Key Switch or Side Stand?

[hellmutt]

I have had some problems with the bike not wanting to turn over when pushing the starter button (so far I have not been stranded). I thought it was the side stand switch because I have read about those problems; however now I am wondering if the key switch could be acting up. Has anyone had any problems with the key switch?

[Mark K]

On an older bike? No, I've not read anything about that. If you could complete your profile, perhaps someone could be of more help. I don't know what bike you're talking about.

[PapaJ]

To test the side stand switch just pull the plug and place a jumper wire across the connectors. If the problem continues they you know it's the ignition switch.

[hellmutt]

Sorry, my profile must have been deleted when the site was changed (I have not been on much since then). My bike is a 1999 R1100RT.

Is bypassing the side stand switch as easy as installing a jumper?

I have noticed a few times that simply turning the key back off and on has made a difference.

[breyfogle]

I have had some problems with the bike not wanting to turn over......Has anyone had any problems with the key switch?

 

The ignition switches on older K75/K100 bikes definitely have been known to cause problems. I beleive that R1100's use the same electrical part. Basicly, all switched 12V power goes thru a single, rather small, contact inside the switch assembly. With age it can get dirty and also loose some of the spring tension that keeps the contacts in-contact.

 

I doubt, however, that early R1100's are old enough yet to see this problem (yet). More likely, R1100's can have a problem with the wiring that comes out the back of the ignition switch. The wires tend to chafe as the front wheel is turned side to side and over enough years one or more of the wires can break internally.