how to check the earth on bike

When I push the start button, the headlight dims but, nothing happens, like the bike does not start. I am thinking an earth problem but dont know where to look for the earth cable on bike.

Any help please.

Hi,

Check the interlock switch on the left lever is actuating correctly.

Listen for the click.

Thanks Jamie for the reply.
Yup, its clicking. Starter button is just dead.

You have got the side stand up haven't you ?

To check the earth attach an ohm meter wire to the negative wire at the battery. Attach the other ohm meter wire to a bare metal part of the frame or engine. The ohm meter should read “zero” or something very close to that. 

Meanwhile double check that left lever switch. There are two circuits in that tiny switch. One is brake light, the other is start interlock. You might take the switch down and spritz it with CRC Contact Cleaner or WD-40. 

THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS TEST. Perform at your own risk. If the above doesn’t work you could disconnect the start interlock wires and temporarily hook them together and seem if that solves your problem. Please make sure your hand is gripping the brake lever when you attempt this test, or that the bike is on the center stand. Otherwise the bike will start and will launch forward on its own. That switch is a safety feature and is there to insure that the brake is ON when the motor starts.

terrier wrote:

You have got the side stand up haven't you ?

Yes, side stand up.

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

To check the earth attach an ohm meter wire to the negative wire at the battery. Attach the other ohm meter wire to a bare metal part of the frame or engine. The ohm meter should read “zero” or something very close to that. 

Meanwhile double check that left lever switch. There are two circuits in that tiny switch. One is brake light, the other is start interlock. You might take the switch down and spritz it with CRC Contact Cleaner or WD-40. 

THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS TEST. Perform at your own risk. If the above doesn’t work you could disconnect the start interlock wires and temporarily hook them together and seem if that solves your problem. Please make sure your hand is gripping the brake lever when you attempt this test, or that the bike is on the center stand. Otherwise the bike will start and will launch forward on its own. That switch is a safety feature and is there to insure that the brake is ON when the motor starts.

Thanks for the info, will look tomorrow

Checking the earth on the bike is going to take a LOT of gas. You might just want to use Google Earth.

exavid wrote:

Checking the earth on the bike is going to take a LOT of gas. You might just want to use Google Earth.

Now THAT would be a ride!!

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

To check the earth attach an ohm meter wire to the negative wire at the battery. Attach the other ohm meter wire to a bare metal part of the frame or engine. The ohm meter should read “zero” or something very close to that. 

Meanwhile double check that left lever switch. There are two circuits in that tiny switch. One is brake light, the other is start interlock. You might take the switch down and spritz it with CRC Contact Cleaner or WD-40. 

THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS TEST. Perform at your own risk. If the above doesn’t work you could disconnect the start interlock wires and temporarily hook them together and seem if that solves your problem. Please make sure your hand is gripping the brake lever when you attempt this test, or that the bike is on the center stand. Otherwise the bike will start and will launch forward on its own. That switch is a safety feature and is there to insure that the brake is ON when the motor starts.

Thought that I had replied, but cannot see it, so, again thanks for all your help, took the wires off and BINGO!! it started.

I am guessing that I can ride the bike with the two wires joined together until I can get a new switch, would that be correct?

Thanks guys, problem solved, cleaned the switch and bike starts.

Thanks for all the help offered.