[code4]

hello everyone, new to the site and it seems that i joined in the nick of time as i have a problem with my 2003 zx12, if i am posting in the wrong area please forgive me and moderator please move my post

ok here it is in a nutshell

stopped at the gas station the other night and when i went to start the bike it was dead and would not turn over.

pushed bike home (yes pushed) charge it overnight next day fired right up

voltage before starting 12.77 v
voltage while running 12.43 v
revving up to 6,000 rpm 13.5 v

checked bike over after 2 days of not using to see if there was a power drain and it still said 12.77v on my volt meter

drove it first time since charging approximately 5 miles shut it off, drove most of the way back home after 45 minutes but stopped at gas station and when i tried to start bike it was dead again, (gauges light up and tries to turn over ,clock resets)

took the volt meter to it it says 11.50 volts and when i hit the starter button it dropps to 5.4 volts

i think it is my battery, what say you all?

THANKS!

 

[mustanggt01]

It could be two thing a faulty battery or a short in da circuit try to replace da battery first or test u battery when is idle with da light on

 

[jkv45]

took the volt meter to it it says 11.50 volts and when i hit the starter button it dropps to 5.4 volts

i think it is my battery, what say you all?

THANKS!

That's all you really need to know - battery is junk.


Jay

 

[BlackBoar]

How far did you push your bike? And why didn't you push start it while you were pushing it anyway?

Sounds like its time for a new batt.

 

[code4]

so i bought a new battery and i am charging it as we speak,

as for push starting it i have never done that before and i am not sure how to do that.

Thanks Everyone

 

[David]

Hope the new batt resolves the issue.

Push starting is pretty simple (back in "my day" we called in a bump start), but I would only use it as a last resort. It will become evident why below.

Essentially, the forward momentum of the bike is used to turn over the engine, instead of the battery/starter motor loop.

1. Standing beside the bike, set the bike like a regular start ( fuel on, choke on, ignition on, master switch to RUN)
2. Standing beside the bike with your hands on the controls, pull the clutch in and engage 1st gear. Don't let out the clutch yet.
3. This is IMPORTANT. Raise the side-stand. Keep hands on the controls and clutch in.
4. Now, like a bobsledder, bear down and push for all you're worth until you are up to a light jog. You are trying to build up forward energy in the bike. (Need to be careful while you're doing this because here is where things can go bad. If you don't stay straight you will end up dropping the bike low side or accidentally push it over.)
5. Now, there are 2 schools for what you will do next. If you have a lighter bike like a 250 you will probably want to add your own weight to the bike to increase the forward momentum and load the rear wheel. So, still being a bobsledder, and still holding the clutch in, jump onto your bike and glide.
6. Pop the clutch. When the turning rear wheel / sprocket / chain engages with the transmission, it will covert the forward energy of you and the bike into rotational energy that will crank the engine. When the engine ignites, pull the clutch back in, stop, and put the bike back into neutral. Bike is now running so from here on just go through your regular cold-start routine.

It's a good to have in your toolbox if your electric start isn't working for any reason, but it's definitely not something you are going to want to do any more than you have to.

 

[code4]

thanks for the info, i can't see myself trying this anytime soon but thanks!

 

[BlackBoar]

It's a good to have in your toolbox if your electric start isn't working for any reason, but it's definitely not something you are going to want to do any more than you have to.

Great write up David, thanks for adding that in. And I agree with your last comment 100%. It is something you should know as it can help to prevent you from being stranded. It is easier than it sounds, especially if you have a bit of a hill to work down and your feet touch the ground easily on your bike.

 

[Ed_the_Hunter]

Just a note on push starting bikes, everyone I know says to put it in second gear, not first to push start. It makes for an easier start when you pop the clutch.

 

[byte2022]

Just a note on push starting bikes, everyone I know says to put it in second gear, not first to push start. It makes for an easier start when you pop the clutch.

. Agreed. Second gear is better for push starts but David. Always get on the bike. Push the shit out ot. Jump on gain control quickly then pop the clutch. Why do I say do it this way. Because I've seen ppl try to stay off the bike and the rear tire just skids. This is why second is better but also it needs the added weight to stop this too. And secondly I've seen ppl do it before where they lost control and dropped the bike If you push it fast. Jump on then the pop the clutch you are better off

twisted throttles brings me smiles