Trying to get bike running again, any ideas?

[CaGuy78]

Hey everyone!

I need a little help troubleshooting why my bike won’t fire up and was hoping you guys could give me some ideas or places to look.

A little background: As some of you read about a month ago, my bike was almost stolen. What that means is they got to it and got it about 2 blocks away and gave up. The only damage I saw was the f’d up ignition (where the key goes) and the bundle of 3 wires coming from there were cut in two. I’m guessing they tried to hook something up to get it started but couldn’t. I have pictures of the wires if you need em…

So I ordered my new key/ignition set from Honda and just finished getting it installed. Part of the key set is the 3 wire bundle that was cut with a plug on the end which goes to another bundle right behind/above the front headlight plastic. So I plugged in the new cables from the ignition to the bike and tried to fire her up, nothing, nada, not even a flicker of activity happened.

So the next step was to put the multi-meter to the battery to make sure it had juice, yep 12.86.

So that’s where I’m at right now. I’m fairly handy with a wrench but pretty worthless when it comes to electrical.

Anyone have any ideas where to start looking/testing? Is there something that needs to be done after adding a new key set, maybe reset a chip or something? I’m a little frustrated to say the least, those assholes have cost me a month of prime SoCal riding weather messing with this and I’m anxious to get back on the road!

So any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys!

[eddievalleytrailer]

It's hard to tell what all damage was done to the elect system while the was trying to get it started. No way to tell which wires he shorted together. Any component could have been damaged. Does anything work? Headlight? Anything?
BTW, was the thief caught?

[Vee-Ef-Ar]

I'd start with fuses. They could have blown during the theft.

Also be sure to check the run/stop switch on the right switchgear.

[CaGuy78]

Well didn't find any bad fuses and the kill switch seems ok as well.

Any other places to look? I find it very strange that i'm not getting any juice at all when I turn the key...

[CaGuy78]

If the engine stop switch is off (or broken) would anything happen when the key is turned i.e. headlights, horn, anything electrical?

[eddievalleytrailer]

Which year is it? On my 07, everything comes on with the kill switch off and the key on, headlight, tail light, dash, everything except it won't crank over. My '83 cranks over, just won't start with the kill off.
Did they catch the bum who tried to steal it?
I always left the key in all my bikes while they were in the garage until I read your original post about the attempted theft, a few months ago. I bought a lock box and fastened it to the cinder block wall in my garage for the keys. Maybe your misfortune will help others.

[squirrelman]

yo bike was headed to Oakland, bro......but that Bay bridge a Bitch !!

Either a stunt bike (poor choice) or they was gone sell it to one of the Infamous/Legendary East Bat Rats .....



guessin it was too heavy to push ! Fuck, if it were an RC-30 i could push it 20 miles.....WORD !!

[CaGuy78]

Nope, never caught the guys that I know of. Boy would I have loved to catch them in the act!

So it looks like it isn't the stop switch then. I'm trying to go through the Service manual but it's somewhat greek to me. So I checked fuses, they look good... there has got to be a broken link somewhere between the battery and the ignition.

This is all assuming the ignition switch I ordered works, it was a sealed package from Honda so I'm guessing it does. Again not sure how to test and can't seem to find any reference to it in the manual. :(

[CaGuy78]

Figured it out!!

I didn't catch that there was 2 'main' fuses until I got the owners (not service) manual out. Opened up the starter relay and popped out the 30 in there and sure 'nouf it was blown. Popped a new one in there, turned the key, and glorious light appeared! :D I gave her a quick crank to make sure all is well and so far so good. Going to wait until tomorrow put her back together and get her rollin.

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[squirrelman]

I've always believed having the Honda Service Manual was essential, along with a voltmeter, because boith will be necessary to keep the bike going.....