Starter issues

[lynxznet]

I had basically no issues with the bike in the past few months until 2 days ago - I noticed the battery was low .. so I charged it back up. After doing so, the bike fired up with no issues. However - On my way home from the store the bike was problematic and took a good 10 seconds or so for the starter to actually crank (it was turning really slow and not really attempting to start the engine). Eventually, it turned the engine on but I knew something was up. I then came home and thought nothing more of it..

Yesterday, I drove up to see a friend and the bike did NOT want to start. I got it started in the same fashion but it was quite a pain.. Going home, I couldn't even get the bike started from cold.. I had to bump start - as the electronic starter wasn't even turning anymore. Today, I decide to fiddle with it and.. Same thing - it tried to turn a BIT at first but then just flat out won't turn.

So, my question is.. Am I sure the starter motor is bad? And should I go on ebay and buy one pulled from another kat? I know starter motors are like $300 bucks from Suzuki and I'd obviously like to avoid that..

My battery is currently reading 12.75 volts, so I'm sure that it's not the battery... All fuses are fine that I can tell. Where do I go from here?

I'd love it if anyone could help me more on this and give me some insight.

edit** been hitting up ebay hardcore - it's a shame theres SO many pre-98 kat starters, but so few post-98's..

[Kreylyn]

I had basically no issues with the bike in the past few months until 2 days ago - I noticed the battery was low .. so I charged it back up. After doing so, the bike fired up with no issues. However - On my way home from the store the bike was problematic and took a good 10 seconds or so for the starter to actually crank (it was turning really slow and not really attempting to start the engine). Eventually, it turned the engine on but I knew something was up. I then came home and thought nothing more of it..

Yesterday, I drove up to see a friend and the bike did NOT want to start. I got it started in the same fashion but it was quite a pain.. Going home, I couldn't even get the bike started from cold.. I had to bump start - as the electronic starter wasn't even turning anymore. Today, I decide to fiddle with it and.. Same thing - it tried to turn a BIT at first but then just flat out won't turn.

So, my question is.. Am I sure the starter motor is bad? And should I go on ebay and buy one pulled from another kat? I know starter motors are like $300 bucks from Suzuki and I'd obviously like to avoid that..

My battery is currently reading 12.75 volts, so I'm sure that it's not the battery... All fuses are fine that I can tell. Where do I go from here?

I'd love it if anyone could help me more on this and give me some insight.

edit** been hitting up ebay hardcore - it's a shame theres SO many pre-98 kat starters, but so few post-98's..

It's your battery... or a connection between, but more likely the battery.

Really doubt it's the starter.

Do a proper load test on the battery and see.

Krey

[GSXFJim]

What Krey said.... just because a battery will hold a +12vdc charge doesn't mean it's providing the amperage needed to turn the starter motor.

[lynxznet]

I already ordered a starter off ebay.. I set up an appointment at a shop for next week - so they'll be doing a diagnostic with the 2nd starter in hand. The guy said it was likely either the starter clutch or the starter itself if its clicking but not actually turning. He said the clicking was likely because it had enough voltage. His guess was the starter was likely bad, but of course he couldn't say for sure without running tests..

I do not have adequate space or a garage to do this by myself, so I have no choice but to take it to a shop. He told me if it is indeed the starter then they won't charge me for the diagnostic and they'll replace it with the 2nd one I provide.

[kat600rdr]

I would try changing the battery first before I took it anywhere

[GSXFJim]

...He said the clicking was likely because it had enough voltage.

No.. actually its clicking because there isnt enough voltage/amperage to turn the starter motor.. like kat600rdr, Krey and I all said, start with the battery.. save yourself some time and money at the shop. Take the battery out and have it LOAD tested.

[lynxznet]

The voltage on the battery does not even drop below 12v while trying to start the bike...

Cold - the battery voltage reads 12.75~12.8 or so.. When I actually put the bike into "on" position the voltage drops to ~12.2 and while attempting to start it'll be around ~12.1 or so.. These are the exact same readings they have always been, and nothing has changed.. just the bike does not attempt to crank at all.

edit** just took it to a mechanic for a visual inspection - he said it was most definitely either the relay or the starter.. he said there was no way of knowing for sure which without a diagnostic. But, he did say it definitely wasn't the battery.

[Wreckie29]

Check for lose and broken wires

[GSXFJim]

Again.. volts and amps are two different things.. have the battery load tested.

Try this.. disconnect the + battery cable, put the Red lead of the multimeter on the battery cable and the black on the + battery post, turn the key on and whats the reading?