weird electrical issue...any ideas?

[Ferd]

Skorpion, new to me. 12,000 miles. Stock but for some jetting.

Original problem:
Normally would start up fine..no issues. Then, for no apparent reason, I'd press the start button, the the solenoid would click, but the engine wouldn't turn. When this happened the headlight stayed off, no power anywhere...the bike was just plain dead. Nada. Nothing.

While having this issue I found the battery voltage would be fine (12.7 +) with the ignition Off, but when I turned the key to the On position the battery voltage would drop to 0.5.
This seemed like a short to me. But then suddenly earlier today while poking around with my meter, everything went back to normal and I didn't have anything to test for.

So now, tonight, I got that same problem...then I fiddled with things a bit and the lights came back on and the engine cranks, BUT I now have Zero spark. So similar end result...can't ride and I'm stranded.

Anyone here have a solution for these gremlins or am I in for a New Wiring Harness?

Any and all ideas/help greatly appreciated
Thanks,
Adam

[djsbriscoe]

Hi,
First I'd do a very slow thorough visual check on all the wiring and tug the wires to check for security of any terminals.
Then I'd make a note (mental or on paper) of what I was doing when the problem reoccurs.
1/ What areas where you probing with the meter. Do this slowly and take note of the results.
2/ Did you move the handlebars- (Could be a short somewhere in the wiring near the headlamp) could be a wire with the insulation worn away touching the frame.
3/ Try moving the wires on the solenoid with the stater button pressed.
4/ Check all earth points for corrosion (worth doing anyway-especially the main one behind the starter on the engine casing).
5/ Check the security of the battery terminals.

That's all I can suggest without having the bike in front of me. Good luck.

David.

[Old Dog]

Battery has collapsed. The alternator has put a charge on it but once loaded it bottles - change your battery and all will be well IMO

If you think that too simple take it to a garage and have it load tested

[DAVID THOMPSON]

the starter relay on my rt 125 would click and no go but meter check said it was ok
turn out the contacts in side would show voltage passing but not enough current to run starter
also one fellow e mailed me his relay stuck and he had to unhook battery to stop it cranking motor
even turning the key off did no good
dave
start with a charged battery and have it load tested then go from there keep in mind even new fuse can be bad

[Ferd]

Thanks.

So Far, I've done everything already mentioned. The issue now is that there is no spark...the engine cranks fine, the lights work...

The battery seems fine...lights are super bright and the engine cranks really fast..just no saprk. I'll be looking for a short I think...

A

[Ferd]

AHH or maybe it was the battery...after resting it a bit and hooking it back up..it worked and in the meantime I might have accidently messed up a connection...Crossing my fingers here...

A

[DAVID THOMPSON]

mine (97 traveller)was running like crap last week..
i found the little female spade lugs were loose
going to the spark coil also watch this wire --
on mine is routed where you can pull on it by accident
when working on things near or under the carbs...
and on the road its a beast to work on because gas tank is in the way
dave