You are reading a single comment by @Airhead and its replies. Click here to read the full conversation.
  • I am a bit of a muggle so have no idea.
    the only rebuttals are:
    No alarm
    Bike lights up as normal, so battery has some charge
    Fuel pump primer (i guess) makes its noise.
    before I press the starter motor the whine is there.
    It is different today, more a constant noise.

    I can't tell if something is trying to spin/pump/move and can't.

    Pushing the starter button does nothing.

    This morning I popped it in gear and rocked it a bit, and tried a (probably too slow) bump start with no joy.

    Turns out I have RAC cover, so will give them a call this morning and see if they can solve the riddle.

    (There are no error codes if I open diagnostics, P0000 comes up)

  • These days it's not easy to diagnose electrical problems on m/bikes. I've found the same thing with the electric bike. The lights flash a warning and you're stuck with nothing user serviceable.

    It's nearly new and massive if I remember right?

    Having said that it could be the starter solenoid that's whining.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starter_solenoid

    Sometimes you have enough battery power but a dodgy connection stops the required amperage for starter operation. Loose or corroded earth strap etc. Change in tone of noise could be it's a component drying out having been soaked in the rain.

    Lots of possibilities.

  • Thanks for your input, I realise it is impossible to diagnose over the internet, I was more venting.

    RAC reckons starter motor, we tried bumping it, but it's pretty flat round here and the bike is ludicrously heavy.

    Booked in for the local garage for next week (earliest it can be taken in) and recovery from my house to the shop.

    Just need to move it from my work to home. About a mile or so.
    May be able to bump it on the way...

About

Avatar for Airhead @Airhead started