Topic: Electric start doesn't start engine but kickstart does?

[gregripko]

I have headlights and gauge lights and I press the starter button and it tries to start and then it's just a buzz when I hit the starter... When I kick start it though it fires up.... Battery from April 2011

[Elan]

I'd test the battery first.

[gregripko]

What should the reading be on the battery?

[lone*X]

Yep, low or bad battery.  Possible charging problem if battery tests good after a charge.   Starter pulls a lot of current, reducing what is available to the ignition.  Kickstarter does not pull any current (wonder why?) leaving what is left in the battery for the ignition.

[TwoTired]

Battery from April 2011

You think a battery should take longer than 6 months to drain all it's stored power?

[lone*X]

Good point on the age.  When was the last time it actually started the bike?  Or got a full charge?    A fully charged battery should read 12.6 to 12.8 V after charging and then sitting for an hour or so to loose any surface charge.   Also check the charging rate with the bike running at about 4K rpm, it should be 13.5 to 14 V.   SOHC's don't charge at idle.

[gregripko]

Had it on trickle charge overnight

[gregripko]

Battery reads around 12.60 or so with power off and climbs to 14+ at 4,000 rpm... It tries to turn over initially with the electric start but after about 4 or 5 clicks it just poops out.... Maybe it's my trickle charger that's not working... I've been making really short commutes on bike so maybe it's just drawing more than it's returning

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

If you have an Advance Auto nearby charge your battery and take it over for a load test. They sell a nice AGM battery. 

[gregripko]

What I've noticed is that using the trickle charger it allows me to start once then its just dead... Almost as if it can only hold a small amount of energy

[TwoTired]

What I've noticed is that using the trickle charger it allows me to start once then its just dead... Almost as if it can only hold a small amount of energy

Either the battery is worn out and won't hold voltage under load.
Or, the starter bearings are worn allowing the armature to contact the coil cage frame forcing the starter to draw many times the current it would normally.

First step is to measure the voltage while the starter is engaged.  If below 9-10V, either load test the battery, or dismantle the starter motor to look for armature rubbing signs.