Re: Probably a dumb question...
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 3:58 pm
Sounds like a faulty neutral switch to me.
The bike WILL start if:
1) Kickstand down, trans in neutral, clutch disengaged (handle pulled in)
2) Kickstand up, clutch disengaged (handle pulled in)
The bike will NOT start if:
1) Kickstand down, trans in gear (not neutral) (ignition is altogether disabled this way)
2) Kickstand up, trans in neutral, clutch engaged (handle released)
3) Kickstand up, trans in gear (not neutral), clutch engaged (handle released)
- When your kickstand switch was connected and not starting, the bike detected that the stand was down. With the stand down, the starting circuit (and ignition) requires that the trans be in neutral regardless of the clutch position. When the stand is up, the trans doesn't matter as long as the clutch is disengaged. If the neutral switch isn't working properly, the bike thought it was in gear with the stand down, so it wouldn't engage the starter. Check the neutral switch. Make sure it is plugged in, the connectors aren't corroded, and all 3 screws are holding it in. It's pretty common for the screws to fall out of them (happens to all of us).
- With the kickstand switch disconnected, the bike always thinks the stand is down. This way, you can start it in neutral, but it will kill the ignition as soon as you put it in gear because it thinks the stand is down. That's a safety feature to keep you from pole vaulting yourself off the stand on the first left turn.
- Although...something still isn't right there. Hmm...
The bike WILL start if:
1) Kickstand down, trans in neutral, clutch disengaged (handle pulled in)
2) Kickstand up, clutch disengaged (handle pulled in)
The bike will NOT start if:
1) Kickstand down, trans in gear (not neutral) (ignition is altogether disabled this way)
2) Kickstand up, trans in neutral, clutch engaged (handle released)
3) Kickstand up, trans in gear (not neutral), clutch engaged (handle released)
- When your kickstand switch was connected and not starting, the bike detected that the stand was down. With the stand down, the starting circuit (and ignition) requires that the trans be in neutral regardless of the clutch position. When the stand is up, the trans doesn't matter as long as the clutch is disengaged. If the neutral switch isn't working properly, the bike thought it was in gear with the stand down, so it wouldn't engage the starter. Check the neutral switch. Make sure it is plugged in, the connectors aren't corroded, and all 3 screws are holding it in. It's pretty common for the screws to fall out of them (happens to all of us).
- With the kickstand switch disconnected, the bike always thinks the stand is down. This way, you can start it in neutral, but it will kill the ignition as soon as you put it in gear because it thinks the stand is down. That's a safety feature to keep you from pole vaulting yourself off the stand on the first left turn.
- Although...something still isn't right there. Hmm...