Starter relay "buzz"

Trying to clear the ignition problem described earlier in time to make a trip tomorrow. Upon removing the seat and tank, I decided to turn it over while the compressor charged up to hear how the starter clutch is doing (another issue). Only the engine didn't turn over. What I got was a "buzz" from the starter relay... sounded like it was oscillating between the closed and open state.

Absolutely brand new symptom. Is this another clue or do you think this is a new and separate failure? I can't see how that relay "knows" anything about what is taking place in the spark-production side of the factory. I've got 6 hours to finish this and put a new clutch in so any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

I've got two KZP's (neither running this moment) and can cannibalize as needed. Thanks.

Mike

Never mind... something took the battery right down to nothing. Odd since it was jumping to life quickly just a few days ago. Maybe it was something I did inadvertently in removing the seat/tank. Maybe my original ignition problem was the battery rather than the other ignition elements. Chickens/eggs...

Mike

Try this electrical trouble shooting guide that I think a member named "patton" created ( I added to it at the end):

The Dreaded Shorting/Intermittent Electrical Problem!

Here is the most basic method I know:

1. Charge your battery if you can.

2. Disconnect the Black lead from the (-) Battery terminal... or Red from the (+) Battery terminal, it does not matter which one.

3. Connect one of the following test setups in series with the Battery terminal and lead:
3.1 A 12 V light bulb,
3.2 A 12 V test light,
3.3 A 12 V test buzzer or,
3.4 A 12 V horn... you get the idea.

4. With the Ignition Switch OFF, go through your harness and wiggle the wires while looking/listening for the test setup to go on/start buzzing.

5.With the Ignition Switch ON, repeat the test except this time the looking/listening for the test setup to go on/stop buzzing.

6. Be prepared to open the Ignition switch and check/test for solder joint failure and or circuit board micro breaks (don't ask how I know this ).

7. Be prepared to pull the wires out of the Head Light to test for failures at or near the grommet.

8. Be prepared to open the harness at or near the Steering Neck for failures. This is where wires tend to exhibit fatigue due to repetitive movement.

9. Be prepared to open the left and right switch gear to search for rust and or broken parts. CAUTION: watch out for flying springs, ball bearings and stuff. Do indoors on White sheet (again don't ask ).

10. Be prepared to follow the heavy gauge wire from the Starter Solenoid (Relay) to the starter for bare ware wire exposure. Especially near bends and grommets.

11. If you can reproduce the fault symptom your are pretty much home free. Be prepare to find and repair/replace any internal wire breaks, insulation break downs, exposed wires, rubber grommet failures, etc. Often, shrink tubing will solve the problem temporarily until something better can be done.

12. I use a very good electrical contact cleaner/preservative called De-oxit made by Caig Labs in San Diego Ca. Their website is www.deoxit.com It can be purchased at Radio Shack and any other electronic supply store. I use it on all of my motorcycle’s electrical connectors , in my home entertainment center’s stereo patch cords and cordless phones charging cradles.

Mike W. wrote:

Trying to clear the ignition problem described earlier in time to make a trip tomorrow. Upon removing the seat and tank, I decided to turn it over while the compressor charged up to hear how the starter clutch is doing (another issue). Only the engine didn't turn over. What I got was a "buzz" from the starter relay... sounded like it was oscillating between the closed and open state.

Absolutely brand new symptom.

The relay takes a certain voltage to close, which powers the starter. If the battery is weak, the voltage dips which releases the relay.... removing the heavy current load on the battery which causes the relay to close again. And so it goes, closing and opening making a buzz.