starting problem

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

In the past few weeks I have been experiencing a starting problem.
When I push the start button, lights dim but no noise or attempt to turn over the engine. Like yesterday I pushed the button and it started right up. After riding for about an hour I stopped. When I tried to leave an hour later I pushed the start button and it would not start. The lights dimmed so I know the circuit was completed to a certain point to start and that I did not forget to set the start switch or my kick stand was down. I am able to push start it so that also proves that the circuit is complete to start it. After I rode for another 20 minutes and stopped the bike it would not start with the button, I had to push it and it started. I got home about a 10 minutes later, stopped it and tried starting it and it started with the button.
Those are the symptoms, what's the Doc got to say???
Bob

[DC Smith]

Bob,
My first thought is a bad connection somewhere.  Second would be bad battery.

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

Just replaced the battery a month ago. Any ideas on what loose wires?

[DC Smith]

Check the ground connection and the connections on the starter.

[Charles S Otwell]

If all your ground connections are good and the starter connection is good you might have the battery checked to see if it is holding a charge. I just had to take a nearly new battery back because of that.

[bambam]

Before changing the battery I will check the contacts inside the start push button , sometimes they create some mold. A little clean up with sand paper will do the trick. Another thing I will check is the alternator charge, this could cause that the battery doesn't charge fast enough and your electrical system to die .

Hope this help you.

[Greg Cothern]

The starter button is notorious for this as well as the sidestand safety switch.  
Clean and check both I bet you find the problem.

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

I think I found the problem. The on/off switch was the culprit! I fussed with it today when it would not start and sure enough after doing more than just rocking it back and forth it started up.
I see my thought process was wrong in isolating the problem. I will now take it apart and clean the pieces.
Bob

[Dlcarrales]

I am now experiencing the same problem.  Did you just clean the on/off switch or did you end up replacing?

[silveradocowboy]

Bob, If you would to test your battery come by later this evening or tomorrow. Besides I need to do a setup on some parts for your bike, be sure to bring your cb and Ipod.

[roboto65]

I want to put this in here I am sort of researching it now I had problems with my on off switch I have sprayed it with this seems to have solved my problems it is not cheap and I will bring it with to mootmag but here is a link to the site...

http://www.corrosionx.com/marine.html
Anyhow I am bringing it with but read up on it they also make a for a better word wax or repellent of bugs hehehehehe

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

It is the wierdest thing, I never cleanded anything. It seems that the damp weather aggrevated the problem. But I would suggest taking apart the switch assembly, it is easy but pay attention to how it comes apart, and carefully clean all metal components. I have done that in the past. I am pretty sure that will solve your problem.
Bob

[Dlcarrales]

Tried that yesterda, took it apart, and cleaned it.  It is for sure the starter button though.  If i press on a certain area the headlight will come on, but when i push the button it goes out again.  

I hope the local shop stocks them, otherwise I will have to order.

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

Let us make sure we are talking about the same switch. My problem was with the orange on/off switch. Did you clean that?
Also, we had someone experience that problem at MM#3. I have forgotten who it was but when we stopped for lunch it would not start, we fussed with the on/off switch, which had been turned off when he arrived. He had never used the switch in the past but for some reason it had been used that time to stop. In the past he had always used the kick stand to turn off the bike when he stopped.
It did start after doing some serious massaging of the on/off switch.
I am thinking that he developed a dead spot on the switch by not using it; then that one use caused the dead spot to appear.
Hope this helps and you do not have to buy some new parts. The good news is that I was always able to start it by a short on bike push.
Bob#69

[bgayler]

Radio Shack still sells a contact cleaner for the old tuner style TV's. For you young folks, that was back when you had to get up and go to the TV and turn a big knob to change channels.  
I bought a $3.95 spray can a few weeks ago when I had a similar problem with my bike. Probably several contact cleaners will work. Moisture and electricity will eventually have bad results.