Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => The Bike - C10 => Topic started by: Freddy on December 29, 2021, 04:49:46 AM

Title: Intermittent no start
Post by: Freddy 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?

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: Stasch 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.

(http://www.rdmtech.com/files/Concours/clutch/ClutchSwitchSchematic.JPG)

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: connie_rider 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

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: Boomer 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

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: Freddy on December 29, 2021, 05:21:06 PM

 :banana  Will do thanks fellas and will report back in due course.

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: Freddy on December 30, 2021, 12:20:16 AM

As opened
(https://i.imgur.com/550VlcU.jpg)

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

I spose I should do the side stand next.   ???

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: George R. Young on December 30, 2021, 07:21:07 AM

If the sidestand switch isn't making contact, the bike won't go anywhere.

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: Freddy 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

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: connie_rider on December 30, 2021, 03:25:38 PM

And, the ignition switch is turned off.

Ride safe, Ted

Title: Re: Intermittent no start
Post by: Freddy on December 30, 2021, 05:41:43 PM

Dang.  :goodpost: