1986 CB700SC...starting problems...please help a brother out!

[dzasta93]

What's up y'all,

I bought an '86 Nighthawk 700 about a month ago...SWEET ride, I love it!  Only problem is in the last week she started having trouble starting up.  When I turn the key to "on" the head light is strong, the dummy lights are clear, etc.  When I press the ignition the starter cranks but she just won't turn over.  After I try to turn her over a few times I notice power loss (the cranks get progressively weaker before there's no crank at all).  I jumped the bike and that worked to start er up.  After the jump I rode for about 10 miles, got off the bike for an hour or two, and then started her back up and she was cool (although she barely turned over, I felt like I almost missed).  But the next day when I tried to start it was back to the old "I'm not starting".  I've been popping the clutch to start er up and that's worked fine, but I don't want to keep this up!

Any idea what the problem might be?

Also, will it damage the drive train or any other component to continually pop the clutch to start the bike?

Thanks a million gang,
Peace

[gammer]

How old is the battery?
When you put a volt meter across the pos and neg on the battery what do you get for voltage when the bike is off? at idle? at 2500 RPM?

It sounds like a battery or charging issue. But it could be worn starter or the starter could be grounding out on itself. Lets see what kind of voltage you are getting and the age of the battery.

Bump starting should be ok. But its best saved for emergencies.

[dzasta93]

Don't know the age of the battery, but I ordered a big crank battery a few days ago. I'll check out that voltage stuff and let ya know...

When you say the starter could be grounding out what do you mean by that?

Thanks a million,
Dylan

[gammer]

Sometimes when the starter gets old, the wires that connect to the brushes will fray. I had it happen on mine. It seems like the battery is dieing, but its just the wires starting to ground against the starter casing.
Start with simplest first...check the voltages and try the new battery. Lets see where that gets you.

[Munkey]

I'm betting that it's time for a new battery.

[dzasta93]

I installed the "big crank" battery and she fired right up!  I guess that was the problem.  The bolt holding the right side of the metal battery band (that holds the battery in place) wouldnt come out though so the only way to remove the old battery and put the new one in was to bend the crap out of the battery band.  Any ideas how to get that bolt out?  I tried a wrench, a socket wrench, and finally a vice grip but it seems like the bugger is just spinning in there (I tried pulling it out thinking if it was stripped it might just slide out with some lub and a good tug, but no cigar). 

Thanks for all the feedback, y'all.  I'm loving this bike!  It rides SO much smoother and more nimble than my old GS850. 

Now...any advice for what to do about the turn signal mounts that are falling apart and being held together with duct tape and/or zip ties?!

[SmokinFast]

I installed the "big crank" battery and she fired right up!  I guess that was the problem.

Good to hear. But to avoid this happening again and getting stranded somewhere, be sure to check your charging system as gammer suggested on 7/12. All you need is a voltmeter.

Now...any advice for what to do about the turn signal mounts that are falling apart and being held together with duct tape and/or zip ties?!

Fortunately these mounts (called 'stays') are still available new. You can order them from the link below. I use these guys all the time and it usually takes about 2 weeks.
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/model_years/368-honda-1986-nighthawk-s-CB700SC/assemblies/5038

[ariwhiteboy]

Sometimes a new battery will work wonders...the summer heat is often the final straw for an older battery.  Glad you got it back on the road! 

[Munkey]

Any ideas how to get that bolt out?  I tried a wrench, a socket wrench, and finally a vice grip but it seems like the bugger is just spinning in there (I tried pulling it out thinking if it was stripped it might just slide out with some lub and a good tug, but no cigar).  

There is a metal threaded insert that tends to break loose and just spin. Only way I've found to fix it is to force the insert out by pulling it bolt and all out of the plastic. The you can use JB Weld or something similar to glue it back in place.

[Brittles]

The spinning battery holder bracket bolt into the airbox must be fairly commom. I've got two 700s' and they both have/had this problem. I ended up using a long rod on the opposite side of the bike to drive the spinning bolt out.

[Munkey]

The spinning battery holder bracket bolt into the airbox must be fairly commom. 

Yeah, not one of Honda's better ideas.

[SmokinFast]

I've got two 700s' and they both have/had this problem.

Its a security system designed to prevent battery theft.  

[dzasta93]

So far my impression with 700s is that it's got some great, great qualities, while also having some silly quality issues (i.e. the spinning bolt, the fragility of both the front and rear turn signal stays).  In addition I've been disappointed with the luggage options--it seems like it will be a challenge to mount a non-stock rear rack and/or hard bags.  Finally--and this could just be due to some minor issue that the previous owner failed to mention when he sold me the bike--it runs like SH*T in the rain.  It misses constantly which is a big inconvenience for me cause I use the bike as my sole transportation--rain or shine, night or day I'm on that baby.  My GS850 didn't have any of these rain problems and it too is an inline 4.  Also the suspension has been a bit tricky to nail down to a comfy balance between boucy and stiff--any ideas?

Overall though, I'm in love with this bike!  I love the handling, the power, the feel, and the look.  It took me a few days to adjust to the difference in seating from my GS850, but now it feels just right :-)

Glad to be on board the 700s train!

[skramer360]

I would say you have a bad spark plug wire or cracked coil maybe. On Monday I rode in an unbelievable down pour, standing water on the road etc. I was completely soaked, but my 'hawk never missed a beat.

[SmokinFast]

...it runs like SH*T in the rain.

Do you have the stock airbox or pod air filters? Pods can have problems in the rain (and high wind).

[dzasta93]

I would say you have a bad spark plug wire or cracked coil maybe. On Monday I rode in an unbelievable down pour, standing water on the road etc. I was completely soaked, but my 'hawk never missed a beat.

What do you mean by a cracked coil?

[fishmeister]

It's usually a hairline crack(s) on the coils under the mounting bands. Clean them completely and coat them with something rubberized, like that tool handle dip stuff.

The cloth electrical tape over that will buffer them from future damage under the band/clamp.