Technical question, any ideas?

[Grandsatsuma]

Hello, I was riding back from Kings Lynn today, only about 80 miles, near the end of the journey the electrics on the bike seemed to fade in and out. (not much fun in the dark) it would flicker on and off quickly and loose all power for a moment and then go again, when the power went it wasn't like hitting the kill switch. it was like turning the ignition key at 70 mph... all power off and engine locked up then power back and all well and good again. It did this about 5 times, I'm about to check the camera and see if I can get any footage or if it was too dark. Any ideas guys? I have a long journey tomorrow!

 

[Neilisin]

Well .... "sounds" like it could be..... (famous last words) a short from the wet.

Are you running heated grips? or auxiliary sockets using juice?

Do you have a multi/volt meter? If so, can you take a voltage from the battery all off.... and a voltage from the battery when the bike is idle.

 

[Grandsatsuma]

Well .... "sounds" like it could be..... (famous last words) a short from the wet.

Are you running heated grips? or auxiliary sockets using juice?

Do you have a multi/volt meter? If so, can you take a voltage from the battery all off.... and a voltage from the battery when the bike is idle.

All standard, I have been using it all day and yesterday, I am going to measure the battery tomorrow at work (all my electrical tools are there) I am thinking it could be fuel maybe? that wouldn't explain the lights flickering and all power dropping though...

 

[TheDiabeticBiker]

Sounds like an electrical problem. My last car's lights would all flicker out and in, both inside and out. Never found the problem though but suspected in may have been water somewhere in the electrics. Check the voltage across the battery terminals both with the bike on and off and maybe check your fuses incase they are loose or damaged.

 

[Nerb]

First thing I would check is the earth. Check the negative battery terminal is tight then follow the wire to where it is bolted to the frame and make sure that is tight. Look for any signs of shorting like black scortch marks. Check there is nothing under your seat that will earth the positive side of the battery (tools or a foil wrapped sandwich) and that the positive has the little rubber boot on it.