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Battery/Starting problem?

1.5K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  Hocus Focus  
#1 ·
I'm hoping someone has some insight on this.

I bought a 2003 Suzuki SV650s this past Friday. The motorcycle was a gem; garage kept, clean, only 2400 miles on it and started/ran great. I took it on a 30-minute drive home, no issues at all. Once it was shut off, I tried starting it back up again (hardly 2 minutes later) and it turned over but wouldn't ignite. It continued like this all night until it wouldn't turn over at all. Jumped the battery and it started right back up and let it run for about 30 minutes to burn fuel as it has been sitting, but died again shortly after.

Things I have checked:
Fuel - Put new premium fuel as well as stabilizer
Battery - The old battery was trashed; I bought a new battery.
Clutched safety sensor - Override to test
Kickstand safety sensor - Override to test
Circuits - Checked for any loose connections

Things that could be hints:
After purchasing the new battery, it immediately started right up with a loud roar. It ran perfectly fine for a quick loop. One thing that was noticeable was that the headlights and rear lights were flickering but would get brighter as it was being ridden/throttled. As we let it run idle for about 20 minutes it died on itself and wouldn't start back up again.

The owner said he hasn't ridden it for years on end, it was a pretty neglected bike.

Nothing changed - fluids, oil, etc.

I believe it to be something to do with the charging system, either that or maybe a bad fuse somewhere. Others have told to it just needs to be driven to break in the battery. This is also my first motorcycle, so would it be better to take it in for a diagnosis?

Any insight is appreciated!
 
#2 ·
It is most likely the charging system. I would start by measuring voltage at the battery while the engine is idling (should be above 13v) and revved up around 5k (should be right about 14.7v). Chances are your charging system is barely producing 12v anywhere, which means either the regulator has quit, the stator is fried, or quite possibly, both have occurred.
I wouldn't bother taking the bike anywhere for a diagnosis. Most shops will want to get an old 2003 bike off their hands asap and will simply throw a battery at it until you keep coming back and pestering them. They may eventually charge you an arm and a leg for a crappy regulator they got from China that may or may not work. Bottom line, you need to get in there with a multimeter and diagnose it yourself. If you can spin a wrench, you can replace these items yourself with quality components.
 
#3 ·
here is a good charging system troubleshooting guide...different bike, but same principle:


btw, I've never heard of a battery needing to be "broken-in!" Just get yourself an inexpensive multimeter and go through the diagnosis systematically...there's not much else it could be other than the stator, regulator/rectifier, or battery...good luck
 
#7 ·
I would concur with the replies above, but would add, (and this is probably a bit of a thread hijack, for which I apologise), that a K3 SV650 with such low mileage is indeed a gem, but apart from whatever your charging system needs, due to the years of neglect that you mention, you will need to spent both time and money going through everything; change engine and brake fluids, take off brake calipers and check the pistons for corrosion, cleaning if possible, replacing if pitted. While the pistons are out check the seals and replace if at all suspect. Your tyres may well be unworn but they deteriorate with age, hardening and losing their ability to grip. They will most likely need to be replaced. There are plenty of videos on YouTube regarding the checking of the items I have mentioned and the work that will need to be done.