buddy 150 tipped, now wont start

libwitch · Post by **libwitch** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:14 am

I have a 2009 Buddy. Just over 300 miles on it. The battery is new last year.

It tipped (I had it on the side kickstand, not the stand, yes I know...). I wouldn't start up right after -- but you know, not a surprise, but it started up that evening. Went to go start it the next day, and it wouldn't start. Did some poking around, and discovered the left brake lever was broke-- applying pressure to start it the night before must have been the final straw.

But I could start it fine as long as I could manage to both brakes in and work the ignition and throttle and right brake all at once.

It took us a week to get the brake lever replaced, but the bike was garaged the whole time. I had it up one night on the battery charger.

Got the brake lever replaced (did it at home), took the bike out for a short ride and it was great. Started right up and everything. Didn't ride it one day, but started it up just to be sure. It started up great. The next morning I came out to take it into work - and it won't start. Battery won't turn over.

What the...? The wires around the handle don't look loose. Is it possible that something is now just loose enough *in* the battery to be causing problems and I will just have to replace that? Other ideas? My closest dealer is over 40 miles away, so I am hoping its something I can sort out here first...

KrispyKreme · Post by **KrispyKreme** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 1:55 am

The "starter" won't turn over? Battery is dead at this point. Everybody should have a "battery tender".

http://batterytender.com/

If the battery is good then go from there. I was thinking this was a "vapor lock" deal. Most of us vent the gas cap.(or should)

I'm sure a better wrencher will come along and help you out more. Good luck.

libwitch · Post by **libwitch** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 2:05 am

We had it on the battery tender for one full night last week (after it tipped) and it then started up fine; we have it back on the tender now.

I am more concerned about why it is doing this again -- it started up afterwards, then wouldn't start, went on the battery tender, started - and now is not starting again. I am wondering if there is something else other then just "dead battery" when the battery is just a year old.

We checked the air filter (good), we have checked wires up by the brake lever (looks good), the fuse by the brake looks good....

KrispyKreme · Post by **KrispyKreme** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 2:33 am

fuse by the battery?

Has it rained? Let it dry out?

HowHH · Post by **HowHH** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 2:14 pm

It is possible for a battery to go bad in a year, especially if it had sat for long enough off a tender to fully drain for an extended period of time.

Have you tested the battery with a multimeter (both no load and load)? If you don't know how to do this you could always pull the battery to an autoparts store and have them check it under load

If no multimeter: Take the scoot off the battery tender and see if your lights (headlamp, turn signals and brake lights) can operate when the ignition is turned on. If you have lights then at least you know you have some power in the battery (although you could still have not enough power to crank).

If adequate power and does not crank: Have you tried starting with the front brake lever depressed? (Given the damage to the left lever, may have a wonky switch in there). Also, make sure the kill switch is not in the "kill" position.

If no lights then you could have a blown fuse (main or elswhere) or bad battery. Also, make sure the connections to the battery are secure.

VinylDoctor · Post by **VinylDoctor** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 3:20 pm

if it fell, could be a loose wire or connector too

JettaKnight · Post by **JettaKnight** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 2:40 pm

libwitch wrote:We had it on the battery tender for one full night last week (after it tipped) and it then started up fine; we have it back on the tender now.

I am more concerned about why it is doing this again -- it started up afterwards, then wouldn't start, went on the battery tender, started - and now is not starting again. I am wondering if there is something else other then just "dead battery" when the battery is just a year old.

We checked the air filter (good), we have checked wires up by the brake lever (looks good), the fuse by the brake looks good....

Let's cut out the misused jargon like, "Battery won't turn over". (you should proofread you're posts).

Does it make any sounds when you attempt to start it? A click? Maybe a short pathetic "whirl"?
Both of those indicate battery failure or a loose wire. Yes, batteries can have a short lifespan.

Does it make no noise at all when you press the starter button?
This could be the battery or could be a faulty switch (there's three in series) or bad wiring.

Does your Buddy start via the kickstarter?
If so, mechanically (e.g. air filter) it's fine.

You say you started it one day, then shut it off, then attempted to start it the next day with no success. You didn't by chance leave the key in the ON position, did you?
[/b]

libwitch · Post by **libwitch** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 9:54 pm

No, I don't keep my key in it when I am not using it.