Bike won't start - eeek!

[Xanthoria]

Can anyone help?

Yesterday I rode my M695 to the dentist and then to work. No worries.

Went to leave work 8 hrs later and it won't start - it will turn over, but won't catch. Looked at a spark plug I pulled out and though "um, what am I looking at here?" so I put it back. Looked up what spark plugs are supposed to look like and I think the one I saw was OK. Added gas to the tank as it was extremely low if not actually empty. No luck.

Today I tried again - now it just clicks so the battery's dead. "maint" comes up on the instrument cluster. I'll put it on a tender but...

New spark plugs?

What else?

Help!

[koko64]

I bet Howie would say to get the battery load tested at a battery place or somewhere you trust. Give that battery a good charge with a regular battery charger. The shop may do it for you. Rule that out first.
BTW, how old is your battery?

[koko64]

PM sent re loose cables, cold weather and old batteries.
Also, you want to get your regulator checked in case it's popped and taken out the battery.
Good luck.

[Howie]

You won the bet Koko, and beat me to check the charging rate.

[koko64]

 

[Xanthoria]

OK it's on the tender tonight, I'm adding more gas just in case, checked the other spark plug and it looks good, and apparently listening for the fuel pump to do it's job before trying to start it would be wise as I may have run it dry, ahem... 

How do I "get your regulator checked in case it's popped and taken out the battery" - is that a DIY thing or not?

thanks guys!

[koko64]

You got a voltmeter?

[Howie]

First you need to get the bike running.  Then  http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/diagnosis-center/fault-finding-guide

First thing I would look at on your bike is the connector where the three stator wires plug into the regulator. First check for voltage drop (video to follow) then inspect, and if all looks good, clean  and pack with dielectric grease to prevent future problems.

http://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/chstsycivote.html  Yes, this is for a car, but it is the same idea.  There are differences, your bike has a different type of alternator and regulator.  Post your results before doing major surgery or buying expensive parts. 

As Koko64 said, step 1 is fully charge and load test battery.  If you don't have a meter you can buy a good'nuff digital meter for a bit more than $20.

[Xanthoria]

Spent the night on the tender. Put a gallon of gas in. Replaced the spark plugs. Still no dice. Pushed it down to the local mechanic who laughed at me and said he'd look at it tomorrow.

Tragically your post howie contains words I don't understand like stator and dielectric grease so while im sure you speak great wisdom you're dealing with an idiot!

Anyway, thanks for the help guys. 

[Howie]

Na, you are not an idiot.  Just some stuff you don't know.  This should help if you are interested   http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/technical-articles/how-motorcycle-charging-system-works

Nothing wrong with bringing your bike to a good shop sometimes, even when you have knowledge and tools.

[Mhanis]

Or in my case when I have more tools than knowledge.

Mark

[Xanthoria]

You guys are too nice

Well I ended up buying a new battery because nice Mr Moto Shop Guy defined that as the problem, doing exactly what you guys said to do but charging me $120 + $99 for the battery.

Oh well, it's only money and he was pretty nice about it all, though I did have to ride home in the rain feeling dim