Basic Multimeter Use In Motorcycle Applications

[@davidtop6242]

Great back to basics video! Thank you. 👍

[@andyR9T]

Thanks John. Very well explained. Look forward to more in-depth explanations for usage.

[@tinderboxarts]

Many of my previous videos have more advanced usage demonstrated, such as for testing ignition coils, testing wheel sensors, testing a throttle position sensor, testing batteries, etc.

[@vincenash1358]

Expert tuition 👍

[@jhguygih]

I forgot ny key own in my bonneville and after charging 24h to 13v, still nothi g happens when turning on the key. How to test that? Should i just replace batteries or test with another batterie.

[@tinderboxarts]

If I follow you correctly, you charged your battery for a day, yet the bike does not respond at all to the key-on position? No lights, no dash? First, you can check the battery with your meter for resting voltage, which should be in the mid to high 12V range for a fully charged standard battery. If that checks out, then you want to examine your battery connections for being tight and clean. Then you can trace the starting circuit. Model years vary, but you can check fuses and relays and grounds. You can check the harness for damage (especially if you left the bike all winter and there are mice around). If the problem is that the dash lights up but the starter won't engage, you can test the starting circuit, including the starter and solenoid.

[@jhguygih]

@@tinderboxarts there was a blown fuse on the right side. Close to starter a 30a. Probably blown because I also tried to jump start with my friends bike. Thank you for detailed answer.

[@tinderboxarts]

Glad you got it sorted!

[@tooakki]

I appreciate this, thank you.

[@arniet1]

Thank you. That was most useful 🙏

[@gerhal7076]

Hello John, i have a 2010 BMW RT1200 could you make a video on how to re-calibrate the bikes functions after long term storage with the battery being removed. Thanks from Australia.

[@tinderboxarts]

You really don't need to do anything after reconnecting the battery. Items like the tire pressure sensor registration are stored in long term memory even without power. Items like the throttle position sensor or idle steppers are re-learned in a few short rides by the computer. There is a procedure which may shorten this process for the throttle position sensor, which is to turn the key to the on position, turn the throttle lock to lock three times, and then shut the key off. I can't even confirm this works, actually! But if you just reconnect the battery and do the normal start procedure the bike will run just fine. As you ride for the next few times, the computer may make small adjustments in it's settings, which it does anyway. If you do have a problem after reconnecting there may be something else going on, such as a rodent getting into the wiring or making a nest, etc.

[@lancelink88]

Get a Fluke 87V