Think my starter died on my bike

[z1ggy]

2001, GSXR 600.

Turn the key over, everything turns on. Put the engine kill switch down, hear the pump prime. Press the starter button..Jack squat.

Put the kick stand up because I thought maybe the sensor was wack, but that isn't it either. Could it be anything else other than my starter? If it is the starter, is it something that I could easily replace myself?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

FWIW, out of many many bikes and many many starting problems, I have only seen one or two bad starters. It's almost always a neutral switch, kickstand switch, gear selector switch, or starter relay.

The starter is usually a bolt in sorta thing and simple to replace. First disconnect it and make sure you're getting voltage at the starter connectors.

 

[z1ggy]

Okay, and I know I should save your fingers for the sake of telling me.. but do you know where it is located on this make/model? I know I can just go google it, but sometimes it is just quicker for somebody who knows to tell another...

 

[z1ggy]

FWIW, out of many many bikes and many many starting problems, I have only seen one or two bad starters. It's almost always a neutral switch, kickstand switch, gear selector switch, or starter relay.

The starter is usually a bolt in sorta thing and simple to replace. First disconnect it and make sure you're getting voltage at the starter connectors.

Shouldn't the first two things be eliminated from the list? I was trying to start the bike, with the stand up, while in neutral. I tried with stand down too but I figured if it was the kickstand switch putting it up would solve the prob.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Shouldn't the first two things be eliminated from the list? I was trying to start the bike, with the stand up, while in neutral. I tried with stand down too but I figured if it was the kickstand switch putting it up would solve the prob.

Yeah but what if the kickstand switch is broken, and thinks the kickstand is down even when it's up? What if the neutral switch is misaligned, and the bike thinks it's in first?

There's usually a way to lookup wiring diagrams so you can figure out the current flow, then you can test each switch until current is lost. You can also short the switches out and see if it starts.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Okay, and I know I should save your fingers for the sake of telling me.. but do you know where it is located on this make/model? I know I can just go google it, but sometimes it is just quicker for somebody who knows to tell another...

Not off the top of my head... with most bikes the starter is sort of on top or in front of the motor and will require fairing removal. I would try looking at the gsxr forums (which are probably full of idiots btw) to find a how-to.

 

[z1ggy]

Yeah but what if the kickstand switch is broken, and thinks the kickstand is down even when it's up? What if the neutral switch is misaligned, and the bike thinks it's in first?

There's usually a way to lookup wiring diagrams so you can figure out the current flow, then you can test each switch until current is lost. You can also short the switches out and see if it starts.

Damn this sounds like it could take a while. A friend of mine works at Auto Zone and said he would test my starter to see if its broken. Once I know the results of that, I can do more. I am hoping its not that because its $250 to replace.

 

[MiataNC]

The symptoms you describe almost always point to the kickstand switch. I don't know how an '01 GSXR is wired. Here are a few common things to check.

Look for a frayed/broken wire down by the kickstand safety switch. If it is a 2-wire switch you should be able to by-pass it with a small piece of wire or a paperclip and start the bike.

Check and see if there is a wire running to the clutch lever. Some bikes have a safety switch there as well as the kickstand. If it is a 2-wire switch you should be able to by-pass it with a small piece of wire or a paperclip.

Check the wiring harness at the steering head. It is possible a wire for the starter switch is broken in the loom due to flexing (by steering) over time. This doesn't happen often, but it is possible.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Also the kickstand switch usually gets covered in chain lube. I've seen them get stuck in the up position before...

 

[BZeto]

Have you ruled out the battery? My CBR's had enough juice to power the cluster and prime the pump but not enough to actually turn the motor over.

 

[z1ggy]

Thanks for the replies, I will check in a few minutes. Also, luckily when I found my bike wouldn't start, I was at a Suzuki dealer. Some nice guys helped me out by starting my bike for me via rolling start. Not sure if that matters in all this or not, ie, is it possible to do that even if the kickstand switch is broken/stuck.

 

[z1ggy]

Have you ruled out the battery? My CBR's had enough juice to power the cluster and prime the pump but not enough to actually turn the motor over.

You know, that's a good point. The other day I was installing new flush mounts and I realized for almost the entire time, my key was turned over, basically just draining the battery. My bike started up 2 times since then, but I didn't ride it for long at all those two times- just for a minute to move my bike a few feet. I will get my voltmeter out and see how much voltage I have at the terminals.

Edit- Battery voltage: 12.66v