Thruxton Intermittent Starting Issue.

I have a 2012 Bonnie EFI which I love.
The 'on a knife edge' starting is the only thing I dislike about the bike.
Apparently the ECU is set so fine that the starter motor armature fails to contact unless all 'signals' are perfect.
Like you I've checked the voltages etc. and cover 40 miles per day commuting but it's always in the back of my mind that I'm going get the dreaded 'click'
One guy on the Triumph Rat forum has fitted a little push button to the armature to override the ECU when required, I always swear to do the same every time it 'clicks' but haven't got round to it yet.

 

Had a 2010 Bonnie SE, previous owner had fitted a gizmo to keep headlight off until started, then press of dip brought headlamp on, maybe that's why? I was always glad of it. Moved up to 1975 Bonnie now, kickstart of course..although it is now possible to fit electric start. Just thought I'd mention gizmo, I was happy with anything to help maximum volts cold engine etc

 

Yes, that was another mod I forgot to mention.
Headlamp on full and getting the dreaded ' click' infuriates me.
How I would love a kickstart.

 

Good luck Tappers.
I would imagine unless it happens from brand new, most people find a way to cope.
1) armature button
2) headlight switch
3) bump start
4) having a spare fullly charged battery
I bought my Bonnie at 4 years old and over 18 months I have probably bump started 10 times.
I live by a nice hill, but if I didn't it wouldn't be so easy.
Give me a kickstart as backup, I'll be happy.

 

Here are a couple of thoughts to avoid starting problems with an 865 efi Bonny:

1 ALWAYS follow the starting instructions in the handbook, namely:

"To Start the Engine
• Release the steering lock.
• Check that the engine stop switch is in the RUN position.
• Insert the ignition key and turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
• Ensure that the transmission is in neutral.
• Pull the clutch lever fully into the handlebar.
• If the engine is cold, pull out the choke, noting the following: Above 25°C air temperature, pull out the choke to the first position. Below 25°C air temperature, pull out the choke fully.
• If the engine is partly warm, pull out the choke to the first position.
• Leaving the throttle completely closed, push the starter button until the engine starts.
• Release the clutch lever slowly.
• During warm-up, gradually push the choke in a little at a time as necessary to prevent the engine from racing or stalling."

2. When the bike is not in use, ALWAYS connect an intelligent battery charger/conditioner, the likes of Optimate 4 for instance.

With these two measures 95% of starting issues can be avoided with this range of Bonnys.

 

I do all the above biglad religiously apart from 'ALWAYS connecting to my Optimate' it's not always practical with parking the bike outside.
Basically on pressing the starter button you get the 'click'
I am looking at getting a solar powered charger which I will connect daily, wether we get enough sun in the UK winter to power it, time will tell.

 

Hi Mick, completely understand about parking outwith an electric socket. Have you considered lifting the battery out of the bike (extra bit of security?) only takes a minute once you're used to it, and take the battery indoors for charging/maintaining charge ??

 

thats what I do

 

It is an option, but I must admit taking the seat off albeit 2 bolts and disconnecting the battery every night, then refitting before work in the morning doesn't massively appeal to me.
But adding another deterrent to theft does!
With all this new fangled ECU stuff do you have to do anything special before disconnecting the battery ?
Also I have an alarm fitted, I presume that would not be affected by taking the battery off and would run from its own power supply ?

 

My seat has a lock so easier, my last bike had an alarm and the battery went out and in no props.

I presume the alarm was disconnected when battery was out?

 

1. Nothing special just disconnect negative lead first;

2. You don't say what alarm, but when I had my 2010 T100 with a Triumph alarm I didn't have to do anything to the alarm before disconnecting the bike's battery.

 

Thanks biglad.
It's a Datatool S4 alarm fitted at a Triumph dealership from new.

 

I've never taken the battery off as it has the optimate charger block connected to it.
I actually think it may be an el cheapo battery that was fitted when I bought the bike.
I will definitely put a new one on for next winter.
The battery may be a major contributing factor to the occasional 'click' problem when starting.

 

You can put alarm into sleep mode by disarm alarm turn ignition on and hold both buttons in til bleep then turn off ignition. It will rearm when you turn on ignition again

 

Yes i have the same problem with my 2013 Thruxton 900 1900 miles and most of the time it wont start, just click click, embarrassing when. Triumph should do a recall for sure to keep the loyal Triumph fans before they jump on a BMW.

 

No sorry it won't!

 

Install toggle switch on headlight. Unlike other bikes, headlight remains on during starting which draws too much juice and makes CPU stop starting process. Once I did this, no more click! CPU cannot be adjusted or re-mapped. Issue is caused by design flaw that Triumph doesn't want to admit to.