Have to push start the Seca. Getting old...

When it's sub-70's temps or the bike has sat for a day or two, I have to push start it. I bought a new battery and charged it up properly. Still no better. Bike is stock.

Any ideas? The battery seems to be fine. The headlight comes on when I try to start it the first time. The starter seems to be working. Guessing it's a wiring issue. The bike runs fine otherwise.

THANKS!

81 Seca 550
24k miles

 

Do you know what and where the starter solenoid is? Next time it wont start jump the solenoid but first make sure the bike is in neutral or it will move on you when you do this it bypasses all the safety circuits but it eliminates the battery and the starter . The key does not even have to be on. As far as batteries they can be checked with a hydrometer probably 2 bucks for the little cheapy one much cheaper than a new battery more than likely its the starter button itself though take it apart and clean the contacts on it and the kill switch. Good luck

 

While cranking, see what the battery voltage reads.
If it drops to 9V , the TCI won't work.
This can be confirmed with a timing light, or a spare spark plug grounded to the motor, while cranking.

Clean all battery terminals, and ground wire connection.
Do you notice the bike fires up the exact instant you stop cranking??

Then we're back to carbs - -
Running sync, proper Pilot screw adjustment, float level, fresh spark plugs.

 

just to be clear, the motor turns or doesn't turn when it 'won't start'? if it turns it's probably that Starter Circuit in the bowl. That lil frigger is Hard to clean. There's a youtube video somewhere of how it should look when it's clean

 

With 24K miles, I'd say you need to at least check your alternator brushes and clean everything up in there.

Factory says new brushes at 10K but mine are still not worn to the line at 26K, BUT: It tends to get a bit nasty in there. You're probably not fully charging the battery.

Also, carefully inspect the little braided wires to the brushes for signs of corrosion. They can become all green and crumbly inside the braid.

What's your voltmeter (on the dash) have to say? Is it pegged at the edge of the red zone above 2500rpm?

Another thing to check is the big connector from the regulator/rectifier to the rest of the bike. Unplug the connector and check the contacts in both sides for corrosion or signs of overheating.

 

Hello. Sorry I've been MIA. Thanks for the help so far.

I actually forgot, but the voltmeter doesn't work. It shakes violently, but never moves to the right, so that might be an indication of the issue.

I happened to get my hands on another fully-charged battery (third so far), but that didn't help and had no affect on the voltmeter. Think it might be grounded out somewhere?

I will jump the solenoid, check the ground wire connection, clean the starter, and check the regulator/rectifier connector over the weekend. Will also order new brushes, just for kicks...

Any other ideas, considering the voltmeter doesn't work?

And in case it wasn't clear, the bike starts great when it's warm/dry outside and it's been sitting less than 24 hours. Too bad I live on the beach in San Diego. Makes for quite a bit of dew in the mornings/night. And rust.

 

BUT YOU LIVE IN SAN DIEGO. Lookin forward to your findings