Author Topic: Strange starter button issue... (Read 3208 times)

GooseMan · « **on:** September 06, 2007, 11:22:57 AM »

So it seems my bike has developed a new "issue"

Lately, when I start the bike, I'll turn the key to ON, press the starter button, and nothing will happen.

After a few presses, it finally fires right up. Seems to be intermittent, working sometimes, other times, I have to press it maybe 10 times to fire.

I thought it may have been a dead battery, but when I turn the key to ON, the lights light up fine, as does the headlight (headlights always on on Canadian bikes). And when it does work, it fires right up...no struggling.

Theres no clicking noise or anything when I press the starter...like its not connected.

Any ideas? My guess is the starter button is not making contact...but I wanted to know if you more experienced peeps had any ideas.

Bartjan · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2007, 11:43:57 AM »

my guess is your kill-switch (the red one at the right side) has a bad connection.

try switchin it a few times to see if it helps

pmackie · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2007, 12:24:53 PM »

As Bartan said, check the handlebar kill switch first. 2nd option is likely the starter button switch itself.

You can pull the throttle/switch housing off and spray both switches with electrical contact cleaner, from both the outside and inside, while operating both switches, as well as making sure there are no loose wires, etc.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2007, 01:39:58 PM »

Or possibly the sidestand safety switch....

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2007, 02:59:25 PM »

Don't B4's have a safety switch for the clutch lever as well?

If so, could be that, too. Most often, it's the sidestand or clutch switches that cause this, but the others could do it, too.

GooseMan · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2007, 03:58:21 PM »

Is there really a clutch switch? I dont recall seeing one. I'll try to take it all apart and spray some contact lube in there. Hopefully that works.

One last, stupid, kinda unrelated question. On a bike, does the battery get recharged when the engine is running? I know theres no alternator, theres a "magneto" right?

I know its kind of a dumb question...but I always assumed the batt was used to start the engine, and got recharged as the engine ran (on both cars and bikes)...is that right?

r_outsider · « **Reply #6 on:** September 06, 2007, 11:26:38 PM »

Quote from: "GooseMan"

One last, stupid, kinda unrelated question. On a bike, does the battery get recharged when the engine is running? I know theres no alternator, theres a "magneto" right?

I know its kind of a dumb question...but I always assumed the batt was used to start the engine, and got recharged as the engine ran (on both cars and bikes)...is that right?

Yes.

Thief400 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 07, 2007, 12:18:56 AM »

Mine did the same thing, the contacts in the starter button are dirty and corroded. Take the switch apart and clean the contacts

I_FLY_LOW · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2007, 12:37:27 AM »

I have a 98 b12 I too had the same thing happen.. I called the dealer to get a price check on a new switch... after I picked up my jaw off the floor, I promptly went outside, disassembled the starter switch assembly, cleaned all the contact components, sprayed with contact cleaner, & lube, reassembled. it's been 1.5 years since I did that, and have had no more problems... took about 15 min or so to do.. didn't cost me a dime...