Electrical woes :(

Ok short story.

Late in November I went to take the bike out. The battery was dead, so I recharged it over night. Next day it wouldnt start. I tapped on the Starter Relay and it clicked on, bike started. Shortly later bike died then no start.

I have replaced the Starter Relay and I have bought a new battery and its been fully charged. I reinstalled it all cleaning the contact points. No go, no click...

I know when you turn the key to the on position before you hit the start you hear a click, well Im not getting that click...

I tested continuity on all fuses and the fuse holder, it is good. I tested the start switch and its good. The Neutral light is ON, so its in neutral. The headlight does not come on when the key is on and the bike is in ON mode.

Thoughts? I was REALLY hoping to take this into the shop today to have it retuned and tires... Doesnt seem likely now Im really stumped. Only other guess would be the "starter ciurcuit cut off"

Im kinda sad...

If anyone has schematics for the 81 XJ650 I would highly appreciate it. Also if anyone knows what the voltages should be across the fuse block with just the key on that would be good info also.

 

http://xjbikes.com/Web_Links/l_op=visit/lid=1.html
http://xjbikes.com/Web_Links/l_op=visit/lid=11.html

These 2 links should give you a good place to start. The first one gives great troubleshooting tests. The second one should have your wiring diagram.
Good luck

The headlight won't come on until you hit the start button, hence the relay.
It keeps the light off to give more voltage to the starter and coils during startup. I would start with checking the start button, they have been known to corrode.
You should read battery voltage at the fuses.

 

Rich, you beat me to it, good advice. Your starting circuit is simple on the H unit Ryan. Chase battery voltage from the battery into the Main switch (Red wire), out to the Ignition Fuse (Brown wire), through to the Engine Stop switch (Right handle bar, Red/White wire), down to the solnoid (Blue/White wire). If you cant' find battery voltage along the entire route, you have a problem. Also check that the clutch switch is working correctly, if it is open and the transmission is in any other position besides neutral, it won't start either. We H model guys are lucky, the starting system is a very simple one without the maze of interlocks that plauge other models. Easy day here Ryan. I hope the link Rich so thoughtfully provided gets you where you need to go. Write back if you need more help. And get yourself the manual! (first tool you should own after purchase!!!!)

 

I might just have to send the $10 out. Not a big cost, really providing it has the needed info. But hate to wait for that stuff. They should have a download available or e mail the files

 

Ryan,
Did you find the wiring diagram?

 

I didnt find one, but the situation has been resolved.

Problem was in the fuse block. The very end fuse had a very low voltage (0.8V) and I figured it was that way for a reason. Well it wasnt... All the others were reading around 12 except for the one.

I jumpered it and as soon as it hit....


CLICK

Weeee

So now I need a new fuse block All the ones for sale are E Bay or web based and I need to buy in a store...

 

Hit up your local auto parts store (or if you must, Strauss/Pepboys/Autozone/O'Reilleys, but you should always support your local friendly parts store!). Littelfuse and Calterm both make a 5 in/5 out ATC fuse block with spade connections for around $10.

 

So anyhow of course I take it out for a ride. Get to the gas station. I gas her up, reset the trip odometer and take off.

No speedo!

WTF?

p**** foot it around and get home. Pull the cable out to discover it broke.

Plus I got a quote on tires...

$325ish installed...

ouch! Thats a lot to invest into this bike at this point IMHO. Probably going to ride it for another month and dispose of her

 

You could get a cheaper tire and install them yourself.
You can even balance them too.

 

I think tires is another thread that needs to be made and pinned/stickied