South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

Hello new here and was advised to try this section for some help. I have, What I think is an electrical problem with my Triumph Speed Triple 06.
The problem. When I try to start the engine the starter cranks the engine over very slowly a few revolutions until I release the start button. Like as if I had a flat battery.
Now a little history on the bike regarding this problem, please bear with as this may be a little long winded
Not long after purchasing the bike I had starting problem. When trying to start the engine the starter would crank and make horrible clanking noises every so often and then start. Bike being new to me and being a little careless I continued to use the bike. Until one day trying to start the engine after a few failed starts the starter motor would just spin not engaging the engine.
After researching and finding out I had buggered the starter, idler gear and sprag clutch I sourced parts I needed from used bikes and fitted them. Fully charged battery and the bike fired up perfect. Bike was starting great for a while. Then one morning the crank speed was slow so I aborted the start as to not bugger the new starter and sprag again. I bumped started the bike rode to work in hope it was a low battery and the trip would charge it. Crank speed was slow when leaving work but had a jump pack that ran off a dewalt battery and that started the bike fine.
As this bike is my daily ride I used the jump pack when there was no hills around to bump start it until the starter solenoid would just click. So replaced that! Along with a brand new battery I also upgraded the guage of the wires for the starting system and the bike still will only crank the engine very slow. Will only crank fast enough with assistance from a jump pack.
I have cleaned battery terminals, engine ground terminal, clutch and starter button switch swapped relays around and changed fuses to no avail. Anyone have any ideas??? PLEASE

Ok, just some initial questions as I'm not following.

Have you tried mains charging the current new battery when not in use (each night)?
Have you tested the voltage at the battery terminal with the engine running (so have you confirmed the bike is actually charging the battery)?

Jug wrote: ↑May 23rd, '26, 20:53 Ok, just some initial questions as I'm not following.

Have you tried mains charging the current new battery when not in use (each night)?
Have you tested the voltage at the battery terminal with the engine running (so have you confirmed the bike is actually charging the battery)?

Hi jug, sorry if a little unclear.
I have actually bought 2 new batterys now the 2nd being a more expensive better brand as advised cheaper brand batterys can be hit nor miss anyway. Yeah I have fully charged them using a bike battery charger to it will not charge anymore multiple times while this has been happening.
They hold good charge around 12.9 volts on the multi after being unused for 24hrs
The bike seems to charge the battery 14v at idle and a slight drop when revved below 4000rpm also I don't need to charge the battery when using the bike daily all other electrical parts seem to run fine lights, fuel pump, indicators, and horn never show signs of low battery

So I guess the only thing you haven't done is opened up the starter motor (or replaced it)?

Starter motor is only a few months old so assumed it to be ok would not be worth pulling and stripping?

Ah, yes.. I missed that.

So based on what you've said nothing stands out as being the problem, but clearly something is.
Is it possible the starter gears are binding?

I'm not familiar with the engine but on my DRZ it is possible to get a washer on the wrong side of the gear and that alone can almost seize the starter gear.

Yeah there is definitely something it's been stressing me right out. Summers here now I just want to ride it and not worry about carrying a jump pack or bump starting it.

That could be a possibility, although it did crank well after I replaced the starter and idler gears using the old battery. I think its electrical but what I have no clue atm
Thanks for your help and quick replays by the way

Scotty, just seen your tale of Triumph woes. I've no time to get detailed about things to look for right now but here's three things you need to know: 1. The big Triumph triple engines need a good battery with a high CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) output - mine is 230. 2. Make absolutely certain that your reg/rec and all it's connectors are in tip top condition - don't use a readily available and too-cheap-to-be-true one, it WILL fail! 3. Upgrade the three cables associated with your starter system to a thicker, heavy duty gauge - I note you mention doing something like this but for clarification check out either of the two excellent Triumph Sprint ST 1050 groups on Facebook, there's reams of valuable info' there that will apply to your Speed Triple too. Good luck.