So a while back I fitted a PC5 to my 2012 Blade Anniversary. Immediately after this I suffered occasional starting problems. The symptoms are like a flat battery i.e. the bike turns over a little slowly and the dash flashes like a Christmas tree, occasionally the bike backfires while cranking and it will usually start eventually. Initially I thought the battery was on its way out so I fitted a new one but it does exactly the same. It happens when the bike has been stood unused for a few days, but it doesn't do it when used every couple of days. Even when I'm not using it the bike is plugged into an opti-mate so the battery is always tip top. I believe that the fitment of the PC5 and specifically the earth connection has caused this issue. It never did it before and once running is fine hot or cold. I plan to take the bike apart again and relocate the PC5 earth connection away from the main earth point on top of the engine. This is where the instructions say to put but I'll try and find another earth point. I'll also clarify that when this problem was initially found I removed and refitted the PC5 at least 5 times cleaning all connectors etc. with WD ensuring there were no trapped wires or anything obvious. It may be an intermittent starter issue that just happened to start when the PC5 was fitted. Does anyone have any experience of this type of problem? Is it worth stripping the starter and having a look at that? Cheers
Have you tried just removing it and see if it resolves the problem. A friend of mine had a similar experience with his Triumph.
That is the intention but it was so infrequent it wasn't worth it. It has done it again this morning so I'll whip it off at some point to try and rule out the starter motor. Are there any starting issues people are aware of?
Only issue I've had on my '16 SP is the dodgy engine cut off switch. I never use it, simply turn the bike off with the key. However, sometimes if I do turn it off with the engine cut off switch, it has a hard time starting and I need to take the key out, flip the switch a few times then it starts right up. Apparently it is a documented issue with the contact in the switch, but I haven't bothered with it. Perhaps this winter I will, but it isn't a pressing issue.
Yes I've read something similar cheers. Upon investigation the starter motor is a user serviceable part so I'll also whip that off and check it looks ok inside. It just happened to start the day the PC5 was fitted.