Suzuki Bandit Fixing Electrical Earth and Starter Faults

[@edwardleniston1076]

Patience and logic works every time when dealing with electrics. Well done.

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Edward. It also requires the confidence that patience and logic will provide the desired results. 👍. Skäl. David

[@crazyhorsetrading8655]

Thanks for posting these two videos. I have started having issues with my Bandit after a low speed fall. Went out in heavy rain and landed up running on two cylinders most of the way home. I know its electrical but have been afraid to tamper with the wiring harness. Thanks to these videos the hunt begins. Thanks once again. Stephen

[@MotoMirius]

Good luck with that. Remember it's just one wire at a time! Skäl David

[@randomrides]

You've certainly more patients than me, remember the issue I had with resistors and LEDs...that was a nightmare and once I'd done it i wasnt happy so ended up going back to bulbs lol. I can't even work those test meters it looks like rocket science to me. Great video, nice n neat with the heat shrink etc. Thanks.

[@MotoMirius]

Yeah. I’m not that far ahead of you there. I tend to use bulbs rather than LED though I had to use resistors on the Sportster because the bulbs had too little resistance 😂. In this video I was using the auto test meter which figures out what the idiot using it is trying to do 🤣🤣. Thanks very much for that. Skäl. David

[@waynejones-ql5ni]

Very good video and easy to follow, I have a issue you may be able to help me with, have fitted new starter motor and battery its fully charged but all starter motor does is make a whirring

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks. Hard to diagnose remotely, but if it's whirring then it sounds like it's running and properly connected. When you hit the starter button, normally the nose of the starter will spin out and engage with the engine then drop back into the starter when the engine starts. Either the nose isn't coming out or it's not engaging with the engine. You can test if the nose is coming out by removing it and testing it - make sure it's held securely. Good luck.

[@springy-2112]

A stoic performance David . Glad to see you enjoying the fleet again, albeit somewhat hampered . Peace and love and speedy healing must abound !! Sorry one has gone all Mr Darcy for some unknown reason. 👍🏻☮❤

[@MotoMirius]

😂😂 well thanks very much for that Springy. One hopes that thou are keeping well. 👍. Skäl. David

[@jonboy-kb1jj]

Well done mate you were damn unlucky to have 2 separate wiring faults at the same time, that’s quite unusual. Happy days!

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks. It doesn’t take much to confuse me! Skäl. David

[@bandit12--]

Thanks for the vid. Please carry on with more bandit videos

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks and you are very welcome. I have more Bandit videos coming soon, but they will be spread out a little between the other bike videos. Skäl. David

[@dashburgess6991]

SOS, , first thank you for this insightful video! I have a question as I’m going through troubleshooting here. If continuity doesn’t read from the clutch or starter harness wires to the clutch and starter handlebar wires what is my next step? Do I need to find new wires from the handlebar to the harness or is there a way to find out specifically what’s wrong? Thank you much!

[@MotoMirius]

You need to track the wires through the harness connectors to identify where the problem is and if whether it's the connector needs cleaning or a break in the wire - if the latter then you will know where the break is and then repair the break. You can fit a new wire but you'll need the right connectors and the tools to crimp them.

[@tinks43]

And it lives to fight another day 😀 I bet that’s a relief! Glad your halfway healed mate.

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Dave. Yeah, I have enough projects for that bike as it is. 😀. Fingers crossed for you. Skäl. David

[@JakeBor]

you're

[@tinks43]

@@JakeBoryou’re right 👍🏻

[@ivangreat133]

Nice one, glad it's working. Lovely job 👍

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Ivan. Much appreciated. 👍 Skäl. David

[@MrAlmar07]

Been waiting on this one David. Real curious as to see what's what!! Awrabesht mate. 😉🤘

[@MotoMirius]

Cheers Al. It was certainly interesting in a perverse sort of way. I like dealing with things that I can see. 😀. Skäl. David

[@brandoncotton1392]

Your video saved the day! I had the same issues!

[@MotoMirius]

Glad that helped! 👍 Skäl David

[@Umby8915]

Hello I have a 98 bandit 600. I'm replacing the stock air box with k&n pod filters. Do you have a recommendation on carburetor adjustments due too more air flow?

[@MotoMirius]

Sorry, I don't use pod filters, so I have no recommendations

[@ANTSTEPH86]

Hi david.. when testing the relay did you just simply connect the two switch prongs with a live wire? Thanks

[@MotoMirius]

Testing the relay is just bypassing it yes.

