Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Key on, battery charged, fuses good... dead bike Key on, battery charged, fuses good... dead bike
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By turboguzzi
  • 2 Post By Jackboot

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 4
Key on, battery charged, fuses good... dead bike
Hi all.

Bike's a 95 yama virago xv750. Worked fine one night. The next day, it's got no instrument lights or headlights, and makes no effort to start.

I figured I came in tired and accidentally put it in park without noticing, put it on the charger, let it charge, still nothing. Main fuse was good, ignition and other dash fuses were good. Reseated all the wiring connectors to cover bases. Still nothing. Looked around for a worn out wire somewhere or some other ground fault.

I can't think of much else that can completely kill the bike to the point that no lights will come on. So, I'm turning to the power of the internet for some help. Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,105
I've had that when the main earth cable came undone (in a motorway service area!). Vibration kept enough of a contact there while the engine was running but it was completely dead when I came back to it. I suppose you've checked that though.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
I've had that when the main earth cable came undone (in a motorway service area!). Vibration kept enough of a contact there while the engine was running but it was completely dead when I came back to it. I suppose you've checked that though.
It's pretty solidly bolted down... pulled it off and reattached for good measure. Still puzzled.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Do you have 12v at the starting relay?

Check the wires for the ignition lock aswell.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 562
build yourself (or buy) a simple test light and start checking where do you stop seeing +12V following the wiring diagram.



plenty of youtube video on how to use it for fault finding


Surely its something silly, but unlike mechanic stuff, you cant see it and have to be methodic about it


pulling and pushing on connectors is going to get you only so far
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jan 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboguzzi View Post
build yourself (or buy) a simple test light and start checking where do you stop seeing +12V following the wiring diagram.



plenty of youtube video on how to use it for fault finding


Surely its something silly, but unlike mechanic stuff, you cant see it and have to be methodic about it


pulling and pushing on connectors is going to get you only so far
That was helpful, found the problem in about 10 minutes, thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackboot View Post
That was helpful, found the problem in about 10 minutes, thanks.
what was it then? or too embarrassing to tell ?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Kill switch was off and wired as the only feed to the key switch

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Jan 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboguzzi View Post
what was it then? or too embarrassing to tell ?
Faulty wiring coming off the main fuse housing. Not sure where that is on the embarassing scale, but I'm putting it somewhere between "Not worth bragging about after fixing" and "Huh, that was easy... why didn't I just figure that out on my own?"
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Jan 2020
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,657
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Kill switch was off and wired as the only feed to the key switch

Andy
That's some interesting wiring.

The kill switch should only kill the ignition circuit.

I'd rewire that as a kill switch isnt amp rated for the main switch.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Petrol and matches was the best solution to that one. I could get my hand down under the tank far enough to feel the huge gob of tape where the former Kawasaki loom turned to bell wire. You could see why the bloke bought it, 7 years old and looked like new. The first owner must have given up riding to concentrate on inventing electrical time bombs.


Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
What's a good touring bike the 450cc range? Any ideas? momo034 Which Bike? 47 27 Jun 2018 11:44
DRZ400E prep and set up davidlomax Suzuki Tech 15 2 Dec 2016 15:52
RTW on CRF250L - Amsterdam to....Anywhere! -Leonie- Ride Tales 63 13 Jul 2016 05:42
Electrical Equipment? adam402 Camping Equipment and all Clothing 14 13 Jun 2013 08:34
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:50.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top