97 Valkyrie Tourer

[capt america]

I just bought a 97 that is either a Standard or Tourer. It's been outside under a tarp for two winters. It Has all lights and the horn works. When I depress the starter button the lights dim as they would if the bike was to start. However there is not even a clicking sound. I've checked all the fuses and they're all good. I thinking that either the starter or a solenoid has gone bad. What's your opinion from the info I've provided?   

[98valk]

new battery if not done already. also check starter switch maintenance procedure, could have corrosion.

[capt america]

Thanks, I'll check that tomorrow morning.

[IamGCW]

Perhaps Hydrolock.  Pull the plugs and try to turn it over.  As stated before, battery or start button cleaning.

[X Ring]

I agree with CA.  Check and make sure your battery is good.  If it still doesn't start, perform the starter button maintenance.  You can find the instructions in Shoptalk.  Look for the simple things first before jumping to conclusions such as hydrolock.

Marty

[John Schmidt]

If it's been sitting that long, don't try turning it over via the starter. Pull the small timing belt cover and, after pulling all the spark plugs, turn it over with a wrench. That will let you know if it's froze up internally(doubtfull) and/or if there is any fluid collected in the cylinders. If the battery hasn't been replaced, most likely it's shot after sitting that long without a charge. I wouldn't even bother with it. A few years ago I ran across a GL1000 that hadn't run in eight years and looked a mess. First thing I did was pull the plugs and squirt some WD40(it's mostly fish oil in case you didn't know) in each cylinder, then turned it over by hand as mentioned. That went fine so I replaced the battery with a spare I had, set a small fuel tank on the bench and ran a hose to the fuel pump. The darn thing actually started after a few hits on the start button.

I also recommend the start button maintenance, plus...if you plan to keep the bike, install the relay in the start circuit that takes the headlight load off that switch.

[Tropic traveler]

Clutch switch, kickstand switch, bank angle sensor maybe???

[Mr. Nuts]

I had a similar symptom this week and I'm embarrassed to admit what it was...

My driving lights stopped working and I had previously installed a relay for them inside the headlight. So I opened the headlight and found an exposed wire that had either rubbed or melted itself bare. I rewired the circuit which fixed the problem and the driving lights worked again.

A few days later I went to start it and nothing. The lights dimmed but no click or attempt to start whatsoever.

First I thought I must have left the key and lights on and drained my new battery. But tests showed it at 12.97v.

Then I thought fuses so I checked them all. All good.

Then I pulled the headlight open again and found a resistor broken on my relay connection. I soldered that and nothing. Tightened all the connectors. Still nothing.

Then I pulled apart the starter relay and checked all the connections. They were good. While I was there I jumped the two large wires going to the starter relay. The starter engaged.

I was just about to pull the starter switch when I noticed my gloves up by the speedo and tach...The thought occured to me that I couldn't see the neutral light.

I hopped on and flicked the gear lever up a notch and the neutral light popped on. I pushed the start button and she roared to life like nothing had happened.

I've owned this thing for over 6 years and put 50,000 miles on it. I can't believe I didn't check the simple things first as I've heard so many times here.

In addition to all the other good advice here...make SURE that you are in NEUTRAL......

[Patrick]

If its been sitting that long without being run and if the fuel has not had any stabilizer added, be prepared to do some carburetor cleaning..