[@claireanddavidarcherseal9536]

Hello David. Great videos, you have already helped me change my brakes and diagnose a few issues. My latest problem relates to this video as now the bike won't start. The fuel pump primes, the starter switch on my handle bar appears to be working, the starter relay clicks but the bike doesn't start. After watching your video I tried the first step of the starter/electrical fault finding and bridged the 2 contacts to the starter motor relay and I get nothing. No sparks and no starter crank. Would this point towards my starter motor and starter relay possibly causing the issue? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, David.S

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks, much appreciated. If you've made a direct contact from the battery to the starter motor and it doesn't spin then there is something wrong with the starter - or an issue with the cable running down to the starter. Lightly tap the starter motor with a hammer as you do it as that can free off the part of the motor that connects to the starter gear. If that does work you'll need to refurbish or replace the motor. You can also run a cable direct to the starter motor connection to the same effect to rule out the cabling. Good luck. Skäl David

[@claireanddavidarcherseal9536]

@@MotoMirius great thanks for the advice!! I will try this tomorrow after digging a bit deeper. I got a spark in the end but the starter sounds like a bag of nails and its struggling to turn over. I'm going to remove the side cover tomorrow and see if the teeth on the gears are damaged before I try to turn it over some more. Thanks again for the advice and quick reply. I'll let you know how it goes 👍🏻

[@garryhills8648]

Well done David a good job Did you get those Japanese conectors I hope you get well soon Cheers Garry

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Garry. I didn’t in the end as I already had most of the Japanese ones so instead I bought their generic kit with the same crimper which I used in the video so thanks very much for the recommendation 👍 Skäl David

[@chris-yj6dt]

Hi, looking for any advice I can get, I have been given a 1999 1200 bandit S as a project as it won't start. I have replaced the starter relay and checked it for power, which it is getting, however I'm not sure if it is getting signal from the starter push button. How can i check this? Also the bike will start if I run a wire direct from the battery to the coils, this starts using the starter push button. Any ideas? Thanks in advance

[@MotoMirius]

If the starter relay operates when you jump it then there is a fault in the starter button wiring - most likely the button itself. You can check where the power stops with a tester, even if it's just a bulb with some wires. Good luck!

[@petriekman257]

Hi, Starting relay test in this video. Where other black cable goes from relay connector?

[@H-M-78]

Interesting channel, watched a few videos now, "the Workshop" sent me here. But why red wire for negative?

[@MotoMirius]

The back end is getting redone, including the wiring, at which point fairly stock wiring colours will be used - until that point nobody but me is going to be working on the wiring and if I can't figure out what a red wire is, then it's my problem. Skäl David

[@batesstealth2856]

Mirius, do you have any ideas why on a b6 the lights and dial illuminations flicker when engine is running but fine when engine is off?

[@MotoMirius]

Two common causes - vibration from the engine causing poor connection in a loose wire or earth point, or an issue with the rectifier. Skäl David

[@5463546]

Who knows what del did to the electrics when he owned it, Glad you sorted it !!

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Mick. Del did intend to strap the battery down but decided it wasn’t necessary. Turns out that it was, but all sorted now. Skäl. David

[@Moonfleet41]

@@MotoMirius With respect David, You've ridden this bike for four years since i had it mate....even a new bike doesn't come with a 4 year warranty..

[@MotoMirius]

Lol Del indeed. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I could have added a strap at any time. As you know, I’m happy with the bike and I’ve no issues with the build or the quality of your work. 👍. This bike is one I’m unlikely to sell any time soon.

[@5463546]

Moonfleet41 with respect del, it was my comment that questioned what you had done to the bike not David, Surly you should of aimed your reply to me, David never said anything unto wards about you !!

[@Moonfleet41]

@@MotoMirius Yeah too right mate, its always the things we put off that bight us in the arse aye.... and not selling it.? Damn.. and i was gonna offer to buy it back...lol... i guess id better build another one then..!

[@guillaume0606]

Merci beaucoup!!

[@MotoMirius]

Et merci!

[@duanetryner3895]

Hey David. I’m having the same trouble. Not starting. I’m putting on a aftermarket speedo. Do I need the blue connector connected for the bike to start. Many thanks

[@MotoMirius]

Speedos are generally not part of the starting circuit. It depends what you mean by not starting. Starter not turning, no spark at plugs etc. It also depends what blue connector you are talking about? Skäl. David

[@duanetryner3895]

Moto Mirius The bandits original loom was bogded. So I bought a second hand one which came off a running bike. I’ve connected all the plugs wires etc where they need to go. And I’m not getting any power at all. I’ve tested the stater solenoid as you did in the video and it turns over. Only thing I’ve not plugged in is the speedo,clock lights etc. ( blue connector) 🤔

[@MotoMirius]

@@duanetryner3895 Ah, now I understand. As you might have noticed in the video, the loom is very interconnected and does need all the connecters connected. There is a very good chance that you are missing a key connection in the loom.

[@duanetryner3895]

Moto Mirius yes that’s what I’m thinking too. Thanks for your time. Keep up the good work. 👍👍👍

[@duanetryner3895]

Hi David. Just to let you know I’ve solved the problem. Starter switch !!! Bloody thing. Thanks for your help

[@yankeedoodle880]

good job David, must have missed a vid somewhere, what did you do to the arm? have you been off the bike again?

[@MotoMirius]

Cheers Chris. Managed to have a silly low speed off which snapped my arm like a twig. Cast hopefully will be off next week and then we will see how soon I can be back on the bikes. Skäl. David.

