2002 Ninja 250 won't start after being dropped. Please help.

gary · August 23rd, 2015, 08:25 AM

About a week ago, my ninjette dropped on its right side going about 20 on gravel. Aside from aesthetic damage, I can't tell anything wrong with the bike EXCEPT it won't start.

When I press the ignition I hear a click from near the battery. If I hold it down it goes clickclickclickclick....

When I turn it on, the taillight turns on, so the battery is not completely dead.

I figure it's something wrong with the battery or fuses but I'm not sure. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I'll post a video if it would help.

Thanks guys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIAABt7OUCk

csmith12 · August 23rd, 2015, 08:31 AM

Step 1 - remove seat
Step 2 - measure current voltage of battery
Step 3 - ensure battery connections are clean and tight
Optional Step - Sealed battery? If not ensure battery has proper level/mix of acid
Step 4 - Ensure fuses and then safety switches (see wiki)

dcj13 · August 23rd, 2015, 10:57 AM

Never heard of "current voltage"...

You might want to try jump starting the bike with a car battery (car not running).

csmith12 · August 23rd, 2015, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcj13

Never heard of "current voltage"...

ie, the voltage the battery "currently" has. Meaning "at this time."

dcj13 · August 23rd, 2015, 12:54 PM

Good point. No need for Gary to set up data logging stuff.

Current, voltage, open, short, loads... All that pesky terminology!

Motofool · August 23rd, 2015, 01:48 PM

As the bike was damaged on the right side, you should verify all the wires and connectors that link the battery to the starter motor.
The click that you hear is that the relay is connecting the battery to the motor.
The condition of the battery should be tested under load, something that any autoparts store can do for you.
If the battery was good before the fall, it should be OK still, unless that the internal fluid has spilled out, as explained above.

gary · August 23rd, 2015, 01:51 PM

I bought a new battery so that's not the problem.

I tried bypassing starter soleniod and that didnt help.

VaFish · August 24th, 2015, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcj13

Never heard of "current voltage"...

You might want to try jump starting the bike with a car battery (car not running).

Electrically speaking current and voltage are two different things. Voltage is the amount of electrical force, current is the rate at which it flows.

Calling it "current voltage" is unnecessary because when you measure voltage it is at that point and time.

I would measure the voltage at the starter when the starter button is pushed.

22R88 · August 24th, 2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaFish

Electrically speaking current and voltage are two different things. Voltage is the amount of electrical force, current is the rate at which it flows.

Calling it "current voltage" is unnecessary because when you measure voltage it is at that point and time.

I would measure the voltage at the starter when the starter button is pushed.

CS Smith has already clarified. He simply meant the voltage the battery has... He is referring to current as present or now !!

22R88

csmith12 · August 24th, 2015, 09:32 AM

Sorry ya'lls for my KY slang on this topic. lol Didn't mean to confuse anyone.

Gary, I would focus on the safety switches at this point. 2 common points of issue after a down are the clutch and sidestand safety switches. These two switches will prevent the bike from starting but the odd thing is, when they fail... they are normally 100% silent and don't present the same symptoms you describe. My gut tells me whatever you got going on is fundamentally electrical.

Wish I could help more.

Foxrider64 · August 24th, 2015, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Sorry ya'lls for my KY slang on this topic. lol Didn't mean to confuse anyone.

Gary, I would focus on the safety switches at this point. 2 common points of issue after a down are the clutch and sidestand safety switches. These two switches will prevent the bike from starting but the odd thing is, when they fail... they are normally 100% silent and don't present the same symptoms you describe. My gut tells me whatever you got going on is fundamentally electrical.

Wish I could help more.

All this talk of current voltage has me rolling in my chair.

Anyways- to add- the safety kill switches you mention cut the power before it even gets to the solenoid so there'd be no clicking.

Check the starter motor. It could have possibly be jarred in the crash and too much tension not letting it turn over. Just loosen the two bolts that hold it in- don't take the bolts out- and wiggle the starter. Retorque the bolts and try again.

gary · August 25th, 2015, 01:59 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIAABt7OUCk

I also tried bypassing starter solenoid and I could hear the starter engine crank a little bit but not enough to turn over the bike.

Please help guys

gary · August 25th, 2015, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxrider64

All this talk of current voltage has me rolling in my chair.

Anyways- to add- the safety kill switches you mention cut the power before it even gets to the solenoid so there'd be no clicking.

Check the starter motor. It could have possibly be jarred in the crash and too much tension not letting it turn over. Just loosen the two bolts that hold it in- don't take the bolts out- and wiggle the starter. Retorque the bolts and try again.

I cant reach in there, any ideas on how to do that?

JenkinsBradbury · August 27th, 2015, 03:35 AM

Remove and re-tighten both battery terminals and check the fuses. Are you sure the battery just hasn't drained? Just because the lights work doesn't mean it's got enough charge to start.

Tried roll/bump starting it? If it starts turn it off and try to use the starter again. If it doesn't bump start and ride around a while then back home and try again.

How long was it on it's side for?

