K1200LT won't start!

[HoosierRider]

Bought a new replacement Exide Gel Cell battery and new maintenance type charger, charged it up and installed it, but the starter won't crank. All the electronics work, but the starter doesn't turn at all. I followed the instructions to make sure the 'immobilizer' was off, but to no avail. When I press the starter button I can hear a relay click (my words - I'm obviously not a mechanic or an electrical wiz). I apologize for not combing thru the forums first before posting this question... Any ideas?

Clueless in Indy!

[fredthead]

What year is your bike? Early models had a starter relay that it was not uncommon to fry. Do a search for "starter relay" and I'm sure you'll find tons of reading on the subject. I think there is also a proceedure in the Hall of Wisdom on how to free a stuck starter relay if this is the case with your bike. Let us know how it turns out.

[dkbright]

This may sound stupid, but is your side stand up?

[HoosierRider]

First of all, thanks for the responses. They helped focus me on what to look at.

Went out to tinker w/the bike today. It still hadn't turned over and I was going to peel off the tuperware as ya'll say and start lookin a little closer at the situation. Well, son of a gun if it didn't turn over!?!? It didn't start, but it did turn over a couple of times... Which leads me to a question. I bought a new Exide Gel Cell replacement battery and I noticed it has 175CCA - 175 cranking amps, correct? The original battery had 200CCA, 200 cranking amps, correct? Does my NEW battery just not have enough amps to turn the bike (starter) over??? If not, at least that's an answer to my problem. Not a good (happy) answer, but an answer... Any suggestions from here???

Dennis

[JATownsend]

You might want to check out Odyssey Batteries (http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680series.htm)

Mine is going on 4 years, never failed to start, regardless of temperature. I do keep it on a battery tender whenever I'm not riding.

The PC680 is rated at 680 amps for 5 seconds, 595 amps for 10 seconds, and 525 amps for 20 seconds. Cranking power is even higher for the first four seconds. Similar sized lead acid batteries are only rated at 180 - 220 amps.

[Ted Shred]

First of all, thanks for the responses. They helped focus me on what to look at.

Went out to tinker w/the bike today. It still hadn't turned over and I was going to peel off the tuperware as ya'll say and start lookin a little closer at the situation. Well, son of a gun if it didn't turn over!?!? It didn't start, but it did turn over a couple of times... Which leads me to a question. I bought a new Exide Gel Cell replacement battery and I noticed it has 175CCA - 175 cranking amps, correct? The original battery had 200CCA, 200 cranking amps, correct? Does my NEW battery just not have enough amps to turn the bike (starter) over??? If not, at least that's an answer to my problem. Not a good (happy) answer, but an answer... Any suggestions from here???

Dennis

Just because it's new doesn't mean it's got a full charge. Put it on a tender for a few hours.

[HoosierRider]

Actually it's been on a tender for at least a week or so.

I must be leading a really weird life! I just went out to see if it would turn over and it started up on the first try. Amazing...

[lurch102]

Could be due to the increase in sunspot activity, cattle mutilations, and the recent storms here in the circle city.

I'd second the Oddessy batteries, got mine at 116th & Rangeline in Carmel. If you need help diagnosing & such, feel free to give me a shout.

[BecketMa]

If you are using the "cig lighter" for the bat tender. it might not be making a good connection.

I pop my seat, and attach directly to the bat.

Bob