Motorcycle Forum banner

Trouble starting Vulcan 800 classic

3.8K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Critter  
#1 ·
I have a 2000 Kawasaki vulcan 800 classic with about 18k miles on it. When I bought it everything was working fine, had to replace the battery so far and that's about it. About a couple months ago it started to just not start it did it to me twice but I just kept playing with the clutch and it fired up and had no problem since then. Till about a day ago (keep in mind I consistantely ride this bike) it wouldn't start at all. Lights turn on horn is nice and loud but the bike won't turn over at all it doesn't make any sounds. Please need some suggestions on what could be wrong.
 
#2 ·
Hi,
You have a number of electrical switches and connections that it could be. like the clutch safety switch the kickstand safety switch it could be in the starter button it could be in the emergency kill button it could be in the starter relay itself. it could be in the wiring harness. I would first check to see if there is power going to the starter relay when I push the starter button.
Hope this helps you out
Have a good one ???
 
#3 ·
Maybe some safety switch that prevents the starter relay from pulling in if the bike isn't in neutral and/or the clutch isn't pulled, or the kickstand is down, in is acting up?

Or the kill switch is acting up?

About the time that happened to me, I'd be missing my kick starter, and cursing the engineer who decided we need all those safety switches. Can't argue with the fact that the safest motorcycle is one that doesn't run, though.
 
#5 ·
playing with the clutch and it fired up and had no problem since then.
like the clutch safety switch
I'm thinking its some sort of wiring or electrical issue
playing with the clutch and it fired up and had no problem since then.
If you have an ohm meter you can remove and check the clutch lock-out switch that is located near, and below, the clutch lever pivot point.
More than .2 ohms of resistance is considered bad.
Those switches can act up and do like you describe.

S F
 
#6 ·
Update on the issue. I changed the spark plugs on the motorcycle and everything seemed to work better. After just a day I had the same issue with the bike again. It did not want to turn on. I then did some as some of you recommended and tried messing with the stand kill switch by unplugging it and the bike turned on but as soon as I let go of the clutch the (N) the bike would turn off. I then decided to turn the bike on without the stand switch then while the bike was running (without letting go of clutch) plug the switch back in. The back ran perfectly home but when trying to turn on again the same thing happened. Any ideas?