| Author | Message | ||
     Jolly |
OK,, apologies up front but since folks that ride Buells are of the eclectic nature and a lot of us ride other types of eclectic bikes I thought I would share my "stranded on a goose" event today. decide to take my 2000 Moto Guzzi V11 sport to work today, no issues on the way to work, long day at the squadron, ready for a cold beer and quick lap home in DC traffic....ouch! anyway, finally solve the issues of the day, gear up and put key in ignition, bike doesn't start....basic trouble shooting, clutch switch is clicking, starter turns over...no vreeeep from fuel pump.....and head light doesn't turn on...check fuses, all check good...touch each relay as I turn on the key, all click and feel like they are activating...one makes an extra click but only sort of registers with me that it could be the issue (spoiler alert!!) so call brand new wife of 1 week, have her cancel all plans to meet me on base for a rescue, while I am trouble shooting with other folks who want to help....jump across the kick stand switch (standard Buell trick) no dice....move fuses..no dice...move some relays that are clearly labeled as the same..no dice...go home get pick up truck, return to work, load bike in truck get it home...apply liberal dosage of tequila infused relaxing agent....accept OCD nature and readdress problem at 11:00 at night....start from scratch, wires behind headlight, neutral safety switch, kick stand safety switch...back to fuses...and relays...start moving relays again...HEADLIGHT comes on..okay identified one bad relay...two relays are grey instead of black, not labeled, but risk it anyway and swap those...turn key on..VREEEEEP and vroooom!!!! I had two relays on separate circuits go bad.....apparently relays on guzzis are common sources of issues....If you are a proud owner of a goose this note is for you, check your relays if you have a strange problem with your bike! thanks for being patient while I share a non Buell story | ||
| Kalali |
Fun story. Lessons apply to all bikes. Always carry spare relay/fuse. | ||
| Ratbuell |
...and be good to your wife. She's a beautiful woman, and apparently a pretty nice person too  You just need to re-evaluate this particular sentence: quick lap home in DC traffic If I remember correctly, the only time I could ever do a "quick lap" around anything in DC was around 03:30... |
