1997 1100RT Starter Problems

[Identiti Crisis]

Hey there. I'm new to this place but not to riding. I have a 1997 1100 RT and I ma having problems with the starter. I can only get the ignition swith to fire when the cluth is disengaged and the "N" neutral light is on. I have heard if these bikes having the opposite problem and it is the Neutral Indicator Swithch.

I have also recently adjusted the clutch with the adjustment screw at the finger lever. Could this have messed up the Neutral switch causing my problem? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks,

 

Eric AKA Identiti Crisis

[dirtrider]

Morning Eric

 

Your reported problem doesn't quite make sense.

 

*Will your starter work with the trans in gear & clutch lever pulled in (yes or no)

 

*Will your starter work with the trans in neutral & clutch lever pulled in (yes or no)

 

*Will your starter work with the trans in gear & clutch lever not pulled in (yes or no)

 

*Will your starter work with the trans in NEUTRAL & clutch lever NOT pulled in (yes or no)

 

Answer the above & we can point you to your problem.

 

[Jim Moore]

Also, is the green light on when the bike is in neutral? The "N" is not good enough.

[Identiti Crisis]

Dr and Jim,

 

Thanks for asking the questions.

 

Will your starter work with the trans in gear & clutch lever pulled in No

 

*Will your starter work with the trans in neutral & clutch lever pulled in? yes only if the light is on

 

*Will your starter work with the trans in gear & clutch lever not pulled in no

 

*Will your starter work with the trans in NEUTRAL & clutch lever NOT pulled in yes with the N light on

 

Since I posted this I have narrowed it down. The starter only fires when the green N light is on, regardless of the clutch lever position. If the N light is not on, the starter will not fire, at all.

 

Thanks agian for the help.

 

Eric

[dirtrider]

Afternoon Eric

 

Ok, that sure points to a failed clutch lever switch. New switch isn't that big of a deal to install but getting to the connector is a big

pain.

 

Your options are:

 

-Just leave it be & make sure the trans is in neutral to start the bike (this works up until the time your trans switch fails or become lazy, then you need to jump the starter at the starter relay to get it started)

 

-Or install a new clutch switch (maybe wait until you have the thing apart for other service)

 

-Or, the old stand-by that some riders use, that is to just cut the clutch switch wires & twist them together (solder or use a crimp connector). This works just fine but WILL allow the bike to be cranked in gear so is a safety problem if not careful.

 

[Identiti Crisis]

DR,

 

Thanks man. I appreciate the information and time you gave me. YOU ROCK!

 

Eric