Bike won't start in gear with clutch in

[Berin]

My 1200gs seems to no longer like to start when in gear with the clutch in. Flick it into neutral and no problem.

Is there an interlock somewhere or something else that I should look at before I take it to the dealer?

 

[trevmcdev8]

Is the sidestand down?? Wont start if it is.

 

[Berin]

Nope. Sidestand up

 

[Clive]

Nope. Sidestand up

Are the sidestand switch/wires damaged, so it "thinks" the sidestand is down?

 

[Berin]

Hmm.

Maybe.

That's the side I fell off on when I stopped and there was no ground under my feet to stand on

I'll have a look tomorrow - seems as though it might be the culprit.

 

[PhilBolton]

There is a microswitch on the clutch lever - WD40 it ?????

Phil

 

[John Armstrong]

Are the sidestand switch/wires damaged, so it "thinks" the sidestand is down?

Wouldn't that mean you couldn't ride the bike at all?

Start up in neutral, but as soon as you select a gear, the engine will stop, DAMHIK

 

[earthmover]

The microswitch in the clutch lever perch is held in place by a very small grub screw. Mine got broken when a ham fisted eejit wasn't careful whilst changing the bars augie ) If you look from underneath, you will see it at the end of the wire that runs into the perch. Try moving it about as you operate the clutch lever until you find the spot where it will start in gear (you may need an assistant) then fasten it in place. Be careful, a new lever assembly is expensive.
HTH
Mark

 

[Shep]

You can also get a few strange start up problems if your Gear Position Indicator has been soaked either by fording or washing (worth a quick spray with the WD40 )

SHep

 

[JayGee]

I've had this problem, in my case it was caused by the micro switch in the clutch lever not activating. If I adjusted the clutch lever for maximum span then it worked. The micro switch may need bending, but I just run with max lever span as I couldn't get into the switch and thought I might break it (looks a bit delicate).
It's unlikely to be the side stand switch unless you are also having problems starting in neutral (as has already been pointed out).

 

[Berin]

I've had this problem, in my case it was caused by the micro switch in the clutch lever not activating. If I adjusted the clutch lever for maximum span then it worked. .

That's the sucker! I've got Wunderlich adjustable levers - take the span out, and hey presto - it starts. It's in NOG this week anyway for a duff power socket so I'll see if they can adjust the switch.

Thanks