Help with Battery.

[109659]

I purchased a replacement battery for my '93 K75, when I went to install it the bike started to turn over. I've asked around and it appears that I have a short. I have visually inspected the wiring and I can't see any bare wire. Am I on the right track or did I miss something else? I am not mechanically inclined and the closest dealer is about an hour away.

[jdiaz]

I purchased a replacement battery for my '93 K75, when I went to install it the bike started to turn over. .
Did you replace the battery because you ran the old one down trying to start the bike? If so, the starter relay was damaged, and needs to be replaced. This is located under the gas tank in the relay box, and isn't too hard to change.

Sometimes you can salvage the starter relay by tapping on it.

[109659]

Yes I did run the battery down trying to start it...argh. Thanks for the insight. I didn't think it was a short. I'll try tapping the starter relay and keep my fingers crossed.

[Bobmws]

As Jon said you have welded the starter relay contact points together by attempting to start with your old low voltage battery. Sometimes you can break them apart by tapping on the relay. You can also pull the cover off the relay and file the conracts smooth again.

[109659]

Well, I did what was recommended and was able to get the battery installed without any issues. Tried starting it and all I got was a cranking sound but it did not start. Did I damage the starter relay beyond repair? I visually checked the starter relay and looked ok.

Thanks for any help, I really appreciate it. I'm dying to go for a ride.

[gsmetal]

I KNOW this is stupid but I had the same problem once.

The bike would crank, but wouldn't fire - I couldn't figure out way - until I noticed the bike was on the center stand and the side stand was down.

When I kicked up the side stand and hit the starter button - it fired right up.

I consider myself mechanically inclined - but felt stupid.

[jdiaz]

Well, I did what was recommended and was able to get the battery installed without any issues. Tried starting it and all I got was a cranking sound but it did not start. Did I damage the starter relay beyond repair? I visually checked the starter relay and looked ok.

I assume you removed the EFI computer to get the battery out? When you reinstall the computer and GIANT PLUG, you must hear an audible CLICK indicating that the GIANT PLUG is fully seated. Otherwise the bike will merrily crank all day and never start.

That's probably all it is. More than one mechanic has been fooled on this one.