Dropped bike engine won't start - flooded engine?

[vulgarshudder]

I just dropped my bike, there was some fuel spilt but no obvious damage. By the side of the road I tried to start...it was turning over but wouldn't start. I kept trying until I started it started sounding more dead and it finally was just clicking when I hit the ignition. I gave up and pushed it home

I did try a couple more times on the way, it would turn over a bit before getting weaker and I'd stop not wanting to drain the battery.

I think the battery is ok, the indictator etc work, so have I flooded the engine? Have I flooded it so bad the spark plugs need changing?

I'm a total newb so appologies

[wullvfr]

if its flooded then leave the bike for a day or so and then try again.
maybe take the plugs out and give them a wee clean but they should be fine.
also give the battery a little charge or jump start from a car just so you have a good charge for when you try to start it again.
:D

[Cadwatta]

It may have flooded when you dropped it but if you turn it over with the throttle wide open against the stop, it should dry out. Have a look at one plug (outside is easy to get at) and see - you could turn it over against the outside of the engine to see if you get a spark.. You would not have damaged the plugs. Make sure the battery is fully charged before doing anything else and also let the battery stand a while to see if the crash has damaged the battery. I wonder if a float is dislodged? Don't know if that is possible.

[superfourben]

Also check your air filter, I got knocked over once and picked the bike up to find the air filter full of oil and fuel. Cleaned it all out and the bike started fine.

[vulgarshudder]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Been out to look at it this morning, checked the air filter it is clear. Tried to turn it over but it's just clicking, and I tested the horn and it's sounded a bit weak so I guess the battery is drained.

This is gonna sound really stupid but...I can't get the lights off either when it's turned on?? The switch doesn't seem to have a middle ground off setting? Either high or low?? I'm sure this isn't helping the battery...

Only problem now is I don't have a battery charger. So guess I need to buy one or push it to the bike shop...I'm really not feeling confident with this so I may just push it there

As you can tell I only picked it up on saturday, great start this is all being!

[Cadwatta]

Battery is flat as a pancake, so buy a charger - you will need one at some stage. Optimate are supposed to be good - about £35 - £40, but give it plenty of time to get a full charge. I have a cheap electric tester and look for 10% over the rated capacity - over 13V. It is easy to charge a battery so don't worry about it. The lights are permanently on so don't worry. Just get it charged and you know it might just burst into life. When the starter operates, a relay cuts out the lights temporarilly.

[vulgarshudder]

Newb question, but to be expected if I didn't know the lights were supposed to be permamently on...

I guess it's worth buying a battery charger and giving that a go before push it to a shop (I'm aching from pushing it back 1k the other day).
The battery in under the seat right? Only I'm not sure how to get to the terminals...

[Cadwatta]

Yep, under the seat. Take the tool box out (one screw) and they are there looking at you. Good luck.

[vulgarshudder]

Thanks for your patience and help, I've ordered a battery charger so will have a go when it arrives. Lets hope it's an easy fix!

[vulgarshudder]

Just a follow up, got a battery charger and the engine started no problem! Happy ending!

Thanks again! :D