Hello everyone!
Newbie here. I bought my first bike, 2005 Vulcan 500 8k miles, saddle bags, fairing for $1500 back in November.

The battery was failing-after a few days it could not start the bike.

So I bought a battery from wallyworld, add the acid, waited an hour, then charged it for six hours at 1 amp rate.

Now when I attempt to start the bike, all I hear is a strong/solid click- the starter motor does not engage.

Any suggestions on where to start?
kerry

 

Will the motor turn over by hand? or can you push it while in 3rd gear lets say? Just to verify that the engine is not seized.

Welcome to KF and congrats on the first bike, even though it is not working at the moment.

 

Newbie here again.
Found the problem- the starter's main cable was loose at the solenoid. The bike was hard to start (but not turn over) I suspect the plugs are carb(s) were slightly fouled.
Runs great now!
Kerry

 

Congrats on the fix newbie again.

 

Glad you're with us, Kerry, and your bike is running now. With any new bike, I'd suggest going thru with a fine toothed comb. Change plugs, oil, filter, clean/lube chain or check all seals in shaft drive, check tire pressures, lube cables, flush brake fluid. Always a good idea to start fresh with a new bike, so you KNOW it's good to go. Start a maintenance log from day one. It can help you keep track, and also help you SELL the bike later on. Post some pics!! We wanna see your ride!