Intermittent Starting

[alantf]

Originally Posted by "BillInGA

It acts as a fuse in the sense that it's failure interrupts the neutral switch's circuit to the side-stand relay. If the neutral light is not illuminated, then the side-stand relay thinks the bike is not in neutral. However, the bulb is not a fuse and doesn't function as such. Not the clearest way to explain an open circuit.

Sorry to disagree, but I've just been over the circuit diagram.

The neutral indicator light goes to a common point. When the neutral switch is closed it allows current to pass to earth (-ve) via both the indicator light & the side stand relay energizing coil. They are separate circuits with a common neutral. There are also diodes to stop each circuit back feeding the other.

Anyhow, just imagine - would anyone design a bike that couldn't be started in the middle of nowhere, at midnight, in the rain, if a bulb blew?

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by alantf

Anyhow, just imagine - would anyone design a bike that couldn't be started in the middle of nowhere, at midnight, in the rain, if a bulb blew?

That would about the time I wanted to meet the electrical designer and shake his hand. Maybe even shake his hand hard enough to rip off his arm and club him senseless.

[emt200x]

Micro Saga continues. I got home today, did absolutely nothing to the bike except gave it a very serious look for a moment or two, then attempted to start it precisely as I always do - fired right up. Eff Me. So, not taking it back right now. I have, however, taken the casing for the red kill switch apart and doused it with electrical solvent, and the connections for the clutch switch. If I run into this again, I'll try and bridge that clutch switch with a paperclip and see what happens. Thanks for all the advice. Will update as things progress.

[Water Warrior 2]

While the electrical solvent is handy you might have a go at the side stand switch. While the bike is parked you can easily get to the switch from the right hand side of the bike. There is a plunger to lube and exercise and maybe connectors to check for tightness and corrosion. Electrical Gremlins are a challenge but luckily the GZ is fairly simple and straight forward.

[emt200x]

Thanks, one question about that kickstand switch now that I think about it. It shouldn't matter that it's down if the bike is in neutral, right? How would that affect it's starting if the bike is in neutral(and the indicator light agrees with that fact)?

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by emt200x

Thanks, one question about that kickstand switch now that I think about it. It shouldn't matter that it's down if the bike is in neutral, right? How would that affect it's starting if the bike is in neutral(and the indicator light agrees with that fact)?

The bike will start with the stand in the down position but only if it is in neutral. You must always pull in the clutch to start the bike. The bike will also start in gear with the stand up and clutch pulled in. This is handy if/when you stall at a traffic light or have a senior moment.

[alanmcorcoran]

If the bike is in neutral do you have to have the clutch pulled in?

[alantf]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

If the bike is in neutral do you have to have the clutch pulled in?

You most certainly DO!

The starting circuit goes through the ignition switch, the red kill switch, the clutch switch, & the side stand relay. If the side stand is down, the bike will start with the clutch pulled in (switch closed) but as soon as you let the clutch out, the engine will cut out.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by alantf

You most certainly DO!

The starting circuit goes through the ignition switch, the red kill switch, the clutch switch, & the side stand relay. If the side stand is down, the bike will start with the clutch pulled in (switch closed) but as soon as you let the clutch out, the engine will cut out.

The bike will only cut out if you go to put it in gear with the side stand down.The bike will not cut out in neutral when you let the clutch out, as you don't need to hold the clutch in when the bike is warming up.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by blaine

The bike will only cut out if you go to put it in gear with the side stand down.The bike will not cut out in neutral when you let the clutch out, as you don't need to hold the clutch in when the bike is warming up.

Sorry, my error! You're quite correct. I knew what I meant, but didn't mean what I wrote, if you know what I mean. :blush: