Francois 180/120
New member
- Location
- USA
Fresh battery, fuel but all I get is click from a relay on right side. Just got the bike. Also no indicator lights at the gauges, just the side stand light. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks
1999 Formula doesn't start
- Thread starter Francois 180/120
- Start date
Easy things first, check condition of fuses and associated connections, measure actual battery terminal volts and if accessible system voltage ignition on. Many items on a checklist, the lads with Zanes will know. Also a dedicated Zane forum, is on the WWW to my uncertain knowledge. HTH j
Francois 180/120
New member
- Location
- USA
fuses good thanks
Andy J
Hero member
- Location
- Isle of Man
The starter relay could be knackered.
The side stand switch can also be an issue, sometimes it is wired so if you have the side stand down it won’t start.
Also when you switch on and flick the switch on the r/h handlebar to run, can you hear the fuel pump priming the fuel injectors?
The side stand switch can also be an issue, sometimes it is wired so if you have the side stand down it won’t start.
Also when you switch on and flick the switch on the r/h handlebar to run, can you hear the fuel pump priming the fuel injectors?
Francois 180/120
New member
- Location
- USA
I do hear the fuel getting primed, faint whistle, stand was up. Starter not turning the engine over
1. For the lack of idiot lights, do as John advises: check simple things first, like fuses and connections. If none of them are working, it has to be something common - for example, there's a connector block that serves them all.
2. For the starter motor not turning:
A much, much, much discussed topic
. And a right royal PITA (and I'm being polite).
Even in the best of conditions, the starter motor struggles, I'm afraid. Down to a gearing fault, as much as anything.
So, long story short:
1. Fit a battery with the most CCA you can find. For you in the States, Westco do one that I rate highly. It delivers 275CC. Model is 12V20P.
2. Change the starter cables for the biggest you can physically fit. 6 gauge works. Make sure the ground strap is good and its connection is very clean.
3. Change the solenoid. Nothing special here, it's just that the original Hitachi unit can be improved on, particularly after 30 years or so. Units from Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha - all have been used with success. Just check physical size and type of connection.
4. The original starter motor brushes are soft and wear quickly. This leaves carbon residue all over the commutator which greatly reduces the performance of the already struggling starter. Replacement brushes from Nippon Denso can (apparently) still be found, but there are other (possibly better) alternatives too.
(You can modify the starter to have 4 brushes using Honda components. Me, I found this made little or no improvement).
3. You MUST bridge the side stand cut-out, if this has not already been done. Otherwise, one day you will go over a bump in the road, the side stand will jolt down and the engine will cut out. "Dangerous", does not do it justice.
4. The Zané forum is:
groups.io
HTH
Craig
2. For the starter motor not turning:
A much, much, much discussed topic
. And a right royal PITA (and I'm being polite).Even in the best of conditions, the starter motor struggles, I'm afraid. Down to a gearing fault, as much as anything.
So, long story short:
1. Fit a battery with the most CCA you can find. For you in the States, Westco do one that I rate highly. It delivers 275CC. Model is 12V20P.
2. Change the starter cables for the biggest you can physically fit. 6 gauge works. Make sure the ground strap is good and its connection is very clean.
3. Change the solenoid. Nothing special here, it's just that the original Hitachi unit can be improved on, particularly after 30 years or so. Units from Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha - all have been used with success. Just check physical size and type of connection.
4. The original starter motor brushes are soft and wear quickly. This leaves carbon residue all over the commutator which greatly reduces the performance of the already struggling starter. Replacement brushes from Nippon Denso can (apparently) still be found, but there are other (possibly better) alternatives too.
(You can modify the starter to have 4 brushes using Honda components. Me, I found this made little or no improvement).
3. You MUST bridge the side stand cut-out, if this has not already been done. Otherwise, one day you will go over a bump in the road, the side stand will jolt down and the engine will cut out. "Dangerous", does not do it justice.
4. The Zané forum is:
zanelist@groups.io | Topics
groups.io
HTH
Craig
Laverdalothar
Hero member
- Location
- Germany
I, too, think it's time to rework the starter motor. As pointed out, it's a royal PITA to get to it. Tiny hands do help. Some seem to prefer to drop the engine to get to it. Not sure what's quicker. Did it once, will never do it again as long as OCT is active.
What also helps on the starter process is to change the gearing between the starter and the freewheel. A set has been sold in the past but I don't know if it's still available. Potentially a Ducati part?!? Don't know...
What also helps on the starter process is to change the gearing between the starter and the freewheel. A set has been sold in the past but I don't know if it's still available. Potentially a Ducati part?!? Don't know...