Alex · August 27th, 2015, 12:29 PM

Battery charged?

csmith12 · August 27th, 2015, 12:30 PM

@Alex, this needs to be merged with the top similar thread.

Alex · August 27th, 2015, 12:33 PM

/merged

xXecuterXx2 · August 27th, 2015, 03:32 PM

My bike does that on a dead battery, try jumping it off on a car, DO NOT have the car running, i repeat DO NOT.

August 23rd, 2015, 08:25 AM	#1
gary ninjette.org member Name: Gary Location: Gainesville, FL / ATL Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja EX250 Posts: 10	2002 Ninja 250 won't start after being dropped. Please help. About a week ago, my ninjette dropped on its right side going about 20 on gravel. Aside from aesthetic damage, I can't tell anything wrong with the bike EXCEPT it won't start. When I press the ignition I hear a click from near the battery. If I hold it down it goes clickclickclickclick.... When I turn it on, the taillight turns on, so the battery is not completely dead. I figure it's something wrong with the battery or fuses but I'm not sure. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I'll post a video if it would help. Thanks guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIAABt7OUCk Last futzed with by gary; August 25th, 2015 at 05:23 PM.

August 23rd, 2015, 08:31 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Step 1 - remove seat Step 2 - measure current voltage of battery Step 3 - ensure battery connections are clean and tight Optional Step - Sealed battery? If not ensure battery has proper level/mix of acid Step 4 - Ensure fuses and then safety switches (see wiki) __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 23rd, 2015, 01:48 PM	#6
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	As the bike was damaged on the right side, you should verify all the wires and connectors that link the battery to the starter motor. The click that you hear is that the relay is connecting the battery to the motor. The condition of the battery should be tested under load, something that any autoparts store can do for you. If the battery was good before the fall, it should be OK still, unless that the internal fluid has spilled out, as explained above. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 24th, 2015, 09:32 AM	#10
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Sorry ya'lls for my KY slang on this topic. lol Didn't mean to confuse anyone. Gary, I would focus on the safety switches at this point. 2 common points of issue after a down are the clutch and sidestand safety switches. These two switches will prevent the bike from starting but the odd thing is, when they fail... they are normally 100% silent and don't present the same symptoms you describe. My gut tells me whatever you got going on is fundamentally electrical. Wish I could help more. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

August 25th, 2015, 01:59 PM	#12
gary ninjette.org member Name: Gary Location: Gainesville, FL / ATL Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja EX250 Posts: 10	2002 Ninja 250 Clicking/Buzzing and Wont start after dropped on right side https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIAABt7OUCk I also tried bypassing starter solenoid and I could hear the starter engine crank a little bit but not enough to turn over the bike. Please help guys Last futzed with by gary; August 25th, 2015 at 03:21 PM.

August 23rd, 2015, 10:57 AM	#3
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	Never heard of "current voltage"... You might want to try jump starting the bike with a car battery (car not running).

August 23rd, 2015, 12:54 PM	#5
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	Good point. No need for Gary to set up data logging stuff. Current, voltage, open, short, loads... All that pesky terminology!

August 23rd, 2015, 01:51 PM	#7
gary ninjette.org member Name: Gary Location: Gainesville, FL / ATL Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja EX250 Posts: 10	I bought a new battery so that's not the problem. I tried bypassing starter soleniod and that didnt help.

August 27th, 2015, 03:35 AM	#14
JenkinsBradbury ninjette.org member Name: Jenkins Location: Australia Join Date: Aug 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, DRZ400SM. Posts: 15	Remove and re-tighten both battery terminals and check the fuses. Are you sure the battery just hasn't drained? Just because the lights work doesn't mean it's got enough charge to start. Tried roll/bump starting it? If it starts turn it off and try to use the starter again. If it doesn't bump start and ride around a while then back home and try again. How long was it on it's side for?

August 27th, 2015, 12:29 PM	#15
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Battery charged? __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

August 27th, 2015, 12:30 PM	#16
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	@Alex, this needs to be merged with the top similar thread. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

August 27th, 2015, 12:33 PM	#17
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	/merged __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

August 27th, 2015, 03:32 PM	#18
xXecuterXx2 ChocolateMilk Addict Name: Maurice Location: McDonough Join Date: Mar 2015 Motorcycle(s): '05 EX-250 "Kallie" 85 KLT 110 ATC "Murdock" Posts: 329	My bike does that on a dead battery, try jumping it off on a car, DO NOT have the car running, i repeat DO NOT.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
05 Ninja 250 won't start on its own - help!	AmyF	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	59	July 8th, 2014 11:46 AM
Dropped bike at low MPH, drained float bowls, still won't start.	BoKing	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	17	July 20th, 2013 07:07 PM
Ninja 250 won't start! please help me!	Black knight	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	May 23rd, 2013 03:22 PM
2002 Ninja 250 - issues (spark pugs, dirty carbs, won't idle, etc?)	Pocket Sprocket	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	12	May 17th, 2013 11:13 AM
06 ninja 250 won't start	wolfpuss	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	7	February 21st, 2012 05:57 PM