bike will only start if handle bars are turned to the left?

[Pam]

Ok guys n girls this is unusual? Only started this morn, my bike stalled and I started it as norm. Then parked for an hour or so. Now my bike will not start unless my handle bars are turned too the left. If I straighten them are try to start it all that happens is the head light dims. It runs perfect when started. I have checked the wires etc nothing seems to be loose or trapped. Any ideas please??? It’s the sv 650 K5 pointy.

[yorkie_chris]

Clutch switch.

[Stu]

Clutch switch.
What he means is turning the handlebars to the left is the only way the clutch switch is working. try unplugging it & plugging it back in properley

[phil24_7]

Do all the ignition lights come on when it wont start or do they only come on when your turn the handlebars?

[davepreston]

Clutch switch.
+1

[Bill.Cross]

Clutch switch.

As I've said before - terse but true.

Tight under the clutch lever is a small electrical connection which can work loose. Jiggling the bats is jiggling this connection. Just push it home.

[Pam]

Hi yep, everything is normal on the bike ignition lights etc it just won't start unless my handle bars are even just slightly to the left. If they are not to the left then all that happens is the head light dims no noise/turn over etc. If I keep my finger on the button and turn the handle bars with my clutch still in it will start and run fine. I have jiggled the wires into the clutch switch etc, still nothing going to take off the switch today put it back on after a clean etc and see if that makes a difference if not will buy a new switch and go from there?

[yorkie_chris]

Nah don't bother with the clutch switch at all, if it comes to it, bypass the switch down in the loom to cut out possible points of failure.

[Pam]

It's not the clucth switch!!!
Even if the handle bars are just slightly to the left (very slightly) it starts fine, but doesn't start if it's straight or to the right but the elec/ lights are fine in any position....any ideas???

[yorkie_chris]

Try start it but instead of turning bars, wiggle the wiring loom.

Or try earth the black-yellow wire on starter relay. (clutch switch wire...)

[simesb]

Try wiggling the wires that enter the frame on the right hand side (as you sit on the bike) from the ignition etc to go behind the headstock. Sometimes you can have a bad connection there.

Otherwise, no clue!

[MattCollins]

It's not the clucth switch!!


Pam,

Everything electrical attached to the bars gets worked at the connections. It sounds like one of the plugs is not right and judging by information given it sounds like... wait for it... the clutch switch, or more specifically the electrical plug to the clutch switch. It would be worth checking the loom to ensure that everything is okay including the ignition and starter plugs. (ie not being pulled excessively from lock to lock) and giving everything a shot of electrical contact cleaner.
Moving the bars simply works a plug into a position where it fires.

Cheers

[Pam]

Hi guys me again.
I have replaced the left hand switchgear and the clutch switch, made sure all plugs are in and still it doesn't want to start in a straight line any more ideas?? other than replacing the the right switch gear (bit out my price range at the min).
thanks. x

[tranx]

There is no need to replace any switch gears this is a wiring problem by the sound of it. You will need to leave it in a straight line and move each wire independantly by hand until it starts up. You then know which wire is the culprit and can trace it back to each end.

It might not be a connection at the bar end but at the other end causing the problem. Moving the bars pulls the wire which disturbs the connection further down the loom.

[Respray SV]

Pam,

Trax's advise seems to hit this on the head. I too would suspect a wire in the loom at the headstock where they are subjected to movement when the handlebars are moved. Once you have confirmed this the case a quick trick is to use a pin and a meter or continuity tester. Push the pin into the suspect cable and test for continuity, then repeat the test past the point where you think the break is. Be careful not to allow the pin to short out on the body or other parts. Once you have located the break, it's a simple case of repairing the wire.

Mike

[Pam]

Hi everyone, thank you for your advice. We took the loom out of it, opened every single plastic wrap and tape. Found out none of the colours are the same as the European or the U.s.
It didn’t matter because it was one wire that had snapped. It must have been when I had the forks raised back to standard. Also stripped my kitchen to work on my bike in the house. Lol. Loads of pictures on my facebook.