www.zxrworld.co.uk

Went to start my H model for the first time in a year (shameful I know), charged the battery and turned the key. All I got was a loud 'ratatatat' noise from the small gizmo with the two 30amp fuses that sits just behind the battery. After a few taps and turns of the key, the battery soon goes flat again. No sign of life at the starter motor or engine.

So, what is this gizmo and what is it supposed to do - me and electrics have never been on talking terms...

And what do I do to get started?

Thanks.

Have you checked the fuses see if they are ok?
is this the box you mean?

http://www.zxrworld.co.uk/junk/ig.bmp

Or would this be it :

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/289884/

If so, that's your solenoid and the clicking is the plunger opening. When it's open it boosts power to the starter motor. So if it's that clicking the chances are the solenoid is ok, and it could be your starter motor that's not turning.

My bet would be that it's your battery though.

Try jump-starting it off another battery (preferably a car) and see if that starts it.

Bike batteries die amazingly fast when left alone, and after a year it's almost certainly knackered it, even if it was only a few months old (i know from experience ).

You can also short out the solenoid by putting a screwdriver across the 2 bolts on the bottom of it - this will result in lots of sparks and you'll be able to hear the starter motor turning. Don't do it for lnger than a few secs or you could fry it though!