Topic: Bike wont start. 1978 CB 550

[Jaydem03]

So, I just got a 1978 CB 550. The battery looked to be in decent condition, so I threw it on the charger to see what would happen. I hooked everything up, flipped to switch to "on" and nothing is happening. The lights turn on, but I am not sure they are on "full power". The only thing that happens when I hit the starter button is I hear a "buzzing" coming from the (I guess starter relay). Would anyone know if this problem would be solved with a new battery, or does it sound like something else. If I did it correctly, "IF" I had a reading of 11.56 from the battery.

Thanks for your help!

[dave500]

with the headlight switched of,have you tried kicking it,did you buy it as a non runner?find every connector on the bike behind the side covers and in the headlight bucket and unplug and replug them,,any that look cruddy should be cleaned,the contacts must be clean,,this might be half your battle?and may make for a runner.

[wedoo2]

Welcome.  The battery should show closer to 13, I think 12.7, for a well charged unit.  Either you didn't charge it enough, or you are in the market for a new battery.  If you  can get the bike to start, with the kickstarter, then go back and check to see if the bike's charging system is working.  To do that rev up the bike above 3000 and put the meter back on to see what it reads.

Dave500 has good advice about your electrical system too.  So many reasons why a bike won't start.  All are traceable.  He has another good point about the condition you bought it in.  Like the man who had surgery to fix his hands and asked the doctor if he would be able to play the piano now.  Doc says did you play before?  Well, no.

[dave500]

i used that joke wedoo2 when i came around from an op a few years ago ,the nurse didnt even grin,although i phrased it in reverse,,will i be able to play the piano?,off course you will,,,thats funny,,i couldnt before the op you have great doctors here!

[72500john]

go with the advice you have been given so far, dave is usally a good ear to bend. but in the mean time take your battery to your local auto parts store and they can test it for you..11.5 or so volts is not great for voltage on a battery but if it is shot it will have no cranking amps,but show semi ok volts. if you decide to fast charge your batter..it wouldbe a good idea to unplug your rectfier while you do it..not sure about your particular model but many will fry it when doing this.

[wedoo2]

The nurse had no sense of humor and you got the joke right.   

Jaydem's question reminded me that when I got my new battery a while back that it was the first time I ever read the directions on the initial charging procedure.  I always just poured in the electrolyte and threw on the charger to high.  They recommended another way.  Live and learn to read directions I guess.

[dave500]

hey jay,,if your going to charge any battery,remove both of the leads if its in situ,,a fully charged 12 volt battery should be around 12.6,fresh of the charger itll read say 13.5 plus?let it sit over night before a voltage check after a charge,or just try it and see how it goes,bike batteries only need a soft charger and not charged for more than a few hours.