Help! No start.

[Shotgun]

I have a 98 Standard with 50000 miles.  It has been acting up lately.  It wouldn't start even with a good battery.  Hit the button and nothing.  Put a jump box on it and it fired right up.  I've checked cables and everything seems fine.  I rode it last week and it was fine....no problems.  This morning I went to start it, had a full headlight, hit the button and nothing.  Headlight went out and did not come back on but the taillight still worked.  I held the starter button in and rocked the safety switch and heard a pop.....maybe a fuse?  Can someone give me an idea where to start?  The battery is fully charged.  Please help!  Thanks.

[Michvalk]

The problems you describe are the symptom of a battery going bad. The pop you heard could have been the main fuse, under the sidecover on the right side of the bike. It's in a black rectangular box. Not a standard looking fuse, Kinda looks like a lead strap. There should be a spare in there. I would start out looking at the connections on the battery for clean and tight. The other end of the ground cable terminates at the engine, and has been known to corrode and caus a problem.
  The battery can show 12 volts and not have enough power to fire the bike, that's why it will start with a jump. Has to do with the power provided under load. I would get the battery tested or just go and buy a new one

[Shotgun]

I'll check the fuse and the ground from the battery.  If there is no spare fuse (not near the bike right now so I can't check), are they available at an auto parts store?

[Gryphon Rider]

It wouldn't start even with a good battery.

How do you know the battery is good?

[Patrick]

Where did the pop seem to come from, the center of the bike or the handle bars ? Have you cleaned the start switch ? Procedure is in shop talk.

[salty1]

The battery needs to be put under a load to check if it's good. As others have said connections need to be checked, preferably cleaned. The kill button or start switches could be the problems. Hope it sorts out quickly for you.

[Shotgun]

The pop came from the center of the bike.  The first time I heard it was when I first hit the starter.  The second time was when I hit the starter while rocking the kill switch but that one sounded a little different.  After the headlight went out, it never came back on when I turned on the ignition, but the taillight was on.  After I turned on the ignition and rocked the kill switch, the taillight came on but it was dim.

[Daniel Meyer]

Sounds like bad battery or battery cable connection (at the battery, the ground point, or the start relay)

[Shotgun]

Thanks all.  I'll check everything when I get home.

[9Ball]

Check the starter relay under the side cover and hopefully it isn't burnt up.  Recommend cleaning and dielectric for this assembly/fuse....

Let us know how you make out...

[Shotgun]

Thanks again.  I'll check and let you know.

[Shotgun]

Came home, tried it and it popped at the positive battery terminal....tightened it and it sparked but it started.  I don't get it.

[Daniel Meyer]

Still sparked? That's a bad connection. Remove it, clean it, put it back nice and tight. Check for corrosion where the cable goes into the connector too.

[Denny47]

I believe the strap type fuses are available at an auto parts, I'm sure NAPA has them. Some cars use the same fuse.

[gordonv]

I believe the strap type fuses are available at an auto parts, I'm sure NAPA has them. Some cars use the same fuse.

Usually referred to as a Bog Bone. 50 Amps I believe.

[Shotgun]

Checked the positive battery connection and made sure it was clean and tight.  I turned on the ignition, lights came on, pushed the button, no sparks and it fired right up.  I then hooked up my auxiliary fuse block (use it for my driving lights and GPS), tightened it down real good, hit the button and there was a spark from the positive side of the battery and nothing.  I've never had any problem using the fuse block.  I then took off the lead for the fuse block and tried it again and it started fine.  The fuse block is grounded properly and the connections are clean.

[Shotgun]

Checked every connection and cleaned and tightened securely and everything seems to be okay.  Always a little uneasy when I can't pinpoint exactly what it was but right now it's working so I can ride.  Thanks for all the suggestions.

[salty1]

What fuse block are you using? Sounds like something is not right. 

[Shotgun]

Not sure, got it from HDL about 12 years ago and have never had any issues with it.  It holds 8 fuses and I have it wired directly to the battery.

[Michvalk]

Is there a fuse in the lead for the fuseblock? If not, I would trace the wires from the battery to the fuseblock looking for a worn/crack spot. Where are you getting the ground from for the block. I would look at those connections as well

[Shotgun]

Hey Michvalk, I just noticed that we are neighbors.  I live in Canadian Lakes.  We should go for a ride sometime.  And there is always cold beer at my place.