One Last Thing Before Winter Hits Michigan

[simbaboy]

While the wire is grounded and the neutral lamp is lit, will the starter button activate the starter (without pulling the clutch?) If so that verifies your wiring to the starter and neutral diode are OK. Also points to neutral switch problem.

Fix it over the winter (when you can't ride) or live with it?

Looking closer (no experience) I think the earlier GL neutral switch may be easier to replace.

Thanks-- I will try this in the AM tomorrow. I hope its not the switch itself as my search on Google makes it sound like a big job and probably not worth the effort at this point. Lets see.

When I was young I wanted to become an engineer or a mechanic. I became a Doctor instead (an anesthesiologist). But as I get older I may get my wish and learn a whole lot about wrenching! "Slow and small steps, grasshopper" I tell myself!

Working on a neutral switch is no harder than putting in an IV with poor veins!! (You can do it!)

Thanks Gerry, I appreciate the confidence.
While riding my KLR650 on some trails in Utah I noticed my bike was overheating. After returning home I was able to diagnose a bad fan motor and replaced it myself. This required me to take off quite a bit of fairing, the tank, etc. I am quite proud of myself for modding a Ninja fan ($18) to work better than a KLR650 fan ($200 and hard to find).
With good forums like this (thanks Dan) anybody can do anything!
Thanks
Simba

 

[dan filipi]

No other test I can think of.
If ground the wire leading to the neutral switch lights the bulb then only next step is to pull the front cover.

 

[simbaboy]

While the wire is grounded and the neutral lamp is lit, will the starter button activate the starter (without pulling the clutch?) If so that verifies your wiring to the starter and neutral diode are OK. Also points to neutral switch problem.

Fix it over the winter (when you can't ride) or live with it?

Looking closer (no experience) I think the earlier GL neutral switch may be easier to replace.

Once the neutral wire was grounded (the bulb lit up) I was able to start the bike without pulling in the clutch. I have never been able to do that before. So like you pointed out it means my wiring is okay as is the neutral diode, correct? I think this also means the Neutral Switch is bad or not correctly installed. I don't know if the PO had replaced the water pump and had the switch messed up.

If this is correct, then I may need to learn more wrenching this Fall/Winter and look into it.

Am I done with diagnostics or is there something more I can try?

Thanks All,
Simba

 

[dan filipi]

I think that's all can be checked unless maybe look real close at the wire going down and into the front cover for a cut or break.

 

[roncar]

Yes, that verifies that everything between where you grounded it and the solenoid is good. Sounds like front cover removal in in your future.

 

[simbaboy]

Thanks All,
I will work on the Switch itself this Fall. I also want to re-re-repaint the bike as the flat black is also not doing it for me. Sometimes I think its great and at other times I know some green color like a Ural or Royal Enfeld might look nice. 'will see.
thanks
Simba

 

[slabghost]

Sounds like it's well diagnosed and down to the switch itself or possibly the connection to it.