Good day everybody,
My first ever post goes along with my first ever electrical? issue. on this bike, 2003 Vulcan 1600, 76000 km. Turn key on and neutral light comes on a bit slowly, digital screen stays dark, can hear the fuel pump ticking for a bit . Starter does not turn over at all. Thinking battery (fully charged with ( but older) or starter relay or starter fuse.
I read one thread where I should follow positive cable to starter to check fuse on top of starter. Do I have to take off big side (clutch/transmission) cover to get at fuse??? I lifted gas tank for a look, moved wires connections and for a brief moment the digital display lit up and after 3-5 seconds only a weak green light on neutral light. will be checking for loose,broken,grounding out wire somewhere? Taking battery in for load test now, mumbling about cheap batteries. Am going to use a car battery to see if starter and instrument panel work with a proven battery.
Any help appreciated. Duncan BC Canada
Cheers, Rick

 

Rick,
I'm not sure where the fuses are located on that bike, but I'd certainly try jumping from a car battery first (with the car NOT running). Then check the primary connections, particularly to the battery (clean and tight), starter, AND GROUND. It sounds like you have a dying battery and/or poor connections.

 

Thankyou.

Sure enough, was the battery. Went from a 14 amp battery to a 18 amp. All good .