[@yankeedoodle880]

You take care mate, sometimes a low speed off can be worse than sliding down the road at 100mph.

[@MotoMirius]

Under Chris. Be great to catch up some time.

[@taxitwat1]

When I got the bike years ago I would cut out at different revs we found out it was the resistor so we sorted it out it ran fine for years during covid I stripped and painted the bike and cleaned it up a bit so when I put it back together when it gets to temperature it cuts out you lose ignition and the bike goes dead so I bought a new ignition but it's still doing it when it cools down everything comes back I'm at a loss with it but I need it for work I'm sick of walking everywhere lol can you shed any light on it

[@MotoMirius]

Always difficult. Have you checked the coils?

[@taxitwat1]

@@MotoMirius yes

[@MotoMirius]

@@taxitwat1 Don't rule out fuel - especially if had a period of not running recently - modern fuels don't store well.

[@robertbaxter4021]

Hi I don't know if anyone can help me. The starter motor has stopped working on my Suzuki bandit 650. It must still be getting power as the light dims even with the kill switch on and the stand down which is a bit strange. There is no click from the relay. Also the right hand indicators stopped working for a bit but these seem ok now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Rob

[@MotoMirius]

Hi Rob. Check your battery is good and fully charged. If the relay doesn’t click the the starter won’t work. Bear in mind power for the bike runs through the relay. Check the wiring and the battery earth. Good luck. One wire at a time. Skäl. David

[@robertbaxter4021]

@@MotoMirius thanks David. Studying the wiring diagram now. Will get back on it tomorrow

[@LoopyASF]

anyone have any idea why my bike will work perfectly then ill go some where it will randomly cut out the starter trys to turn bike over for about 5 seconds the left indicator comes on then bam the starter motor is doing nothing for a few mins then will let me do it again for 5 seconds? also tried bumping cut out few times then worked again? its confusing then later it will work fine just annoying as it almost got me stuck in middle of no where

[@MotoMirius]

My first guess would be an earth fault. Indicator coming on suggests a wiring issue. Skäl. David

[@LoopyASF]

@@MotoMirius yea i sorta guessed it was wiring it cuts out when i turn my lights on randomly when im riding i have checked all the ground wires they all look good tho

[@MotoMirius]

@@LoopyASF Nearly all wiring faults are poor grounds. Sadly there is no easy fix but to work through it one wire at a time!

[@04poppop]

Ok, my bandit 1200, sometime I started right away, sometime complete nothing, not action at all. I try in like 15 min and it starts.

[@MotoMirius]

Intermittant electrical fault would do that. When it doesn't start, make a note - engine hot or cold start? Does the relay click, does it turn over at all? Etc

[@04poppop]

@@MotoMirius When don't start, No click, so no turn over just nothing. Its on cold start. When it starts and I go for couple of miles, then stops, wait couple of minutes and starts normal. I ordered starter ralay but not sure if its the problem. But its pretty annoying and risky go somewhere not to be sure if I start it after switching off.

[@MotoMirius]

@@04poppop Sounds like a solid starting point but check and clean the connections to the relay if you haven't already and check the wire to the relay for damage - if there is a break in the wire that sometimes connects and sometimes doesn't it will give the same effect.

[@chambobs]

Delboys old bike?

[@MotoMirius]

Indeed

[@gnagsaar_]

No selebration noe handed burnout?:p

[@MotoMirius]

😂😂 with no clutch, I’m not risking a burnout with the 1200. 🤣🤣🤣

[@BlueCrow7]

bloody bandits *waves fist at the sky* !!!!

[@BlueCrow7]

ps like ya rat

[@MotoMirius]

We love to hate them!

[@MotoMirius]

And thanks!

[@mugedredd]

+1

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks

[@edwardleniston1076]

First! Not that it makes any difference.

[@MotoMirius]

Nice. Lol. 😂😂

[@lanceoverton5919]

Why would you add a red cable which normally denotes power to extend the black and white earth lead ??

[@MotoMirius]

Because it was what I had to hand at the time. Don't make the assumption when watching videos that what you see is how a vehicle will stay once the camera is off. This was a problem resolution video, not a how to wire your vehicle video.

[@lanceoverton5919]

@@MotoMirius trouble is people will see what your video shows and go with that , if your not keeping the red wire you should say it’s a temporary fix or you get people like me thinking your a muppet for turning a black and white earth wire in to red one , and while we’re at it anyone with mechanical knowledge will tell you a heat shrieked soldered wire is 100% better than a heat shrieked crimped wire , vibration dosnt come in to it. Apart from that you seem to diagnosing your problems so 👍from me

[@MotoMirius]

@@lanceoverton5919 thanks but I'm not overly worried what people think of me. You can't make videos if that is your mindet because you'd be paranoid about it - you can't make an unscripted video, and all of mine are, without something not going perfectly - too much of your attention is on the camera and the mic to catch everything. Some people even include deliberate mistakes because it increases viewer interaction and it can result in a large number of additional views from people talking about it on social media, but I've not yet reached that level!