QuestionI have a TW200. I'll give you as much information as I can.
My battery ran down but I was able to keep running it by kickstarting the bike. Nothing would work(lights, horn, etc) unless the bike was running. With the key on before the battery ran down it would work all the electrical without the bike running. The battery ran down so far it was unable to allow me to start the bike anymore. I replaced the battery but still the lights and nothing else works unless I kick start the bike. In fact I can kick start the bike with the key off and none of the electrical will work. But then when I turn on the key all the electrical works. There is definitly power going to the ignition. I tested the hot wire right before it. When I turn the ignition to the on position I cannot get a reading anywhere but then when I turn the ignition to off again I get a reading on the hot wire.
So the problem is when I turn the key on without the bike running none of my electrical works. But it will work off my magneto. Very bizzar. I'm pretty sure it is charging my battery. The person who sold me the bike had a brand new CDI I replaced that and it didn't change anything. Oh and the only other thing I can think of is I laid the bike down before all this happen and it snapped off my rear left blinker. I need to solder it back on. That left front blinker will just come on and not blink. The other blinker blinks weird now. If I solder it back together I am assuming it will work again. I don't think that is affecting my other problem but it might so I threw it in as more information. Got any suggestions.
AnswerHi Brian,
Repair the broken turn signal and re-check the electrical system for proper operation.
If a turn signal is not working properly, that side of the circuit will not flash. The corresponding signal will illuminate bright and not flash indicating a blown bulb, usually. Rapidly flashing signals indicate same and caused by extra current load flowing thru remaining circuit components. When defective bulb is fixed, voltage drop of the fixed signal will restore normal flashing.
Once that problem is fixed (isolated), begin diagnosing the ignition or remaining eleactrical problem(s).
Check all elactrical connectors for dirt, corrosion, and other possible non-conducting causes. Use dielectric grease on all electrical connectors. Disassemble all switches and check electrical contacts for same. Trace electrical voltage thru circuits with a 12 VDC tester.
Avoid repalacing expensive parts without verifying the part is defective. The odds of guessing sucessfully is not in our favor.
Get the service manual to view the wiring diagram and learn troubleshooting procedures. I return tech information files by email. There was no email address with your question as requested.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
