Scrambler not starting after month in the cold

[lairdharkness]

Hi,

This is a question which has probably been asked and answered many times before - but I am a relative newbie and would like some assistance.

Unfortunately, because of work, family and travel commitments, I was unable to ride my 2016 Triumph Scrambler in December, meaning it was parked up, covered in its usual parking spot outside in London. When I came to try and start her up yesterday, the electrics came on and the lights looked as bright as normal, but the bike didn't start when I pressed the ignition. There is fuel in the tank, the kill switch is in the correct position and it has not been that cold in London (5-9 degrees). When the ignition is pressed, there is an audible click (of the spark plug?) but nothing else...

I've never had a problem with the bike before, and it was recently serviced.

What could this issue be and what is the solution.

My back-up option is to contact a local mechanic to come and take a look (as I can't go to them), so finding out what the problem is first may be wise!
Thanks

Regards,
John

 

[Greyfell]

The first guess is that your battery is weak. It is about 3 years old, and batteries do not really like cold, especially as they get old. I'm not saying immediately go out an buy a new battery, but I would recommend getting a battery tender, sometimes called a trickle charger, and use that on the bike while the bike is not being used for a while.

 

[Rocky]

I agree, dead battery. Get it charged and then see what happens.
If you continue to have problems with it holding a charge, time for a new one.

 

[triumph david]

I agree low battery, charge it up first to see if that is a fix.

 

[ScramblerNoob]

I just had this issue with my new one that I picked up - started it up at the seller's house, and then again to ride it over to the truck - got it back home through a 4 hour drive through the cold rocky mountains and boom - dead battery, no starty starty. Charged it and started right back up.

 

[triumph david]

Place a ohm meter to the battery while running to see if its charging, sounds like a open wire or a bad voltage regulator or a bad alt.

 

[BarkSlayer]

Low battery. Today’s EFI equipped bikes need sufficient voltage to pressurize the fuel system and crank ‘er over. Dash lights require very little current draw so they may appear bright when in fact the battery is too weak to do much else.