement, such as parking lot driving (e.g., practicing at the DMV). Turning the engine off, and then attempting to start it again via the starter, will produce either a futile clicking sound, or nothing at all. I've taken it to a dealer twice. The first time he checked the charging system and re-charged the battery, and proclaimed it cured. When it happened again, he determined that the starter is ceasing to work when the engine/starter gets to hot (it is air-cooled). In all cases the battery seems to have plenty of charge, so power is not a problem. I was wondering if any other owners are having similar problems. Robert Allen, robert@sri-spam.ARPA
curry@nsc.UUCP (Ray Curry) (08/21/86)
The problem described in the reference article, is so common with todays electric start only machines, I sometimes wonder if it was really progress. Anyway, since the problem shows up with slow riding, it probably is heat related. The full body work aggravates local heating problems. There are two likely sources. To isolate it, take a voltmeter to the battery when the problem occurs and measure the voltage drop when the starter button is pushed and the clicking occurs. If the battery drops to less than 7 volts, the battery or starter is bad. The battery could have a cracked plate or the starter could have a wire that is shorting out. If the voltage drops to 8 to 10 volts, but not lower, its likely solenoid or wiring problems. The heat is causing contact problems. If there wasn't any clicking at all, I would suggest looking for a computer module. The FJ 1100 has one but I don't know about the FZ600. This module looks for the bike in neutral or clutch pulled in, etc. and only allows the bike to start if its "safe". My FJ won't allow the bike to run or start if the side stand is down and the engine is in gear. Fool proof stuff :( .
mikey@bbimg.UUCP (08/24/86)
A lot of Japaneese bikes will not charge at or near idle speed. My 78 CBX needs to get to over 2500, almost 2800 before the needle on the meter swings up to indicate charging. I let it sit there at idle, and it will slowly discharge. They NEED DRIVEN!!!! If you were putting around a parking lot near idle speed, you may actually be running down your battery. If you have a voltmeter, put it across the battery and see where the meter starts to climb, i.e. at what RPM. As to just 15 minutes in a parking lot getting your battery down, I've left my bike with the kill switch off but lights on for almost 30 minutes and it's still started. I even made a trip up from Philadelphia to Bethlehem PA with my alternator out (a brush cocked and stuck not contacting and discharged the battery.) and that was a good ride, firing 6 cylinders, and running the lights. It just barely started when I stopped for gas in Bethlehem. I made it home though! Get some back roads riding above idle speeds. Mike Yetsko trsvax!techsup!bbimg!mikey ps. 55, it's not even a good idea, it S*CKS!!