Starter Relay/Battery issues

[speedy]

I have an 86' k100rs with 59k on it.  When I start it "cold" (its 65 degrees outside, not cold weather) it doesn't like to turn over in the first 2-3 tries.  After that the starter relay likes to stick, usually it stops, sometimes I have to give it a love tap with a screwdriver.  When the battery is near dead is usually when I have to give it a tap.  I charged my battery above 80% according to my trickle charger, drove and let it sit for a day.  I go to start it today, it was definitely trying to turn over (half choke/full choke didn't matter) but the relay eventually started sticking again.  I thought I smelt that burning electric smell.  I think the battery is fine.  The trickle charger has been on about an hour and it says its nearly 100% charged.

My question is, should I look into a new relay?  Or should I look elsewhere?  I know it doesn't like overheating.

I think I could go out there right now and it could start right up!  ???

also the battery is near dead after a week+ of letting it sit.

[frankenduck]

Sounds like it might be your battery.  Take it to an auto parts store and have them load test it. (It's free in the US at just about any auto parts store.)

[speedy]

I went out and it started up after a couple tries.  I then realized nothing electrical was working, lights, turn signals, and horn.  I shut off the bike and the relay was still running.  Gave it a tap, let it cool off, restarted and no issues.

Still think its the battery?

[johnny]

if it were me... i would put a new battery in there and keep it on tender jr...

j o

[Rick G]

The relay sticks because of the low battery and if the starter is running the loadshed relay drops out preventing most of the electrics working.
This problem is classic of a battery on the way out and a new battery will fix things. You may need to dress the contacts on the starter relay of possibly replace it.
When the battery is low the starter only turns slowly and so drags more current than the relay is designed to take and the contacts weld together. As you have found a tap will often free them but sometimes it is permanent.

[speedy]

I Guess I'll get the battery load tested tomorrow.  Thanks a lot!

[kennybobby]

I Guess I'll get the battery load tested tomorrow.  Thanks a lot!

Get a cheap digital multimeter from harbur fraight--sometimes they give them away as promotionalisms.  If the battery voltage is less than 12.8 while it's just sitting there, then it is suspect to be going bad.  If it measures less than 12.8 after being charged, then it has lost it's mojo and will not last long.  i doubt a trickle charger can fully charge a drained battery in less than a month--they just don't put out any significant current.

[speedy]

It wasn't quite fully charged after I tested it but probably around 90%...It measured 12.8 just sitting there, about 13.04 after we started it up.  My brother noticed a bulge in the side of the battery, it's a definite replacement then.  Oh well, it's just about ready to be stored for the winter anyways :(

[frankenduck]

I Guess I'll get the battery load tested tomorrow.  Thanks a lot!

Get a cheap digital multimeter from harbur fraight--sometimes they give them away as promotionalisms.  If the battery voltage is less than 12.8 while it's just sitting there, then it is suspect to be going bad.  If it measures less than 12.8 after being charged, then it has lost it's mojo and will not last long.  i doubt a trickle charger can fully charge a drained battery in less than a month--they just don't put out any significant current.

Voltage means very little.  Load testing is the key.  A battery can be at 6 volts and still be good.

The bulge in the side thing doesn't sound very good though.

I'd go this route:

http://www.bohannonbattery.com/html/odyssey/pc680.html

You get what you pay for.  (Even in Thailand. ;D)

[kennybobby]

It wasn't quite fully charged after I tested it but probably around 90%...It measured 12.8 just sitting there, about 13.04 after we started it up.  My brother noticed a bulge in the side of the battery, it's a definite replacement then.  Oh well, it's just about ready to be stored for the winter anyways :(

It should be reading 13.6 to 14.4 when the bike is running--i think you have a shorted cell in the battery that is pulling the bus voltage down due to high current draw trying to charge a nearly dead battery.

If you're not going to be riding over the winter might as well wait till spring to get the new battery--the clock starts ticking when you put the acid in...

[johnny]

if the clock starts ticking when you put the acid in...  my clock has been running for 40 years...

j o

[kennybobby]

if the clock starts ticking when you put the acid in...  my clock has been running for 40 years...

j o

Thank goodness for Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and may the clock run another 40...

And what's the story with New Mexico-- i've never really been but i'd sure like to go

[johnny]

new mexico... its the last conus state i need to motobrick so i can cross it off the list...

j o

[wmax351]

new mexico... its the last conus state i need to motobrick so i can cross it off the list...

j o

Its a beautiful state. I particularly like the northern part. Philmont scout ranch is there (I've done 2 trips there. Both were excellent.) in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range.

[pallum]

My advice on New Mexico: stay north. Riding all day in crosswinds isn't as much fun as I had hoped. Gila National Forest was nice, but getting there from Alamogordo was pretty rough.

[billday]

My advice on New Mexico: stay north. Riding all day in crosswinds isn't as much fun as I had hoped. Gila National Forest was nice, but getting there from Alamogordo was pretty rough.

I just crossed southern New Mexico twice. It was windy. Crossing White Sands was awesome.