Author Topic: Intermittent no start  (Read 1099 times)

Offline Freddy

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Intermittent no start
« on: December 29, 2021, 04:49:46 AM »
My 1992 bike had this issue a few years ago.  The cause was dirty/blackened contacts in the starter button.  I checked and cleaned them again recently even though they looked clean, so I rule that out as the cause this time.

Situation: with side stand up, trans in neutral with light on, press button - nothing, no click, nothing.  If I pull the clutch lever in it will start.  Sometimes if I keep stabbing the starter button without the clutch lever in it will eventually start.  Side stand up or down seems to make it no better or worse - just the clutch lever.  As I said in the heading, it's an intermittent issue.

What's the cause and cure?
The best substitute for brains is .............what?

Offline Stasch

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #1 on: December 29, 2021, 06:03:06 AM »
I would start with the cut off switch on the clutch lever / master cylinder.

Remove it, inspect plunger action, check continuity and connections, and give it a good cleaning.

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Offline connie_rider

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #2 on: December 29, 2021, 10:14:51 AM »
I agree with Stasch.
(Please don't tell anyone I sed that.  :o )

Ride safe, Ted

PS: https://www.ebay.com/itm/313668337896?fits=Model%3AConcours+1000&hash=item49081700e8:g:eyIAAOSwymBhOkxP

Offline Boomer

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #3 on: December 29, 2021, 10:39:12 AM »
Yup, hose out the clutch switch with contact cleaner spray.
Do the same with the sidestand switch.
Personally I bypassed both switches which does mean I occasionally ride off with the sidestand down  ;D
George "Boomer" Garratt
Wickford, UK


Offline Freddy

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #4 on: December 29, 2021, 05:21:06 PM »
 :banana  Will do thanks fellas and will report back in due course.
The best substitute for brains is .............what?

Offline Freddy

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2021, 12:20:16 AM »
As opened


Cleaned up and back on the bike; seems good 6 times.   ;D

I spose I should do the side stand next.   ???
The best substitute for brains is .............what?

Offline George R. Young

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2021, 07:21:07 AM »
If the sidestand switch isn't making contact, the bike won't go anywhere.
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Offline Freddy

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2021, 08:15:37 AM »
Thanks. I appreciate that diagram.

So after studying it for a bit the circuitry seems to show that the bike is in the no start condition because the kill switch is in the OFF position; and the bike wouldn't start anyway because it's 'in gear' as shown by the open contact in the neutral switch and the clutch lever is out and the side stand is down - correct???

edit:   And the battery is disconnected.   ;D
The best substitute for brains is .............what?

Offline connie_rider

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #8 on: December 30, 2021, 03:25:38 PM »
And, the ignition switch is turned off.

Ride safe, Ted

Offline Freddy

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Re: Intermittent no start
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2021, 05:41:43 PM »
Dang.  :goodpost:
The best substitute for brains is .............what?