Starting glitch

[His Dudeness]

If the engine is turning over doesn't that rule out all of the cut out switches? Can't see any problems from stopping with the kill switch. Its a switch the same as any other.

[ChristoT]

If the engine is turning over doesn't that rule out all of the cut out switches? Can't see any problems from stopping with the kill switch. Its a switch the same as any other.

Don't look at me, that's why I'm asking!! 

[His Dudeness]

When you're having the problem does the engine still always turn over?

[ChristoT]

When you're having the problem does the engine still always turn over?

Yep, but it only grinds away. It only fires (sparks) when in 1st. But it's been doing it less recently.

I am very confused.

[unfazed]

Sounds like sticking clutch switch. Spray WD40 all around and into the clutch switch and see it it sorts it out.
The kill switch debate is from olden days when bikes turned over, but would not start with he kill switch off and was the reason for many mechanic call outs. Newbies were told not to use the kill switches.
It is probably the safest and quickest way to stop any bike. It prevents (as already stated) the problem of kicking it into gear when kicking the sidestand down.

[ChristoT]

Sounds like sticking clutch switch. Spray WD40 all around and into the clutch switch and see it it sorts it out.
The kill switch debate is from olden days when bikes turned over, but would not start with he kill switch off and was the reason for many mechanic call outs. Newbies were told not to use the kill switches.
It is probably the safest and quickest way to stop any bike. It prevents (as already stated) the problem of kicking it into gear when kicking the sidestand down.

I could understand a sticking clutch switch - but it's doing the reverse of what I'd expect? It's an odd 'un.

[JZS 600]

Mines having a bit of trouble starting in the hot weather...

[Dead Eye]

In that case, do what I did! I had the same fault

Use a stanley knife or some side cutters and just snip off a bit of the end of the black plastic lug on the switch Mine now works perfectly

Which switch pls ?

There is a switch on the handlebars mounted underneath the clutch lever. When the lever is pulled in, it pushes a black plastic plunger in to the housing to activate the switch - I cut down the size of this plastic bit

I'll try and get a photo for you If you don't get around to it, come to a LoFo rideout and I'll bring along some side-cutters and do it for you :P

[unfazed]

Just to get this straight, which is it?
When you press the starter button with the bike in neutral the engine turns over, but will not start and if you pull in the clutch and put it into first gear and press the starter button it will start?
OR
When you press the starter button with the bike in neutral a relay chatters, but will not start and if you pull in the clutch and put it into first gear and press the starter button  it will start?
 

[ChristoT]

Just to get this straight, which is it?
When you press the starter button with the bike in neutral the engine turns over, but will not start and if you pull in the clutch and put it into first gear and press the starter button it will start?
OR
When you press the starter button with the bike in neutral a relay chatters, but will not start and if you pull in the clutch and put it into first gear and press the starter button  it will start?

First one. And it hasn't done it in a while now either, I'm properly baffled. Why was it doing it, why did it stop, and will it do it again?

[unfazed]

That rules out many of the starting circuit switches as the engine would not turn over if they were faulty. Might be worth while taking the connectors apart and spraying with WD40 as you might have a corrosion problem. Lift the tank and do all in the box under the tank and the coil and pump connectors as you have the tank, remove the left infill panel and do the ones to the clocks, the starter cut out realy connectors under the left hand side cover and finally the alarm bypass connectors under the seat .

[JoeRock]

Christo, got an alarm fitted?

[ChristoT]

No, as far as I know, the only mod to the loom is where I bypassed the ignition barrel to get my rear & side lights working again (shorn wire at the barrel). And the 12v is a) connected to the battery, and b) has blown up.