No start on 1994 Yamaha YZF600

Hi folks,

I have a 1994 YZF600.I rode all last summer and the battery would die even after riding it around and recharging it 3times. I thought it was a bad battery so this summer,I put a new battery in it, tried to start and it did start.I drove it around for 15min.and put it back in the garage.When I tried to start it 7-days later,it will not start.The battery seems ok,the lights come on fine but all I hear is a 'click'.So,I thought it was a starter issue and I had somebody push-start it. But that did not work either.Surprisingly,after we did that 2-3times,when I gave a starter,it started immediately.The other times I tried to start it,I could feel the starter going once in a while for a very short time but not enough to start it.

I have no clue what's going on and whether its a starter or alternator issue.I don't think its bad battery because I put one brand new. The weather is too good to be not riding a bike and the only cycle shot here is backed up 4weeks.

I would appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.
Joe.

1/ what happened when you had the bike pushed start?
2/ when you start the bike (when it doesn't start) do the lights go dim a lot or completely off?

Also, I thought they didn't make YZF yet in 1994? You sure it's not an FZR? Not like it makes any difference, just wanted to get the fact straight :)

Thanks for your response. My replies are as below (>>&gt:

1/ what happened when you had the bike pushed start?
>>> I tried to push-start it by putting it in 1st gear once it gathered some momentum. But it did not help. The bike did not start and I came to a screeching halt..:)

2/ when you start the bike (when it doesn't start) do the lights go dim a lot or completely off?
>>> The lights do not seem to go dim or anything. They just seem normal. I wonder if that's coz the battery is brand new.

Also, I thought they didn't make YZF yet in 1994? You sure it's not an FZR? Not like it makes any difference, just wanted to get the fact straight
>>> Sure! I was told that it was a YZF when I bought it but I did not get a manual to verify it. It's a 1994 for sure though..:)

1/ normally you should put it in 2nd gear for a push start, but if you said the bike was doing a schreeching halt ... hmmm does it sound like the engine wasn't turning at all? I'm not sure if engine lock is possible on that model.
2/ lights supposed to go dim a little, if a lot it means the battery's either bad or just need some charge, if it's completely off circuit's shorted somewhere (or could be really weak battery). Look for open circuit.

I never checked myself but my manual said the model of the bike should be on a label on the frame under rider seat, it's also in the title. Does your bike look like mine? (Check my profile for pics)

sounds like the diods in the starter are going bad. did this bike have a prefious owner or are you the original. this could be a couple things. from your original post i thought it could be an alternater not charging your battery, but then you baught a new batt and it still wouldnt start. if i would have to say it would be the starter, not sure if these bike have a starter relay switch somewere, but i would ventuer to say it could be one of those.

Best of luck

Hi Yamahafan & Dieseldog,

Thanks you guys and sorry for a delayed reply. I was travelling.

So, the good news is, I think, I have found a root cause for no start. I think, its a loose contact in the cable going from starter (not sure?) to engine (T junction). As soon as I pressed it down slightly and hit the starter, the engine started to crank and the familiar rumble came on instantly!! :) I drove it around town for good hour or so and everything seems to be fine now. Still trying to think how I could fix the loose contact. It's like a T-joint of numerous wires bunched up in a duck tape. Don't want to open it and screw it up. Any suggestions?

Yamahafan, I did check the manufacturer's plate. It will not call out the model name. However, my bike looks a little different from yours. I am 100% sure it's not a FZR and 99% it's a YZF! :)