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Author Topic: Valk won't start  (Read 1561 times)
ArkyBubba
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Posts: 20

Malvern, Arkansas


« on: January 31, 2016, 03:10:27 PM »

I rode the Valk trike 400 miles yesterday. I went out this morning to ride it to the station and fill the tank. It started right up and ran for 30 seconds or so, then died. I hit the starter button to restart it and nothing happened. tried again and still nothing. I did the starter button maintenance, but still nothing. I took the battery out and had it checked at Autozone, they said it was bad. Bought a new battery, put it in, hit the starter button and still nothing. The headlight is going out when I hit the starter button like it is supposed to. I have checked the kill switch and it is in the right position. Tried to start it in neutral, no luck. tried to start it with the clutch pulled in, no luck. Can a starter switch go bad that suddenly? Could it be a fuse or the starter relay switch? Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance to all who offer their help.
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RDKLL
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Posts: 1222


VRCC #1231 VRCCDS #271

Mesa, AZ


« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2016, 03:18:33 PM »

Until I got to the "new battery" part I was going to say check the battery connections....instead I will say check the

The run/quit switch on the right handle bar


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signart
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Posts: 2095


Crossville, Tennessee


« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2016, 03:29:54 PM »

Pull a plug wire and substitute and known good plug then check to confirm fire before proceeding.
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Firefighter
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Posts: 1165


Harlingen, Texas


« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2016, 03:33:08 PM »

I would look at the starter solenoid and fuse, right side cover, known to get dirty and burn up. Take it apart and / or check with a test light there and see if 12 volts is there and if solenoid clicking (working) or not.
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate, Black/Red
2006 Honda Sabre 1100
2013 Honda Spirit 750
2002 Honda Rebel 250
1978 Honda 750
The emperor has no clothes
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Posts: 29945


« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2016, 04:45:59 PM »

Pull a plug wire and substitute and known good plug then check to confirm fire before proceeding.
I think he means it's not even turning over. I would check the starter switch again. Sometimes they get stuck. Also I think you can jump it from the relay .
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gordonv
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Posts: 5762


VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2016, 07:22:37 PM »

I went out this morning to ride it to the station and fill the tank. It started right up and ran for 30 seconds or so, then died. I hit the starter button to restart it and nothing happened. tried again and still nothing.

My 1st thought was ran out of fuel. But then not turning over is another issue.

Pull a plug wire and substitute and known good plug then check to confirm fire before proceeding.
I think he means it's not even turning over. I would check the starter switch again. Sometimes they get stuck. Also I think you can jump it from the relay .

Can you bump start it?

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1999 Black with custom paint IS

The emperor has no clothes
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Posts: 29945


« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2016, 03:09:51 AM »

I went out this morning to ride it to the station and fill the tank. It started right up and ran for 30 seconds or so, then died. I hit the starter button to restart it and nothing happened. tried again and still nothing.

My 1st thought was ran out of fuel. But then not turning over is another issue.

Pull a plug wire and substitute and known good plug then check to confirm fire before proceeding.
I think he means it's not even turning over. I would check the starter switch again. Sometimes they get stuck. Also I think you can jump it from the relay .

Can you bump start it?


A while back somebody had starter button issues and they were able to jump the terminals on the relay.
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Chrisj CMA
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Posts: 14776


Crestview (Panhandle) Florida


« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2016, 05:15:25 AM »

Bought a new battery and put it in.  But, did you charge it fully?
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signart
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Posts: 2095


Crossville, Tennessee


« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2016, 05:55:10 AM »

Pull a plug wire and substitute and known good plug then check to confirm fire before proceeding.
I think he means it's not even turning over. I would check the starter switch again. Sometimes they get stuck. Also I think you can jump it from the relay .

Yeah, in that case it won't turn over.
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Ken Tarver
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Posts: 944


North Mississippi


« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2016, 08:40:34 AM »

Sometimes battery terminals will have a clear wax coating, check for it on your new battery.

Ken
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Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5227


2000 Tourer

Calgary, Alberta


« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2016, 09:04:04 AM »

Forgive me if I'm stating what is obvious to you, as I don't know you.

First thing to do with a new batter is put a full charge on it with a proper automatic battery charger, not a maintainer like a Battery Tender.  Use the 2A setting for 6-8 hours.

While the battery is charging, remove, clean the connection, and reattach the other ends of the battery cables, particularly the negative cable.

Check the starter relay and its connector.  A deteriorating connection can cause the connection to fry.

If, with the fully charged battery installed, the bike won't start, try boosting it with a good car battery, with the car turned off.  Perhaps the new battery is faulty.
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Michvalk
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Posts: 2002


Remus, Mi


« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2016, 09:14:24 AM »

Fuel turned on? cooldude
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ArkyBubba
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Posts: 20

Malvern, Arkansas


« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2016, 03:24:26 PM »

Went out when I got home today and removed the right side cover. I was looking for the solenoid relay and moved a couple of wires aside. It was getting dark so I really couldn't see that well. Thought I'd try starting it one more time. It started right up. Must be a loose wire or connection. Next chance I get I will check all the connections to make sure they are tight. Thanks to all for your help.
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Hook#3287
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Posts: 6448


Brimfield, Ma


« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2016, 03:53:40 PM »

Good news cooldude

But, if you don't find any evidence of issues behind the cover, I'd redo the starter button service.
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da prez
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Posts: 4358

. Rhinelander Wi. Island Lake Il.


« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2016, 07:43:20 PM »

  As I have said many times , remove and clean all connections and silicone  diaelectric where needed. If you moved a wire and it started , It is time to fix it properly. The next time it will not start is when you really need it to.

                                              da prez
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pancho
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Posts: 2113


Bonanza Arkansas


« Reply #15 on: February 02, 2016, 06:11:14 AM »

like da prez said ArkyBubba,,, get into that connector and fix it before you have a meltdown.

Here is a post that addressed a modification that beefs up the load carrying capacity of the culprit in that connector, it is a bit hard to follow, but it is sound.

 http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,74466.msg728951.html#msg728951
« Last Edit: February 02, 2016, 06:14:24 AM by pancho » Logged

The most expensive things you will purchase, are those things you would not have needed if you had listened and obeyed.
texaninsouthfl
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Serving those who served us...

East Lake County, Florida


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« Reply #16 on: February 03, 2016, 07:18:10 PM »

Disconnect, clean the contact surfaces and reconnect the main ground cable that goes to the back of the engine block. Just because it doesn't seem loose or corroded doesn't mean to won't cause your bike to go dark and you to spend 10 days chasing every cursed possible gremlin EXCEPT that one. (that once upon a time no one told me about)  Shocked
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