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I.U Gripe!

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x9200
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Re: I.U Gripe!

Post by x9200 » Tue, 16 Aug 2016 1:54 pm

Vara125SG wrote:Dear contributors to the forum,
I am the owner of a Varadero 125 and I face an issue similar as the one described in these posts, hence I hope that maybe you could give me a valuable feedback/pieces of advice.

My problem is the following: When I don’t drive my Varadero for 1 or 2 days, I cannot start the engine any more (it works only with push start).
The battery was changed less than one month ago, but the problem remains.

Would you have any idea what could happen?
I suspect the IU might drain off the battery (my current cashcard value is low at 5.5$: can it be a cause even if I take it away when I park?), or maybe a short circuit/loose connexion somewhere?


I drove the bike to the repair shop but they want to keep it several days to do full testing, and they mentioned possible repairs (magnetic coil, and/or others) of more than 300$ which is a lot compared to the bike’s value. They told me that the battery and the charging were OK.

Or do you have any suggestion of a repair shop that could conduct quick/inexpensive tests?

Thank you very much in advance
1. I would start with replacing (cleaning the electrodes, adjusting the gap) the spark plug.
2. Checking all spark plug related cables and connectors would be my 2nd choice. Yes, it could be something wrong with the ignition coil too.
2. With the cashcard at $5.5, are you serious?
3. Generally, if the failure is due to the battery you will see the starter struggling to turn the engine, the lights including the headlights and control lights will be dimmed for the time you turn the keys etc., but if the rest of the components are healthy, even such mis-behaving battery is often enough to kick it started.
4. BTW, if it doesn't start immediately, resist the temptation to turn the throttle - flooding the engine won't help.

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Strong Eagle
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Re: I.U Gripe!

Post by Strong Eagle » Tue, 16 Aug 2016 9:21 pm

So... it takes one or two days for the battery run down to the point where it will no longer turn the engine over to start it, correct?

Further, you state that the battery is only one month old, and therefore do not believe that the issue lies with the battery.

Third, you state that the charging system is in good order. I assume you can readily start the bike after it has been parked for only a day, correct?

Therefore, it is quite likely that you have something on the bike draining the battery when the ignition switch is off.

I doubt very seriously it is your IU... I could leave mine on my motorcycle for weeks and still start the bike. However, you can run a simple test. The next time you are going to leave the bike for two days, disconnect the power wire from the IU. If the bike does start after two days, maybe you have a bad IU. If it does not start, then something else is causing the failure.

Next, when ready to leave it for two days, disconnect the negative battery cable. When ready to start, reconnect. If bike starts, then you have confirmed that the battery is OK and that you must have a short somewhere in your electrical system.

I would suspect the main key switch is not cutting power off to the ignition system. You will need to find out if relays are used on your bike... look up the wiring schematic online. Identify where the ignition system wiring is connected and disconnect next time bike is stored for two days. If bike starts when reconnected, you know it is in ignition system.

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PNGMK
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Re: I.U Gripe!

Post by PNGMK » Tue, 16 Aug 2016 9:31 pm

Change the Regulator/Rectifier. It has failed and is draining the battery as well as not charging it correctly. One of the output diodes has failed (short circuit).
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Re: I.U Gripe!

Post by Vara125SG » Tue, 30 Aug 2016 4:30 pm

Thank you to all contributors for your valuable indications.

I am going to drive the motorcycle to a repair shop in order to perform some electrical tests (I am not good enough in mechanics to do it myself).

Do you have any recommendation for a good repair shop that will not overcharge me? (if possible close to the City/Little India/Alexandra)?

Thank you very much in advance for your advice

x9200
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Re: I.U Gripe!

Post by x9200 » Tue, 30 Aug 2016 4:43 pm

There is a whole cluster off Alexandra Rd / Jalan Bukit Merah but I have never used any of the workshops over there.

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Re: I.U Gripe!

Post by taxico » Tue, 30 Aug 2016 7:02 pm

has your bike had many owners before? has anyone tapped into the wiring loom to add on extra lights/spot lamps/usb chargers/alarm/electrical devices?

you can install a volt meter by yourself (t-taps) to see if the battery is indeed charged before you do a cold start the next day, as well as any fluctuations when you fiddle with the switch gear or plug stuff in.

there's a malay chap living in bendemeer on carousell that sells a really nice homemade slim-line water proof one for about $18 or $20 (i can't remember exactly how much but i was suitably impressed that i bought 3 at a go).
Aut viam ad caelum inveniam aut faciam

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Strong Eagle
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Re: I.U Gripe!

Post by Strong Eagle » Tue, 30 Aug 2016 9:35 pm

I used to go to a shop called Universal on Bukit Merah Lane 2. Both the Universal shops have the same owner, I'd visit the one on the right first.

https://www.google.com/maps/@1.2855562, ... 312!8i6656

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