Neutral Light

[fullmetalface]

I have a 2001 Interstate.  It will not start in neutral with the stand down.  Neutral light flashes when you pass by neutral but light never stays on in neutral.  The only way to start it is with stand up, and clutch in.  It will start in neutral or in gear when you do this.  Looking for advice thanks!

[gordonv]

(you should be able to delete your first post in the BC chapter forum, before someone else posts to it.
You might want to add your location to your profile too, might get some local help. I've some parts, including the side stand IS switch)

Welcome to the forum too.

My first thought is that not all side stand switches are working. Here was mine from my IS.



The pin was crushed, the switch wasn't moving.

My Shadow VT1100T uses the same switch, 3 wires.

It's easy to check when someone else holds the bike up for you while you remove the side stand.

[gordonv]

I have a 2001 Interstate.  It will not start in neutral with the stand down.  Neutral light flashes when you pass by neutral but light never stays on in neutral.  The only way to start it is with stand up, and clutch in.  It will start in neutral or in gear when you do this.  Looking for advice thanks!

I re-read your post, and I think I first misunderstood it.

Are you sure you're in neutral, I'm not? Roll the bike. If you have the gear in neutral, then the light should stay on and you should be able to start. It shouldn't be affected by the side stand or the clutch lever.

How new is the bike to you? How many miles?

[WintrSol]

I'm guessing the neutral switch is either failing, or just needs a good cleaning. That, or the connector is loose. It is pictured on this drawing, but I think it mounts to the rear of the transmission, in front of the alternator: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500ct-a-valkyrie-tourer/transmission-cover
Unfortunately, the manual says you have to remove the transmission cover to get to the switch, so hope it's just the connector to the harness has gone soft.

[gordonv]

The gear indicator switch (neutral only in the Valkyrie), is in the front cover. I'm waiting to change mine to a GW which has all the gears but 1st.

[WintrSol]

The gear indicator switch (neutral only in the Valkyrie), is in the front cover. I'm waiting to change mine to a GW which has all the gears but 1st.

The parts diagram says as much, and the drawings in the service manual are confusing. I guess it's easier to take the front cover off, but still ...

[Chrisj CMA]

I'm guessing the neutral switch is either failing, or just needs a good cleaning. That, or the connector is loose. It is pictured on this drawing, but I think it mounts to the rear of the transmission, in front of the alternator: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500ct-a-valkyrie-tourer/transmission-cover
Unfortunately, the manual says you have to remove the transmission cover to get to the switch, so hope it's just the connector to the harness has gone soft.

????  The neutral switch is mounted to the inside of the front cover. The plate that the water pump is mounted to

[fullmetalface]

Thanks everyone much appreciated.  Apologies for the double post.  Have tried to delete the other one but cannot it says no go.   I have rolled it in neutral but light does not come on and still only starts with clutch pulled .  I will try everything else suggested apart from taking the cover off.  It's got 145,000 km and I have had it two months.  Puts a grin on my face everytime I ride it.

[Bone]

Thank you for posting. I have a similar problem and haven't tried to find a fix. My 98 Tourer has 164 K now and after a near stranded situation I found a way to start the bike. I stopped the bike and when I went to start nothing. Tinkered for almost an hour and realized I didn't have a neutral light. I had the bike in neutral I could roll it back and forth a foot or so so I kept trying the start button. Now knowing the neural light was off I started playing with the shift lever. I few wiggles the light flickered and I found the sweet spot it stayed on. Hit the starter button she fired
Went thru the same ordeal a couple of times she started with a wiggle to find the light. I called my brother in law to cancel his trip he was going to drive 50 miles to help me or haul my bike.
I'm still riding her in that condition it's been 2 or 3 years. Lot of the time it works like new I've never looked in the manual to locate the switch. Hopefully your fix will help my problem. Goodluck I wiggle the shifter with my foot so far so good.

[Jims99]

99 tourer that works most of the time. I know it’s the switch, just haven’t replaced it yet. I don’t think about it till it fails. ( stand up, clutch in, works every time)

[gordonv]

As a new owner, be aware that you need to be forceful on shifting. You can't wosss it.

If your light does come on, just hard to get it in the right position, try that. I know with my bike not running, and trying to get in neutral to start/idle it, it can take a few tries.


