Rode the Black Hills today....

[Jim Ross]

Took a day off from our trip to InZane and rode from Spearfish to Sturgis to Rapid City to Mt. Rushmore to Crazy Horse to Deadwood and then rode Spearfish Canyon back to Spearfish.
Had a Valk problem in Lead; filled up with gas and then she wouldn't start!  Acted like the battery was dead, but didn't want to crank completely.  I let her run down hill a few feet and popped the cluthc and she started right up.  Rode back to the motel (about 25 miles) and turned her off and the same scenario happened.  I think it is a problem with the push button handle bar starter switch, but  guess it could be a loose battery cable.......i am 99% certain the battery is fine, but I don't have a meter with me to check it.  I had a similar problem a few years ago and I found an oily greenish fluid in the starter push button switch and after I cleaned it, all was OK....I'm thinking it is the same problem again..??
The bike is back in the trailer and we are headed NE out of Spearfish tomorrow morning, if I don't identify the problem before we make it to Bellaire, I'm hoping someone will be able to assist.

[fudgie]

If you want, take it to the Honda dealership in spearfish. Outdoor Motorsports. Cant miss it. It can de seen south of the interstate on the hill. Maybe they can check it for you. Had good service there before, but I only bought parts. Good luck.

How was the roads? Good shape? We'll be there in 27-28 days. Looks like the weather has been good this past month.

[~ Timbrwolf]

...beautiful area...you need to ride  .."The Needles"...Custer State Park...and definitely The Bad Lands....if you have time...3 "definites" when yer out that way.. 

[Jim Ross]

The roads were very good, almost no construction and I have to say this might have been the best weather for riding....it was just great.
This place reminds me alot of riding in the Lake Tahoe area and the Sierras, just not as vertical.
I fiddled with the bike after it cooled off and I am pretty certain the problem is in the push button switch....if I wiggle it just right, the starter runs strong (good battery) and the bike fires right up.  When I have a bit more time, I'll take the push button apart and see what I can find and clean the contacts.

[laserpat]

Jim, starter switch is an easy fix. just don't lose the tiny balls and springs. The contacts float on the spring and stick or get dirty

[Jack B]

I had the same trouble with my bike a few years back it would only act up in HOT weather.
I would also look at the starter switch 

[¿spoom]

Jim, starter switch is an easy fix. just don't lose the tiny balls and springs. The contacts float on the spring and stick or get dirty

+1
very common, but don't take it apart on gravel, you'll never find the parts ya drop. If you're convinced it's just the switch I'd keep the use to a minimum and just fiddle with it 'til it starts until you get somewhere you don't mind hanging around. (like Bellaire, MI)

[F6Dave]

I agree, it is probably the switch.  I lived with mine for a while, and found it would work fine if I'd press it from an angle, and not push it all the way.  I'd wait until you're home as they are prone to spit parts out when you take them apart.

Ditto on the dealer in Spearfish.  I bought a bulb from them two years ago and they were friendly and seemed competent.

[Jim Ross]

Thanks, Guys.
It is exactly as you described, ....just push it part way and it works.
Bellaire will be a good place to take it apart and clean it up.  I did have to do this once before, perhaps 5 yrs ago and I found a thin green oily fluid......cleaned it off and put things back together and all was fine...until now.  So, I am thinking this will be the same thing as before.
See you soon and thanks again.
Jim

[B]

I did too ... First time. Didn't see any other Valks...paid my respects to Wild Bill & Calamity Jane in Mt Morris Cemetary. Paid a visit to the dead presidents & enjoyed the h#!! Out of all the switchbacks .