Recently, my Honda Shadow Aero 750 has been giving me a hard time starting up. I’ve tried everything I could think of, but it just won’t crank. Anyone else facing this issue? I could really use some help here.
Response
Hey, I’ve been through the same ordeal with my Honda Shadow Aero 750. After some digging, I found that checking the battery voltage can be a game-changer. It’s a simple yet effective solution that has worked for a few friends I know.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Battery Voltage | 2 | Checked the battery voltage and it was low | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check the Kickstand Switch | 2 | Replaced the kickstand switch and it worked | $20-30 | 20-30 |
| Try Charging the Battery | 1 | Charged the battery and the bike started | $0 | 30-60 |
| Perform a Load Test on Battery | 1 | Had an auto store do a load test, needed a new battery | $0 | 10-20 |
Symptoms
- Bike won’t crank
- Headlights dim or not coming on
- No response when turning the key
Possible Causes
- Low battery voltage
- Faulty kickstand switch
- Weak or dead battery
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Battery Voltage
What I Did:
Checked the battery voltage using a multimeter.
Outcome:
Found that the battery voltage was low.
Personal Experience:
After checking the battery voltage, I realized it was below the recommended level. A quick charge solved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the bike and remove the key from the ignition.
- Open the seat or side panel to locate the battery.
- Set your multimeter to the 20V DC setting.
- Connect the red probe to the positive terminal and the black probe to the negative terminal.
- Read the voltage on the multimeter.
Expert Tip:
Always keep a multimeter handy. It’s an essential tool for diagnosing electrical issues with your bike. Make sure to also check the battery terminals for corrosion, as this can affect the reading.
2. Check the Kickstand Switch
What I Did:
Replaced the faulty kickstand switch.
Outcome:
The bike started without any issues.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the kickstand switch, the bike started right up. It was a simple yet effective solution.
Estimated Cost:
$20-30
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the kickstand switch near the kickstand itself.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the switch in place.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the old switch.
- Install the new switch and reconnect the electrical connector.
- Secure the new switch with screws.
Expert Tip:
The kickstand switch is a safety feature that can prevent the bike from starting. Always check it if you’re experiencing starting issues. If you’re in a pinch, you can temporarily bypass the switch to test if it’s the issue.
3. Try Charging the Battery
What I Did:
Charged the battery using a battery charger.
Outcome:
The bike started up without any issues.
Personal Experience:
I hooked up the battery to a charger and waited. After a full charge, the bike started right up.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Disconnect the battery from the bike by removing the terminal connectors.
- Place the battery on a flat, non-conductive surface.
- Connect the battery charger’s red clamp to the positive terminal and the black clamp to the negative terminal.
- Plug in the charger and set it to the appropriate charging mode.
- Monitor the charger’s indicator lights to know when the battery is fully charged.
Expert Tip:
If your battery is weak but not completely dead, a good charge might be all it needs to start the bike. Make sure to use a charger with an auto shut-off feature to prevent overcharging.
4. Perform a Load Test on the Battery
What I Did:
Took the battery to an auto store for a load test.
Outcome:
Found out the battery was weak and needed replacement.
Personal Experience:
The load test revealed that my battery was not holding charge well, so I replaced it.
Estimated Cost:
$0 for the test, cost of a new battery varies
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Remove the battery from the bike by disconnecting the terminal connectors.
- Take the battery to an auto store that offers free load tests.
- Ask the store associate to perform the load test.
- Review the results to determine if the battery needs to be replaced.
Expert Tip:
A load test can reveal the true condition of a battery, helping you decide whether it needs to be replaced. Some stores will even recycle your old battery for you.
Motorcycle models where this worked
- Honda Shadow Aero 750, 2006
- Honda Shadow Aero 750, 2007
- Honda Shadow Aero 750, 2009