Here is a couple examples why:
[youtube]UN14nwPMmrM[/youtube][youtube]4qY-RZLKLmU[/youtube]
So, with that being said, recently I noticed my engine just shutting off for a split second as I hit a bump. Only big bumps at first but eventually it just did it more and more, I already knew what it was but just kept riding it out anyway, until the day I needed to be some where and the bike was (what I thought) my quickest option. Getting onto a local freeway on-ramp the switch decided to die completely. At this point I was hoping I could just unplug it and be good to go, thinking the switch was a normally open type. However it's not, under normal driving conditions the switch is "normally closed." I was lucky enough to kick the kickstand up and down enough over a few 100ft runs until I got home.
The following day I decided to try a quick remedy of shoving a piece of aluminum foil into the electrical connector just so the bike thinks the kickstand is always up until I get a replacement in the mail. Though I could make this a permanent solution I find myself absent minded a bit too often to trust myself in making sure I flip the kickstand up each time I take off. I don't want to end up like one of the guys above so I hopped on ebay and found a used but good replacement for around $10 shipped.
If anyone finds themselves in this predicament here is the location of the connecter I shorted out.
On the right side of the bike under the seat but above the clutch housing and oil fill area on the frame is a large rubber shield holding a few plastic electric connectors. The blue connector seen above is for the kickstand safety switch.
Once located and disconnected push a small rolled up piece of aluminum foil into and between the two metal contacts.
Reconnect the wire back together so the small ball of foil stays in place. Or tape it, whichever you prefer.
Now since this happened I've decided I'd like to be better prepared and decided to put a couple tiny pieces of aluminum foil in the bag that I store my registration, insurance and user manual in.
I have my replacement switch now and will most likely get it installed tomorrow. Alternatively I think disconnecting the neutral switch may also trick the bike into thinking it is always in neutral and could be a quicker method of overriding a failed kickstand switch. I haven't explored this option yet but I'll take a peek at the schematics soon and find out. The other connectors in that rubber boot also go to the oil pressure switch and clutch switch. In theory you should be able to disconnect them all and the bike should run still if you were stranded and didn't have the time to locate the neutral switch connector.
Here's the replacement kickstand switch if anyone cares to see what to look for.
