the old girl just won't start sometimes

[freegle]

Hi,
Anyone had this same problem? My 2001 1500Fi starts most of the time and then for some reason won't. When I turn the key the lights and fuel pump start but no noise or kick when I push the starter. Then I wriggle key around a bit and it will start. I assume the ignition switch stuffed. Any other thoughts. I enquired about a new ignition here but none in the country must wait 6weeks from Japan. Any good USA shops that ship to Australia. Any advice would be much appreciated thanks. Fred

[oldbikers]

Check with chuckster131 I think he makes a switch for your bike or you can ask Ringadingh he has had a problem with his switch.

[ringadingh]

It seems the switches wear out on bikes our age, Ive fixed mine a couple times now, but it needs to be replaced. You can use a Harley style switch and relocate it on the bike. Gadgets sight has a good article on how to do this. They can be found on Ebay for about $25.00. Thats a lot cheaper than using the oem switch.

[ringadingh]

And welcome to KawaNow! from Ontario. You should go to the new members board and introduce yourself. ;)

[macmac]

More details would help.

The battery condition, checking the kill switch, the side stand, the clutch safety the neutral safety, and etc..

If you have add ons that also come on with the key, in use as the start motor is about to run, or just has. For example if the bike has passing lamps at 55 watts each and NO relay.

If it is simply the key switch there are many universal key switchs you can adapt.

[freegle]

The battery is only 1 month old, the clutch switch,side stand switch and kill switch all seem to be working fine and performing the way they should. I have checked all the wires to these switches and none are loose. I have spoken to quite a few mechanics and novices and the majority lean towards a fault in the ignition switch. Its hard to pinpoint the problem while the bike is starting every time lately.
Thanks for your response.

[macmac]

Are there other things swinging around on the key chain? That can and does effect a great deal of ign switches.

No passing lamps I take it?

Running and parked you might fiddle wiggling that key and see what happens.. have the key alone when riding.

If you do determine the switch is bad, replace it with a type the key can be removed and still be on..

What happens key On and you press the button, assuming all the other switches are set, the bike IS in neutral and the clutch IS also pulled IN cold.

Any stick shift cars and all bikes not automatic tranny should have the clutch engaged, like double neutral to start. Cold trannys just beat start motors..

Even my car moves ahead in neutral in my kinda cold, if the clutch isn't stepped on..