Motorcycle Repair: 2004 Honda VLX 600, honda vlx 600, stator coil

Question
Chris,

  I have a 2004 Honda VLX 600, the bike only has 110 miles on it. I went to start it and it was dead. I put a charge on it and it is now charged up but when I go to start it it just clicks. It sounds like a starter problem but I really don't know a lot about bikes. Any suggestions for this novice short of taking it to the dealer? There has been a few times that it sounded like it wants to crank but then starts clicking again. Thanks for your help.

Jim

Answer
Hi Jim.

How old is the battery and what is the condition of the fluid in it?  If that is the original battery, then it needs to be replaced.  The battery will normally only last about 2 years, even when ridden every day like my bike is.  It is quite likely that you have a bad battery.  The cel status can be checked with a battery hygrometer.  You can get them at any auto parts store for your car, but for the bike, you need one that is much smaller.  Those you can get at any decent bike shop.  If even one cel is bad, then there is no saving the battery and it will not hold a charge.

Also, you should check the wiring for shorts. If the charging system has any shorted wiring between the stator coil and the battery, then it will not charge the battery.

If you have any questions about which wires are which, then get and refer to the repair manual.  It will have a complete wiring diagram as well as testing and other specs on the bike.

Let me know what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON