Nothing from electric starter / new to this forum

[kaz]

I did a search for my question before asking for something that has probably been asked before but I couldn't find it.
'86 Spree, new battery (fully charged), fuse fine. Bike starts easily and runs great when kick started. Nothing from electric starter. Battery seems to have no juice when connected to the Spree, but strong when disconnected. Starter worked great before storing for the winter. And, it looks like I need a new air filter element. From all of the posts, this sounds like something to take care of ...... where to buy?

[ferchja]

Items to check since I just went through this:
1) Brake on and taillight working.
2) Kill switch turned to on and ignition switch tested.
3) Check starter button for continuity on push.
4) Check starter relay (listen for click when starting)
- If no click check continuity on the ground, and on the other wires (some covered below)
5) Check resistance between negative wire at the battery with the large green wire by the oil pump resistance with battery installed should be near 0.
6) Check resistance between large red wire at battery to starter relay for resistance s/b near 0 (battery installed)
7) Check resistance between the red/white large wire at starter relay to red/white wire by oil pump, s/b a few milliohms. (battery installed can test both during starting and just sitting) again should be near zero.

If anything test higher than 2 Ohms you have a bad connection and/or corroded wire.

If all tests good than it's the starter either the brushes and com need cleaning, the wires are shorted (throw away), or the bushings are corroded and causing the spline of the armature to be locked. Brushes and the com can be cleaned and reinstalled and lube the bearing surfaces of the starter motor.

BTW: Great site and write up on electrical troubleshooting for motorcycles/scooters. http://www.dansmc.com/electricaltesting.htm Ironically has an example of my problem almost down to the same issue with the stator, turned out to be the CDI (may be the answer for my issue)

Any correction welcome.

[noiseguy]

Are you pulling on the brake b/f you hit the starter button?

[kaz]

Yes (on the brake). Thanks.
I appreciate the check list.
What I find interesting is that when the battery is in the bike and connected, there is almost no voltage. When disconnected it is fine .... which initially suggested a dead battery.
Looks like I'll need to dust off my multi-meteer and start going through the $%#@ thing one piece at a time.

[ferchja]

If you have no voltage on the Spree it most likely a bad wire/connection. Start with the ground from the battery toward the starter.

[mikehailwood]

I believe I paid $4.25 for the air filter at the Honda dealership.

[kaz]

Thank you, ALL, for the prompt and great responses.
I'll spend more time this weekend trying to get it running so the girl of the house can play with it. I can't see her trying to kick-start it, and I bought it for her. Or I'll sell the &*^% thing. This is the FIRST problem with it, ever!
Again, thanks
KAZ

[vette76]

did u check the fuse next to the batt?

[kaz]

Yes, on the fuse, Thank You though. I appreciate the check list.