[u2justin]

All,

Here is a good one for ya...

I did a lot of work to my bike recently and one of the things I did was to replace the chrome switch covers on the handlebars. Well, as I found out, the opening for the start switch was a bit too small and what would happen is when I would go to start the bike, the button would stay pushed in, because it was stuck, and the starter would stay engaged.

This happened a few times and I didn't catch it unit after the fact a few times unfortunately. Well, now I am having problems starting the bike. Both times I have been at the gas station filling up and I would go to start the bike. . . Turn the bike ignition switch on, my instrumentation would light up, make sure I am in neutral, press the start switch and whammm. Nothing.

I would hear a click, and then my instrumentation lights, or tank lights, would go out (not dim, but out). Come time find out, if I were to kick or tap the starting relay, my lights would come back on and I could give the engine another start (which would only result in another click and then the instrumentation would go out again).

At first I thought the problem might be just the starting relay, but when I tried to jump the switch and connect the starting leads and the battery leads, the engine wouldn't start either.

So my question is this...what the hell is it? All of my fuses are fine and my wiring I am sure is good. I am changing the starting relay today and that should tell me a lot, but if not, does anyone have any suggestions?


Justin

[badass383ciz38]

did you slice a wire by mistake? how old is your battery? and check all your wiring connections i just picked up a 06 vtx 1300 with no miles

[Hoppy]

Justin,
I hope that giving other forum links isn't a violation of this forum's guidelines and if it is I apologize in advance.
I would check the starter switch first to see if the contacts are a bit "burnt" from the heat when they were stuck together. If so, try lightly cleaning them with a fine ignition points file (breaker points like they had in bikes and autos back in the old days) or some fine emory or crocus cloth. Be sure to clean them afterwards with an elecrically contact cleaner. Check the wires at the switch too to see if the insulation hasn't melted due to the heat. Just because you get a click at the relay doesn't mean the switch is making full contact.
Try this forum first for an answer to your question. One of the members,"biglry", can answer just about any question you have. The forums I am giving you deal strictly with VTX's.
CALIFORNIA VTX Riders :: Index
Use the Tech and Bike Repair Forum on the board.

This other board also has very knowledgeable members.
VTXOA / VTXRiders.com :: Index

Good luck!
Hoppy

[Hoppy]

Justin...
Did you have any luck pinpointing your electrical problem?

Hoppy