what is this and why does it buzz at me?

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thelucky7
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Bike owned: Vfr400r '86, tamoretti 125
what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by thelucky7 »

Hi everyone,

Hope you can help me out, I really want to get back on my bike, been left for a good few months on a trickle charger.

Normally it behaves but this time when I try and start it it makes a buzzing noise which seems to come from this thing:

Image
Image

you can even listen to it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB_FazSQFLY

I took a couple of fuses out, they look ok, as u can tell i am a bit of an amateur. thanks for any help!
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Man_Named_Dave
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by Man_Named_Dave »

Looks like the main fuse housing.
hardnutdvd
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by hardnutdvd »

this is the starter relay... have you checked the main fuse?
what is the voltage across the terminals of your battery?
you can get a digital multimeter from maplins for around £8 if you dont own one already... which is doubtfull if you own an NC30 :grin:
thelucky7
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by thelucky7 »

Thanks guys, I don't have a multimeter :( I've only ever done minor bits on the bike with the help of a trusty screwdriver. Anything else I can do? what are the next steps?
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Man_Named_Dave
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by Man_Named_Dave »

You really DO need a multimeter. Make that a priority, then use this site for the info you need to do electrical checks. :grin:
hardnutdvd
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by hardnutdvd »

get a multimeter and check some voltage..
have you pulled the main 30amp fuse out and had a look?

if you arent sure about using one, get on youtube and watch a few tutorials.. it's what i did and they are so simple once you get your head round it..

if you are planning to keep your NC30 you are gonna need one sooner or later ;)
Dgeoff33
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by Dgeoff33 »

That sounds like a knackered battery to me
hardnutdvd
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by hardnutdvd »

geoff33 wrote:That sounds like a knackered battery to me
:plus:
particularly if it's been on trickle charge for months and still dont have the power to start the bike. but then i would be looking at the cause of the knackered battery.
is it just donkeys years old and in need of replacing or symptom of reg/rec problems.
a meter will be the only way to tell. and if you buy a new battery and it is reg/rec probs.. you'll be needing another one very soon again
thelucky7
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by thelucky7 »

ok i will get a meter asap and check out how to use it. if i do the tests and the starter is bad do i need a new starter?

I took out a couple of 30 amp fuses, one from the top, one from the bottom of the relay,neither looked like they had blown?

could be a knackered battery, probably over 4 years old but hasnt had a lot of use. will a multimeter tell me if there r problems with the reg/rec?
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Man_Named_Dave
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Re: what is this and why does it buzz at me?

Post by Man_Named_Dave »

Yes it will.

http://www.400greybike.com/docs.htm

The very first document will tell you what to do.

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