Only Starts in Neutral

[SDMAX]

So for no particular reason, bike will not start in the usual sequence: key on, side stand up, pull in clutch, in first gear, hit the start button...NOTHING.

Do all the same but be in neutral...no problem, fires up.

I know there is a kill switch deal in the side stand but that's not gonna be it; I think there must be a switch in the clutch circuit? I haven't gotten out the flashlight and looked for a loose wire, yet. Anyone ever have this problem?

I seem to remember there's a sequence if you are going to do a pull in the clutch and start in gear fire it up; but, I haven't changed the way I've been doing it; starting in neutral on a hill and finding neutral requires some extra dancing. I could do with less dancing.

[dbrick]

The Haynes wiring diagram shows a gear position sensor, a sidestand switch, and a clutch switch. If it'll only fire when in neutral, the clutch switch is inoperative: switch bad, plug loose, or open circuit in one of the wires.

[ka5ysy]

I had the same problem a year ago. There is a neutral safety switch on the clutch lever up under the clamp end of the grip that is adjustable as to proper operating position. My switch had moved very slightly out of place and was causing the problem intermittently. If you remove the clamp to check it, there are some very small parts subject to falling out, so put the bike on a blanket so you can find the stuff when it falls out. It takes some fiddling to get the switch in the proper position, so you might take it to the dealer and ask them to fix it.


Doug

[SDMAX]

Is this a great forum or what? Post the problem. Get the answer. I'm just hitting 11K miles. Our San Diego club has a ride of lots of miles this coming weekend. San Diego to north of Santa Barbara via as much two lane as possible. The mad dogs who do all of it will probably hit 800 miles; I'll probably see about 500-600.

Bike will go to the dealer on Monday for the neutral switch fix and oil change. I've chased small parts in the garage before so I think I'll let the dealer guys play with it.

Hope you guys have a great weekend. We are getting spotty rain today and hoping for clear tomorrow for Sunday morning ride; then we have rain from Sunday night through a lot of next week. I get the news I need on the weather report.

Thanks to ka5ysy for his many informative posts which I have read all over this forum since purchase of my R1200R last May.

[SDMAX]

Thanks to dbrick too for getting out the manual and his many posts.

[dbrick]

Thanks, sdmax. Enjoy your ride!

[rockbottom]

I rented a Road King over Christmas and it did that exact thing. When I told the rental agent at the HD dealer she said, "That's normal--they all do it when they're cold." I just rolled my eyes and left.

[SDMAX]

All better. It was the neutral safety switch. Fixed under extended warranty. No lost parts in the garage. Life is good again. Off to road trip this weekend with rain holding off or not.