Clutch switch ?

[Gecko]

1999 R1100GS

I seem to have some problems with my clutch switch. i.e. I can't start the bike when the clutch lever is pulled in with the bike in gear - I have to go back to neutral to restart. Needless to say this is a pain and it could be dangerous if I was unfortunate to stall at the wrong moment.

I have disassembled the right hand switch gear recently when fitting a set of heated grips so naturally I thought I must have done something wrong when I put it all back together. Well , I have just disassembled it all again and it all looks fine. I have checked the wiring back to the connector under the tank and it all looks good and dry. The switch itself isn't seized and moves freely.

As there is a link between the sidestand switch and the clutch switch I am beginning to think the problem may not be in the clutch switch but elsewhere. The sidestand switch is still working as always - i.e. when the side stand is down you can't start the bike .

Anyone have any ideas where to look next or what/how to investigate this further ? Also any suggestions on how to access the retaining nut that holds the switch in place on the clutch handle assembly ? It is a 10mm nut but it is recessed in the mounting so it's a real pig to get at and because there is a wire attached you can't use a socket either.
Cheers
Gecko

 

[Pukmeister]

Have you operated the handlebar switch and checked with a multimeter for continuity? Just because the switch operates, it doesn't mean the circuit is working, the contacts could be internally broken or worn out.

Be methodical and check the circuits operate with a meter. Never assume that because it looks right, it is.

 

[Gecko]

The haynes book tries to explain this so I guess I'll have to try and figure it out tomorrow in daylight. It just seems odd that this has happened immediately after fitted the heated grips ....and messed around with the switch gear. Maybe I dislodged something in the process.

 

[T900]

have you made a mistake with your left & right switch gear as the clutch is
on the left side.

 

[Gecko]

have you made a mistake with your left & right switch gear as the clutch is
on the left side.

Don't think so....but I did find riding cross handed came very naturally last night

 

[Gecko]

bump....

 

[Swesty]

Chutch switch

Maybe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Side stand switch??????????????
My story.......
Stood in a car park the other week talking to some one about the virtues of GS ownership and explaining all of its quirks I got carried away and forgot I'd left it in gear. Not a problem I hear you cry. Side stand down and in gear won't work. Any way, switched on ignition and casually thumbed the button. Bike lept forwards, rolled off the stand knocked me over and pinned me to the floor. Oh how I laughed. Shame there were none of you lot about to record it for posterity. No damage for bike it had a soft landing and as for me, shattered pride.

 

[Gecko]

Maybe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Side stand switch??????????????
My story.......
Stood in a car park the other week talking to some one about the virtues of GS ownership and explaining all of its quirks I got carried away and forgot I'd left it in gear. Not a problem I hear you cry. Side stand down and in gear won't work. Any way, switched on ignition and casually thumbed the button. Bike lept forwards, rolled off the stand knocked me over and pinned me to the floor. Oh how I laughed. Shame there were none of you lot about to record it for posterity. No damage for bike it had a soft landing and as for me, shattered pride.

Mine won't do that - the side stand switch still does it's job it's just the clutch switch .....MiGSel will be here tomorrow so I'll have my multimeter on standby Hopefully it's just the switch - if I could get it out

 

[Tarka]

Mine won't do that - the side stand switch still does it's job it's just the clutch switch .....MiGSel will be here tomorrow so I'll have my multimeter on standby Hopefully it's just the switch - if I could get it out

You`ll never dig it out if you insist on working on the right hand side..........

 

[Gecko]

You mean it's not on the right ? Don't forget I have the left hand drive continental model

 

[Gecko]

With some help from MiGSel got the multimeter out and tested the switch and it's a dead one. We struggled a bit to get it out but now have it disconnected from the handle bar mount and it's off to the dealer tomorrow for a new one. It looked like it was working but the little button that pushes in an out as you operate the clutch lever wasn't poppoing out as much as it should hence it was not creating the circuit and the bike was thinking the clutch lever hadn't been pulled so wouldn't allow it to start. New switch should sort it out and acccording to the guys on the Dutch GS forum it should only cost Euro 12.50 so not too bad all considered

 

[Gecko]

Sorted - new clutch switch in place - running sweet again - everything back together and ready to roll