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Author Topic: HELP! Stuck in Takoma Park MD on Cross Country Trip  (Read 3193 times)
StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« on: June 08, 2014, 08:24:09 AM »

Hey, guys. 

I'm in the middle of a three week trip from the midwest up to Philadelphia.  Last night, when I was on the bike, geared up and ready to go, I hit the starter on my 97 Valk Standard and... nothing.

I tried a new battery, checked the fuses, nothing.

The running lights and indicator lights work, but the headlight doesn't come on.

We jumped the bike from a car battery and it starts, but once we remove the cables it will not restart. 

Right now I'm looking at leaving the bike here at a shop that's closed today and taking a train up to Philly where i have business meetings M, T, W, then returning here to hopefully pick up a repaired bike and head home to Champaign, IL.

Does anyone have ANY ideas of what could get me on the road today?  Takoma Park is just outside of DC in Maryland. 

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
BonS
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« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2014, 08:34:42 AM »

You might as well read this thread and see if it may apply to your problem. Short answer: I might be your start switch. Good luck with your repair.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,68189.msg667249/topicseen.html#msg667249
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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Huffman, Texas close to Houston


« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2014, 08:35:23 AM »

Most likely your start switch is in need of a cleaning. Put bike in neutral and key on and try jumping the relay under the right side cover with a piece of heavy wire  across the top terminals. If it starts it's  your switch button. There is also a fuse  there near that relay.  You can also push start these beast farely easy. Place bike in sec or third gear key on  get it rolling while holding clutch in. Jump on seat pop clutch and as soon as she start pull clutch back in. Good luck sorrow I'm so far away.
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StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2014, 08:37:38 AM »

Thanks to you both.

I'll check out the thread.

I figured since it would jump from the car battery that it would also push start. Problem is the headlight doesn't burn even when the bike's running, which precludes riding it other than to the shop.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
pancho
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Bonanza Arkansas


« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2014, 08:38:09 AM »

The headlight not working is the clue....  The problem may be the starter push button in the throttle side controls. Disassemble the switch after removing it from the housing, clean and reassemble,, see if that takes care of the problem.  
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StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2014, 08:39:24 AM »

I get a "CLICK" from somewhere under the seat when I push the starter, but nothing more.

Still suggest trying to take it apart and clean it?

Thanks.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2014, 08:49:20 AM »

OK, Guys.  Here's some weirdness -

I  just went outside for the first time this morning (the start problem was last night), and the bike STARTED on the first try!!

What.  The.  Hell.

???

The front headlight still doesn't burn, but the bike started this morning just like there was no problem at all.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2014, 08:54:40 AM »

Left the bike running for a few minutes then cut the engine.

Tried to restart it and nothing.  Just a couple of clicks.

Tried again and not even a clicking sound.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
BonS
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Blue Springs, MO


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« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2014, 08:55:58 AM »

The starter push-button disconnects the headlight while starting. I'd be cleaning the starter switch.
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StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #9 on: June 08, 2014, 08:58:10 AM »

Thanks, Bon.  Will give it a go.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #10 on: June 08, 2014, 09:01:53 AM »

Could also be the starter relay. Do a search in the tech section and you'll find pics of it and info. Good luck cooldude
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salty1
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"Flyka"

Spokane, WA or Tucson, AZ


« Reply #11 on: June 08, 2014, 09:15:34 AM »

The starter push-button disconnects the headlight while starting. I'd be cleaning the starter switch.
cooldude
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1998 GL1500C, 2000 GL 1500CF,2006 GL 1800 3A

StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #12 on: June 08, 2014, 09:19:03 AM »

Here's a pic of the starter switch.  Looks like some corrosion on one of the leads?

Can't seem to post it into this message.  Here's a link:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pz6m5kk70qqaa3x/Valk%20Starter.JPG
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #13 on: June 08, 2014, 09:21:49 AM »

Couple of things:

Bike will start sporadically, on its own with no jump from a car, but only after resting a while between starts. 

Also, the headlight doesn't turn on at all.  Not when the bike finally gets running, not when the key is in the running position.  not at all.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #14 on: June 08, 2014, 09:28:46 AM »

Mystery -

Bike is now running, but the headlight doesn't come on.  Turn signals and brakes work.

Indicator lights are on EXCEPT for he blue "bright" headlight indicator lamp.  It stays out whether the switch is on bright or dim.  Just like the headlight.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
BonS
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Blue Springs, MO


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« Reply #15 on: June 08, 2014, 09:40:35 AM »

The brass philips screw in your picture next to the switch wires should be removed and then the switch electrical contacts can be seen - and cleaned and lubricated - to get things working right again.
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R J
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DS-0009 ...... # 173

Des Moines, IA


« Reply #16 on: June 08, 2014, 09:54:38 AM »



As has been said several times here, take the starter button apart, and CLEAN it up.

Put a light, I said LIGHT, coat of dielectric grease on some of the moving parts, none on the brass connections, and put it back together.   Use this link to understand what the grease is.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dielectric+silicone+grease&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=44724301065&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11143691626864548226&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_6co88du4ss_b

If it doesn't fix your problem, find this piece in under the right side cover inside the black rubber boot.

