MZ RT 125 (2003 Reg) - NOT STARTING

[harpe757]

Recently picked up a MZ RT 125, all was working well until last week. I was riding at about 60mph when the power started dying, rapidly reducing to about 30mph and then I lost all power completely (less electrics, such as lights), I had to pull the clutch in order to pull over as the back wheel locked (was still in gear). After a long walk back with the bike; I had a look over it, but I'm far from being an expert when it comes bikes, infact this is my first ever bike. I've tried starting the bike, but kept getting a clicking noise from under the seat, turns out it was the starter relay. I've replaced the starter relay, recharged the battery, changed the spark plug and it still won't start. I've tried bump starting it; which works very briefly (1-3 seconds), but as soon as I touch either the revs or clutch it cuts back out. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

John

[DAVID THOMPSON]

clean the float bowl and tank as a start
drain screw on bottom front left of carb
to make sure its getting good fuel
there is a filter in the fuel shut off on the tank may not have ever been cleaned by P.O.
mine is fussy about the fuel
the starter relay went bad on mine at about 4200 miles i think ..
test the battery most batteries last 2 or 3 years
if it needs replaced contact me for info on how to get the biggest thing that will fit in the frame
and get back to me if that does not help
there is a filter in the fuel shut off on the tank may not have ever been cleaned by P.O.

I HAVE FOUND THAT MINE DOES NOT LIKE TO START IF YOU GO TWISTING ON THE THROTTLE WHEN CRANKING
crank at a closed throttle
if you live in a wet humid area the plastic tanks seem to condense water and the system needs cleaned often
dave

[harpe757]

Dave,

Thanks for the advice, I'll take a look tomorrow and keep you updated.

I was thinking about getting a new battery anyway as I don't know how old the current battery is; so your advice on this would be greatly appreciated too.

When it did start; mine was the same as yours, it don't like twisting the throttle when cranking either.

John

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i will assemble the battery info asap
need to take a couple pictures and measure battery
a 14 ah will fit just takes some TLC
and works much better
dave

[harpe757]

Dave,

Many thanks for all your help. I've cleaned out the carbs this morning and managed to start it, although it was only brief (less than a minute), it then cut out again. Tried to restart it again but no joy, just got a clicking noise from the starter relay again. I don't think the battery is keeping its charge.

John

[DAVID THOMPSON]

when you start it again ..have a volt meter across the battery and see if the voltage goes up when you rev it up

unplug the head lamp and tail lamp bulbs at rest bike not on check voltage then when started you should see at least 1 volt more

the oem v/r died on mine at 22 miles along with the junk oem battery from lack of proper dealer service

dave

[Nardos]

Can someone set pictures from starting motors cables?

[DAVID THOMPSON]

not understanding your question

[Nardos]

I need to see which cables are going to the starting motor because i donot have any cables going to my starting motor on my mz sm 125.