Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Bike cuts out

Hey guys.
I'm having problems with my 08 EFI Speedmaster,was ok when I bought it second hand with 6k on it, now approaching 11k It custs out totally randomly (Dry, wet, cold, warm, slow peed,high speeds, pulling up at lights and junctions, pulling away) sometimes it fires right back up still rolling with the clutch out, other times if I rock the engine kill switch then hit the start button away it goes, But worst of all sometimes I have to stop and change to neutral in order for it to restart.
The bike is getting more difficult to ride and yesterday it cut out when I pulled out of a T junction NOT GOOD.
I have read most of the posts on the forum ref simlar problems and checked most posibilities but now I believe I need to spend money on parts.
Not being the richest of folk.
Im asking, if youve had this fault what fixed it.sidestand switch (Has been replaced by Triumph) Coils, Pickup Coil, plugs, leads, ECU.
Hopefully this may well help others in this what seems common situation.

My first Triumph. Not a good start !!!

Thanx in advance

KP

welcome to the forum buddy
i had a similar problem a couple of years ago ...ended up bein loose terminals on the battery
hope that helps

The symptoms you describe indicate a short somewhere. the following checklist may be the best places to look at first.
1. There is a cut out switch on the clutch control as well as the gearbox and side stand. Faults in these switches can cause your symptoms.
2. Also check the loom where it enters the back or your head light - this can chafe and create an intermittent short.
3. Check your battery connections are good especially the earth cable at both ends.
4. The ignition switch (inside the switch) has been known to short also.
5. also check the fuse box using continuity - not just a visual inspection. If these all check out OK you can try replacing the headlamp/ignition relay.
These are all inexpensive faults to remedy worth eliminating before replacing the igniter or ECM. If it is your ECM it would be the first time I've heard of that failing.

You problem is not unique but it is not common either. I hope you find this fault and then I think you ill be pleased with your Triumph. They're a great bike but I understand how this problem would be souring you experience.
BTW. I think your bike may be an 09 which was the first year for EFI.

Good luck.

Hey Benny ... You beat me to it while I was writing war and peace.

Thanx islandbum and foglefar for your input,

Firstly Ive had another day looking over the electrics on the bike again.

Starting at the headlamp, nothing to note there all in good order.

Continuity tested the clutch switch many cycles all tests good.

Likewise with the side stand switch, again all good.

Removed the tank to check all conections in all block connectors,and relays, all good and free of corrosion all have been lightly greased.

The battery terminals were tighter than me, believe me thats not easy.

Then a visual check of the fuse box and all looks good, and was going to check circuit continuity next.

Whilst the side panels were off, I took a look at the ECU/ECM as well, noting all the numbers on the front of the unit for ref.
Disconnected the unit only to find a horrible green deposit and traces of water ingress on three or four pins inside the right hand connector.
These have now been cleaned and lightly greased with silicone grease.
As I reassembled the bike I noticed that the tape on the wiring loom was bound in such a way that water would be collected and channeled toward the ECU/ECM connector.
I have now rebound the loom with self amalgamating tape to prevent any further water ingress.

After reasembly I took the bike for a run, taking my troubled route of yesterday which had three or four cut out scenarios ! and no trouble at all.

As amatter of course I will still check the fuse box and ignition switch later in the week.

I will add to the post if all is good, or if I continue to have problems.

Fingers crossed.

Though it was trouble free, I welcome anyonelses input on
this thread.

PS. foglefar, I am in the UK and the bike I have is a late 2008 model, being a UK model it was available here before Australia.

Glad to hear you may have found the problem. It does seem unusual for water to get up under the seat to the ECM. Maybe the previous owner or shop used a pressure washer.

Now theres somthing I'd not thought of !
Although I do ride in some appauling weather,as this is the UK.
I have done many events on the bike since April in very bad weather. Including a ride back from Belgium to the middle of England, the rain only stopped, when we got onto the Euro Tunnel and then started again, as we got off the damned thing.

My America is a 08 and fuel injected Richard!!

Middle of England, eh? mmmm
Where abouts ... ?

I put 80 miles on the bike last week with no problems.
Hope this is going to remain the case.
I will keep you posted.
Regards
Kev.

I Have notched up 250 miles Now, ''Trouble free'' in all types of weather. Happy Days !

I like happy endings.

Sounds like ya found the problem.

400 miles. ALL GOOD !!