| Author | Message | ||
     Xb9srider |
Hey all! Occasionally, when I start the bike, everything will go dead for a 1/2 a second and then it starts and runs, no problem. It happens when I first hit the starter button. When it occurs, the clock and trip meters are reset as though the bike was without power. It starts OK after this blip and then runs with no problems as I said. I searched the knowledge vault and no luck. I thought maybe the battery is getting tired (charged it all day today and we'll see how it is in the morning). Otherwise, no ideas. It's an '03 XB9S with only 5700 on the clock (no time to ride......my kids are more fun). It's the original battery. Thanks and ride safe. Mark  Never Give Up! PS. If it is the battery, any suggestions on lighter replacement?????? | ||
| Old_man |
My 03 XB9S is doing the same thing. I'm going to replace the battery. I think mileage is not important but time is the relevant factor. I don't know if it will cure the problem, but it's time for a new battery anyway. | ||
| Sparky |
The hesitation and trip meter resets are signs that the battery has lived its useful life. Charging it just delays the day when it won't start. Time to get a new one. | ||
| Dwunundabkr |
hi my 03xb9r was doing the same with new battery found loose nut for the positive side it always pays to check others work shop had only just installed the new one | ||
| Glitch |
When mine did that, it was a simple matter of tightening the battery terminals. When everything resets, it's caused by a loss of power. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Ditto the loose battery terminals. Also (at least on a lightning) look for the ECM wiring bundle to be misrouted and to have some sort of microscopic nick where it lays against one of those battery terminals. | ||
| Redponcho |
My 2003 9 has done this since last fall. I installed a new battery and still does it. I have checked for a drain an found nothing. During my last ride someone behind me asked if I was riding my brake. I wasnt so I wonder if my voltage reg and stator are going out. As the voltage fluctuates so does my brake light. I may tear it apart this winter. | ||
| Hogs |
Check your brake line wires then... I have seen once that a bulb itself was back feeding through the bulb , so can`t hurt to try a new bulb while you are at it... You may have a short in your brake line system... | ||
| Xb9srider |
Well, tonight when I started it to head home from work, it did the classic clack-clack-clack of a dying battery. It started and I got home OK (46 miles), but I need a new battery. I'll check the connections and wiring, but I need a new battery either way. I have a good enough schedule to ride to work a lot of days this month, a first for me. Awesome, I wake up refreshed and excited about the day and walk around with my motorcycle key in my pocket. This is the first time in 15 years I've been able to ride to work. I'll order the battery tomorrow. Ride safe all and thanks. Mark Never Give Up! | ||
| Xb9srider |
OK fella's. I went out last night and tightened my battery leads. Sure enough, the positive lead tightened a full turn. I also have the battery tender quick connect leads on it. Started it with no issues. Started again this morning, no issues. I thought I tightened them well enough after winter. However, it is a soft metal and I may have been reluctant to go too far. It was tight enough to run and recharge the battery, but not quite enough to smoothly handle a large amp draw like a start. Thanks for all the info and everyone ride safe. Mark Never Give Up! | ||
| Bumblebee |
Battery. Same problem here. New battery solved the problem. What's occurring is that the battery is unable to deliver the current to pull the starter through compression, during the time the motor is stalled the battery voltage drops to almost nothing. Everything (except the odometer) resets when this happens. | ||
| Kaydo |
Just to chime in... same thing happened to me, I installed a 12volt power adapter and as part of the process obviously reseated/tightened the battery terminals. hasn't happened since. | ||
| Hogs |
The bolts are a TAD to long... Install a washer on the bolt and then retighten problem solved... | ||
| Swordsman |
+1 on the washer! | ||
| Ponytail |
I love this site. Got on here to research same problem on my '05 12R. Battery is less than a year old. You guys rock.  | ||
| Old_man |
A new battery solved the problem. I got a coupon for $10 off from the local Harley dealer. Same battery as the V Rod. Old battery 5 years old. | ||
| T9r |
I had this occur as well. I'd already checked the bolts as suggested. One thing I did was retard the spark on the ignition and the slow initial start went away. So if it is still occuring, chech the timing. | ||
| Fl_a1a |
Happen to me twice after getting back from the dealer. No tools on me to tighten the terminals. Took of the seat cover and spat on the terminals (spit is conductive, soda pop works even better). Then I put the piston in a different position by pushing the bike and popping the clutch -- seems different positions take less energy from the battery when cranking. Now I keep a multi tool under the seat. (Message edited by fl_a1a on August 27, 2007) | ||
| Metalstorm |
A washer is a great idea. I'll have to add that to my 10 mile long list of "Doh! Why didn't I think of that?!"  | ||
| T9r |
Until you lose the washer, then you will have wished you'd growned them bolts down. Look at all possibilities. |
