2011 Speed Triple Occasionally Wont Start (no Crank, No Prime)

Jamesanon · Aug 27, 2020

Hi all,

First post here after picking up my 2011 speed triple after a few months and i'm having an issue i'd appreciate some expert opinions on.

Occasionally i'll turn the ignition, all seems normal but the fuel pump wont prime, and pressing the starter button does nothing (no crank, no headlight dips, no clicks from the relay, nothing). If i click the bike into gear and roll the engine forward a bit and turn the bike on and off a few times while doing this then eventually i get a prime and it fires straight up.

I haven't noticed any other issues riding, and cranking is always smooth and starts the bike quickly. This issue seems to happen maybe 1 in 20 starts (whether the bike is hot or cold, wet or dry weather) just seems a bit random.

I've looked through forum posts and tested some apparently usual culprits for this kind of behaviour;
-Replaced battery and checked voltage is good (if I've been at home when it has this issue)
-checked clutch and side stand switches for operation
-followed proper start procedure with bike in neutral, clutch in always etc.
-checked all connectors for burns or loose fittings, pulled all wires around the steering and underneath the tank to see if there was any that had rubbed through or similar while trying to get it to prime.
-plugged into tuneecu when i once had the issue to see if there as any error codes and there were none (even though the engine management light is always on before starting in this case)

All of the above haven't really seemed to help at all and i'm running out of things i can think to try.

Has anyone got any ides what this issue could be?

Any help would be much appreciated, this forum has been amazing for info on the bike.

Rocker · Aug 27, 2020

Corroded relay terminals?

Callumity · Aug 27, 2020

Intermittent electrical problems always have you chasing your tail but I would rigorously check everything from the +ve post to the ignition switch output and the earth strap to the engine. You need to be primed and ready with a multimeter so next time it happens you can find out where you have battery voltage and where you don’t.
I would guess the intermittent lack of power to the fuel pump suggests corrosion in or upstream of the fuse box or the earthing. I am pretty certain it should run ignition on without actuating any relays.

Jamesanon · Sep 1, 2020

Thanks for the replies I've tried to do another check through the bike and all relays seem to operate ok and have good connections, the main engine earth i also took off and cleaned but it looked fine too, and still getting the starting issue.

So callumity i'll definitely take your suggestion and just wait till it happens when i'm at home and i can start disassembling with a multi meter and fingers crossed find the culprit.

If i do find the issue i'll make sure to update the thread in-case anyone else has this issue.