My Blackbird won't start... HELP!!

jackbirdxx

Hey guys. I am not having the best of luck with my 1997 Blackbird. Here's the story:

It all began with trying to start my XX one evening after dinner. I switched the choke, turned the key, and pressed the starter... with a slow winding noise that there wasn't enough power - and the lights on my dash fading, it appeared that I didn't have enough juice in my battery. I had not ridden the bike in over a week, and up until this point... no problems with the bike.

I hooked up the battery for trickle charging - which showed it was at 12.1 with 70% just before walking away to let it re-charge. Once it was at 100%, I re-installed, slammed the seat back down, and bingo - it was all good... (or was it a sign of bad things to come?)

Next morning, getting ready to ride to work... bang, same damn problem again. I pulled the battery off, it showed 12.1 @ 70%, I charged the battery... re-installed, banged the seat down... and all was good again.

That night... ready for an after dinner rip??... sure, but the same damn thing happened again.

I went to my friend's shop, he tested the r/r, and sure enough it appeared to be the culprit. The battery tested @ 12.4... and seemed to be fine.

I ordered a new r/r, SH701-12... which arrived 3 days later. I installed the r/r, charged the battery at 100%, re-installed everything... and zzzzztt. What I mean by zzzzztt... is that I turned the key, headlights and dash instrument panel lit up bright (so the battery is fine right?.. ?)... I pulled the choke, turned the key and a noise from around the r/r sounded out - zzzztt. I pulled the brand new r/r off, put the old one on, same thing - zzzztt.

I am lost here. I could easily call up my buddy but would like some help from the forum.

Would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions please.

JackbirdXX

Nutter67

Have you checked that the battery terminals are tight? Also, it might pay to get your battery load tested to see if it was a faulty battery. If you havent already done so, check all wiring connections under the seat as well.

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Paul

Never let a motorcycle take you somewhere your brain didn't get to three seconds earlier

jackbirdxx

Well... I had my buddy check the XX out this evening. Just like my first account, the same thing occured with him.

We hooked up his truck battery to the bike battery, jumpstarted just fine. Before we did that, the battery showed 12.3 to 12.4 load. I will be buying a new battery tomorrow, and we'll hook her up, and give it another try.

I'll keep you guys in tune to my findings. Thanks for the reply Nutter67, and advance thanks to anyone else who comes forward with their suggestions.

XXNUTZ

I agree with Nutter, I would also check to see that you are charging at the correct rate when it's running. Our 'birds are known for bad r/r, stators and corroded electrical connections. Just curious, is the new r/r you installed the updated version with the cooling fins?? Cheers.

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1998 CBR 1100XX Blackbird (Black, of course),PUIG Touring Windscreen, Corbin Gunfighter saddle, Two Brothers C2 Aluminum Oval Slip Ons.

jackbirdxx

Yes... new r/r is the one with the "cooling fins". I had my friend take a look at it again, and you know - we jumped started my xx from hooking up to his truck (don't worry, we didn't start the truck... ain't that dumb am I?.. don't answer that!). The bird started right away. Checked the battery while running, let it run for about 15 minutes, then shut her off. Tried to start her up without the boost... nothing but zzzzztt.

I have a new battery charging up right now. I'll be hooking it up in the morning, and let you all know how things worked out... or not.

Thanks for the replies, advice, and listening.

Jackbirdxx

Strek

Hopefully you've got it.

Pacman

I seem to remember an issue with connectors over by the left side where the rear subframe attaches to the frame on the carb'd birds....

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ROCK ON!

jackbirdxx

Well guys... everything is A-OKAY !! The story ends with me buying a new battery... and me riding into the sunset. Works, and that was the whole problem.

To sum it all up, one new regulator/rectifier + one new battery = one happy Blackbird rider.

Thanks again for all the kinds people who responded to provide me with inspiration and the motivation to get the job done.

Nutter67

Good to see you are up and running again.

__________________
Paul

Never let a motorcycle take you somewhere your brain didn't get to three seconds earlier