I just tried to start up the bike after doing some engine work. It's been a year since it has been started and I've recently drained fluids and replaced them. I haven't touched the pistons but had the cam chest open to replace tensioners. Part of that included taking out the pushrods and rockers. When I hit the electric start, I got a feeble attempt to turn over following by a loud clicking noise. I'm suspecting the battery isn't holding a charge, but it almost felt like the starter was struggling physically to turn over. I'm getting a new battery tomorrow to see if that changes anything.

In the meantime, something about the sound when it was trying to turn over kept nagging me. So I put the bike on a jack with the rear wheel in the air. In top gear, the wheel doesn't want to rotate forward and I feel like this indicates a bigger problem.

The wheel moved when I was putting the rockers back in and needing to find TDC. So I would assume that the camshaft and pushrods were moving fine during the process as there was no real issue. So I'm not sure what's the culprit. Any input on troubleshooting this? Do I need to do anything to help prime the bike for a first start in such a long time? And am I right that the wheel not turning is cause for concern?

Thanks

 

Intake and exhaust pushrods are a different length. Are you sure you have them in correctly? With the "battery not holding a charge" is a simple remedy. Get a Battery Tender and keep it plugged in when not riding it.

 

I think the issue was a simple one. I forgot to pull the plugs when I had the bike up on a jack, so turning the wheel was fighting against compression in the cylinder. I definitely have the pushrods in the right spot. The TC pushrods are different colors and I triple checked when I was piecing it back together

 

LOL . . . ya must of had a "Senior Moment" or CRS ( Can't Remember Shit.) Glad to hear it was a simple fix.