Battery Terminal Sparks

[Ravensgate]

Greetings Comrades,

My old battery wasn't charging up on by battery tender.  Checked the fluid levels and they were fine.  So, I just figured the battery had run its course.  Bought a new battery yesterday and when I attempted to connect the negative terminal, it sparks like hell.  I'm connecting it the same way that I've connected it a hundred times before.  Quite unexpected results!  I've read a few threads on the site, but I don't no where I should start: should I check my fuses first? the alternator? the starter?  are there any shorts that I should be looking for?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Ravensgate

[aussiebeemer]

As a quick elimination,
I suggest you disconnect the starter cable and then attempt to connect the battery.
If the earth strap does not spark it would indicate a starter issue. Good luck.

[Ravensgate]

Thanks for the quick response.  I did as you advised, and the current has subsided.  So, it must be a starter issue.  Will research more from other posts on starter issue remedies.  Appreciate the help! 

[Scott_]

I'd check the starter 'relay' being stuck.

[aussiebeemer]

You could try 'firmly tapping' the relay with a screwdriver handle (or similar) a couple of times.
This may cause the relay to reset and get the bike started.
You should however, replace the relay asap as it will 'fail' again.
There are several other 'fixes' relating to starter problems on the website.
One is to dismantle and clean the starter motor itself. It is not too difficult.  Happy riding

[K75RT Keith]

If the relay were stuck the starter would run constantly as the relay completes the circuit. 
Sparking would have been caused by a load on the system. If you had the key in and set to the ON or ACC position you would get the same type of result due to the load created by the headlight and running lights, plus whatever else may have been switched on.

I like to start with the simple and obvious first. 
Check the fuses.  Any blown ones will likely lead you to a problem. 
If you have an aux plug in the coil cover, check the connections. 
Pull the tank and check the relay box to ensure that nothing is touching what it shouldn't. 
Inspect the wiring harness for breaks, cuts or burned wires.
As it is a simple job, I'd clean the starter to just have it done with.  MARK THE CASE when you tear it apart It needs to go back the same way or the starter will spin backwards. Instructions in the Liberry and at IBMWR site.
Alternator...Maybe but not too likely unless the bike sat or its high mileage.

[vintagemilano]

I don't know about any specific k75 tidbits but after any of those I would make sure the key is off and start pulling fuses one at a time, touching the battery post after each time to isolate the circuit that has the mysterious load. Then figure out that circuit.

[Inge K.]

I'd check the starter 'relay' being stuck.

+1...........Have a look at this...http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=5515.0.

[MCrenshaw]

I had the same problem when I was re-installing my battery after some work.  Turns out the hold down clamps were touching the positive terminal and the frame.  Your problem may be completely different though.