NO CRANK 98 VALKYRIE

[Lostcause]

I have a 1998 Valk Standard. Best bike I have ever owned, by a mile. Took it to the hardware store this morning. Came out and sat down. Turned the key, neutral light came on. Pulled in the clutch, pushed the starter button and the light went off and nothing else happened. No crank. Head, tail and turn signal lights inop. Horn inop. It is as though there is no battery in the bike. Checked both connections of both battery cables. Checked fuses. No problem found. Called my brother and put it on trailer. Got it home. Had to leave and go to work. Going to troubleshoot the condition tomorrow. Has anyone had this issue? Point me in the right direction? I will search this forum later tonight when I get back to the house, and also check for any responses to this post. Thanks guys.

[Chrisj CMA]

Check kill switch

Check battery connections

Clean starter switch. (Maintenance instructions in shop talk)

[sixlow]

Also check the 30 amp main fuse on the starter relay under the red plug. You my have a short if that is blown.

[da prez]

  Put a jumper on from a non running vehicle. If it cranks , battery issue. Chris is correct. Start by removing and cleaning all grounds and cables.  Do this even if you install a new battery. Check alternator output.  To do this , check battery voltage with the bike off. Start engine and run up to about 1500 rpm and hold. Check voltage at battery. It should be over 14 volts. Do not short cut the work. It will come back and bite you later.

                                                da prez

[Tfrank59]

Could it be check the kick stand safety switch as well?  I guess the little indicator light would (likely) be lit if it's open.

on second thought, I guess the side stand switch wouldn't stop it from cranking

[Lostcause]

Thanks guys. I'm gonna dig into it tomorrow. I will post again when I find the trouble in order to help out the next guy.

[Bighead]

As Jeff stated clean switches. I have had this problem off and on and found that if you cycle the run/off switch back
And forth sometimes it will start.
But ultimately had to take the kill switch apart and clean contacts.

[mellowyellow#7933]

"no lights, no horn, no battery" - This? (Thanks Chrisj)

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,74229.0.html




 

[Jruby38]

Probably the battery.  Mine died like I shot it with my 300 mag. Also check that the battery cables are tight, especially the ground to the frame on the left side of the motor.

[Lostcause]

I HAVE RESULTS. I checked the voltage across the battery posts-12.6. Checked the 30 amp fuse and the connections and terminals. Took it apart, cleaned and used dielectric grease to re-assemble. Checked all cable ends again. No problem found. Turned on key and checked battery voltage again-ZERO. Ah-ha, a clue! Load tested battery and the gauge went to zero so fast I thought it bent the needle. Put a jump pack in place of the battery and found normal operation. Battery is toast. Shows over 12 volts, until key is on-then flat lines. It is 5 years old, so it's due.  Anyway, now I know how to clean the relay and fuse. Going to follow advice-even though battery is the problem right now, I will service the switches.  Jruby38, you were right about the battery. I'm old, batteries used to get weaker, then fail.  Not like that anymore. Now I know. OK- I came inside to post this info and grab a Dr. Pepper. Gonna get back to it. Stay safe guys and thanks for the help and advice.

[Edvalk]

Yuasa makes the best battery. YTX14-bs I think. My Yuasa  is starting it's 8th summer

[Tfrank59]

Yuasa makes the best battery. YTX14-bs I think. My Yuasa  is starting it's 8th summer

Yep, most on this forum love Yuasas.  I won't bother with any other brands.  Haven't been disappointed yet, after four decades using them.  I believe I'm on my third one with this bike.  Not getting anywhere close to 8 years but maybe cuz I don't winterize, I ride year round.