Find the red piece and if it looks like this:


Replace it with this:


You will have to change the big red wire to the empty slot.    Now it should match you old one.

This replacemment is for an older GoldWing.

I have this in MGM, been there for about 10 years now.

If you have driving lights without a relay, this is what causes this melting.

Yes, I did not have a relay.
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StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #17 on: June 08, 2014, 01:43:17 PM »

RJ, I found the red thing but there's no sign of burning or other anomalies.

Everything's now back together and it's drivable.

I'm going to get it to a local shop tomorrow, though I'll have to drive it without a headlight.

I have to be in Philly for three days of meetings starting Monday evening.  If the guys here can fix it in a few hours I'll wait for the bike and ride it up 2.5 hours.  If not I'll take a train up and back and hopefully it will be ready when I can return Thursday morning.

I'll let you guys know what the issue turned out to be.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
9Ball
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« Reply #18 on: June 08, 2014, 03:43:54 PM »

I'm across the river in NJ not far off Rt 322 and the Commodore Barry Bridge (maybe 15 miles from the bridge).  I have all the tools you may need to work on the bike and have the shop manuals (Honda and Clymer).  You're welcome to come over and work on the bike.  PM me and I'll give you my address and phone number.  Other than a 1 hour Dr appointment on Tues morning I'm here all the time.

If you come across the Del Mem Br I'm near exit 2 of the NJ Tpke or Exit 4 of Rt 295.
« Last Edit: June 08, 2014, 03:46:15 PM by 9Ball » Logged

VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000

1999 Standard
2007 Rocket 3
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StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #19 on: June 08, 2014, 04:02:54 PM »

Thanks, 9, but I've got dawn to dusk meetings thru Wednesday and have to make sure I'm home by 6/14 for my daughter's first ballet "recital" (she's 3) and my wedding anniversary (it,s 17).  So I'm going to let a shop take care if this one.

If they can't do it while I wait on Monday I'll take the train to Philly and they can do it while I'm in those mtgs. 
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
PhredValk
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada


« Reply #20 on: June 08, 2014, 07:25:27 PM »

While you're tinkering, replace the headlight bulb. It might be burned out rather than a symptom here. Also open up and clean the hi-low switch. My headlights wouldn't come on when switching from hi-beam, and it was that switch.
Fred.
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VRCCDS0237
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Earth


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« Reply #21 on: June 09, 2014, 05:56:46 AM »

Checked the headlight bulb but it seems to be fine.  On the other hand, a voltmeter shows nada coming through the terminal into which the bulb plugs.
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
salty1
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"Flyka"

Spokane, WA or Tucson, AZ


« Reply #22 on: June 09, 2014, 06:18:43 AM »

I can't recall did you check the fuse?
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My rides:
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StretchPhoto
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« Reply #23 on: June 09, 2014, 06:34:26 AM »

Yep. Checked every fuse I could find with a voltmeter.  Only zero I got was to the headlamp.

I keep thinking about that ignition switch, and how I have to hi it JUST RIGHT, sort of at the bottom left corner, to get the bike to fire up.

There's that and the headlight. 
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
9Ball
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South Jersey


« Reply #24 on: June 09, 2014, 06:52:09 AM »

sounds like you just need to do the starter switch cleaning as others suggested....shoptalk has the procedure.  My guess is that this is 100% the culprit.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/VSGPages/starterbutton.htm

One other suggestion is to check the indicator bulb inside the headlight bucket.  Your high beam indicator bulb may also be bad.  You can swap bulbs to see if this is another problem.
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StretchPhoto
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Earth


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« Reply #25 on: June 09, 2014, 07:30:51 PM »

So I took the bike to Rockville Honda Powersports and they weren't very helpful.  They didn't seem to want to help, but even if they had wanted to they'd have not been able to as on Mondays they only take in bikes for oil changes.

Then took the bike to Coleman Honda Powersports in Falls Church, VA.  The folks there are welcoming, knowledgeable and professional.  Had the bike running smooth in no time. 

You guys were right, the switch basically needed cleaning.  I was at a friend's house and had never done that kind of cleaning before so I decided to just take it to a shop.  Cost me $100 and a day-and-a-half, but that day was with a friend so nothing really lost.

Thanks for all your help here.

Now in Philly for three days of meetings and then back due west to Champaign-Urbana for my daughter's first ballet recital and my wife and my anniversary, both on Saturday.

Best -
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"Walking the wire is life. The rest is just waiting." - Highwire walker Karl Wallenda, just days before he fell to his death
scooperhsd
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« Reply #26 on: June 13, 2014, 05:31:41 AM »

Coleman Powersports was where I bought my 94 PC800 brand new - and I had used them for service  since 87 with my prior '81 CB750F. I was going to suggest them, but didn't get around to it.
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bentwrench
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Philadelphia,Pa.


« Reply #27 on: June 13, 2014, 05:22:13 PM »

I bought my 98 tourer there in 03,nice folks
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