Clean your Starter button contacts

[sixlow]

This has been a PSA.

[John Schmidt]

And while you're at it, add a relay in the headlight bucket in the manner described in the link below. It takes the load off your start switch which causes the majority of start switch problems. Scroll down to the "Start Switch Safeguard" section and follow the easy steps there. You should never have start switch trouble again. 

http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/starter.html

[Thunderbolt]

Good picture Mike.  A good illustration of that weakly designed ckt.  Just don't let that little spring loose when you take it apart.  Heck to find it on the floor if you do.

[Tropic traveler]

We did Rick's starter button service at the cabin in NC.
Talk about a couple of guys being extra cautious about that spring!

[RipVanWinkle]

I had the issue of the bike not starting due to the start button contacts failing. I cleaned everything and it worked like a champ. However, I went ahead and ordered the smart switch and just installed it this week and am very happy with the results. Very clean install and a much brighter headlight and no more worry on the starter button.

[sixlow]

Good call Aaron, I have the smart switch as well but I have not installed it yet. Did you pull the tank to hide the wires or is it doable with the tank on. I have been lazy to tear her apart again after some time down with a carb rebuild and a water pump job I did over the holidays. Any chance you can show her off tomorrow ?

[RipVanWinkle]

i pulled the tank off anyways to do a fairing install and to run power wires for a radio and amp. I would go ahead and pull the tank for the smart switch too so you can run the wires along the big wire loom on the right side of the bike, then over to the left behind the neck following all the wires that run into the headlight bucket. It is a sweet component and running the wire harness the way I did it looks like an OEM installation.