navyrain

I am considering purchasing a '87 honda 450 rebel. I've visited the seller twice, and both times, the bike works when we drive it out of the garage, but if we shut it off and go to restart it a bit later, the bike fails to start. Something just to the rear of the battery (which seems from the manual to be the starter relay) clicks a bunch, but the engine does not seem to do much.

I suspect something electrical -- battery needs to be replaced, or perhaps something has come loose or shorted. Previous posts here seem to list a large number of things to check, but since this is not my bike yet, I'm trying to diagnose from a distance here.

I may be able to take on the task of getting it fixed myself, and save a little $$$ on the purchase. What would the worse case scenario here be for this situation?

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flitecontrol

If the price is right, it wouldn't keep me from buying the bike. And the price should reflect the fact that it doesn't resart easily. Could be something as simple as the plugs are fouled or worn, or the battery is weak. I don't know if iridium plugs are available for the 450, but they make all starts easier on my other bike. They are more expensive than standard plugs, but last 100,000 miles or more so are cheaper in the long run. If the battery needs replacing, suggest you get a good quality MF, AGM type. They have more CCA, don't require any maintenance, and won't leak acid on your frame or electronics.

It might also be the starter is dragging and needs rebuilding, but that clicking is often a sign of a weak battery.

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2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
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Guba

I'm leaning toward bad battery. The guy selling it is probably keeping it on a charger before you arrive to check it out. A bad battery will not keep a charge for very long. The battery should have a date sticker on it, try to see what year it says. Good ones have lasted about 4-6 years.

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'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

shadetree

Bad battery, mine was the same way when I bought it.

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kndabutch38

I have the same problem, I have replaced the battery, plugs, checked the coil.. The silly thing will start up like a champ.. sometimes and, will not others. Heat doesnt seem to matter I go out to start it and it either will or wont.. I never know.. or I could start it up and it run.. then shut it off and will not start again. or if it dies. it wont start.. almost fed up.. love the bike want to ride without worry.>??? its a 87 honda rebel 450.

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Buickguy

Welcome aboard.

It could be a loose connector or corrosion in a connector. Maybe a failing switch.
Tracing an intermittent problem can be the worst. I believe there is a schematic of the 450 available ion the forum.

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1987 CMX250C Rebel

2002 FSC600 SilverWing

1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago XV920MK

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flitecontrol

When it won't start, try jiggling the key in the ignition. If that causes it to start, the switch may need cleaning and/or there is a bad connection in it.

__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

bB2NER

Sounds like the CDI is going bad.

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Current Rides: Drive less Ride more!!!
09' Rebel 250 Bobber (General Lee Tribute)
86' Rebel 250 Limited (black/gold)
79' Hawk CB400T (black)
92' Shadow 1100C (red/silver panels and frame)

Jwlh001

Is anyone here familiar with how a hondas start switch works? I once wired a set of fog lights to the spare wire in the head light bucket and this caused the switch to over load and melt, thus causing an intermittent starting problem. Point being if you have a good battery this is the next place to look.

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cagie

any time you add any extra load to the Rebel circuit you should be using relays to carry that load, otherwise you will do just what you did, melt the system. The contacts in those switches is paper thin to begin with...

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'