Note:
Do you have the Service manual?
http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

I also have a paper copy for on the road, and while working on the bike.

[Gryphon Rider]

My neutral switch has been finicky for many years, maybe even 15 years or more.  It is not hard to put the tranny in neutral, but it is difficult to make the light turn on.  It is easier to do with the engine off, and harder with the engine running but not warmed up.  When I know it is in neutral, I push the shifter down slightly until the light illuminates.  Sometimes this takes several tries.

[Chrisj CMA]

I have a question for those having neutral light troubles. When you stop do you leave it in gear or do you park in neutral?

[Bone]

I have a question for those having neutral light troubles. When you stop do you leave it in gear or do you park in neutral?

99% of the time I leave it in neutral. I don't want to mess around on a hot bike.

[h13man]

I have a question for those having neutral light troubles. When you stop do you leave it in gear or do you park in neutral?

99% of the time I leave it in neutral. I don't want to mess around on a hot bike.

Same here.

[Gryphon Rider]

I have a question for those having neutral light troubles. When you stop do you leave it in gear or do you park in neutral?

Unless I'm parked on a slope with a danger of the bike rolling, I put it in neutral.  I'll also use neutral at a long red light.  It's not impossible for me to get the neutral light, but often requires the right technique, especially before it's warmed up.

[fullmetalface]

As a new owner, be aware that you need to be forceful on shifting. You can't wosss it.

If your light does come on, just hard to get it in the right position, try that. I know with my bike not running, and trying to get in neutral to start/idle it, it can take a few tries.


Note:
Do you have the Service manual?
http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

I also have a paper copy for on the road, and while working on the bike.

I have the service manual thanks.   I am an experienced rider who knows how to aggressively shift if needed.  The light only flickers when I either pass by neutral or land in it.  Appreciate the tips though .

[9Ball]

I believe that Gordonv was just sharing one of the quirks of the Valkyrie transmission.  The transition from first to second can be tricky occasionally. It is not always smooth and takes a bit of getting used to for new owners.  I have size 15 boots and with floorboards there isn’t a lot of room to engage that smallish shifter peg.  I helped my circumstance by installing a shifter peg from the cb1100xx that has a longer arm and moves the peg outwards a bit.
Enjoy the bike...lots of help is available here.

Good luck...

As a new owner, be aware that you need to be forceful on shifting. You can't wosss it.

If your light does come on, just hard to get it in the right position, try that. I know with my bike not running, and trying to get in neutral to start/idle it, it can take a few tries.


Note:
Do you have the Service manual?
http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

I also have a paper copy for on the road, and while working on the bike.

I have the service manual thanks.   I am an experienced rider who knows how to aggressively shift if needed.  The light only flickers when I either pass by neutral or land in it.  Appreciate the tips though .

[DTulis]

I have the opposite problem. Returning from InZane, I left my 2000 Interstate in 1st and shut off with key, then lowered kickstand. When I restarted Neutral Light lit up and would not turn off no matter what gear I chose. Rode 500 miles that way.
Starts normally, either with bike actually in Neutral or with clutch lever pulled in and in gear.
However, will not shut off by lowering kickstand. Diagnosis would be great. Thanks!

I believe that Gordonv was just sharing one of the quirks of the Valkyrie transmission.  The transition from first to second can be tricky occasionally. It is not always smooth and takes a bit of getting used to for new owners.  I have size 15 boots and with floorboards there isn’t a lot of room to engage that smallish shifter peg.  I helped my circumstance by installing a shifter peg from the cb1100xx that has a longer arm and moves the peg outwards a bit.
Enjoy the bike...lots of help is available here.

Good luck...

As a new owner, be aware that you need to be forceful on shifting. You can't wosss it.

If your light does come on, just hard to get it in the right position, try that. I know with my bike not running, and trying to get in neutral to start/idle it, it can take a few tries.


Note:
Do you have the Service manual?
http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

I also have a paper copy for on the road, and while working on the bike.

I have the service manual thanks.   I am an experienced rider who knows how to aggressively shift if needed.  The light only flickers when I either pass by neutral or land in it.  Appreciate the tips though .

[RonW]

I have the opposite problem. When I restarted Neutral Light lit up and would not turn off no matter what gear I chose.

Starts normally, either with bike actually in Neutral or with clutch lever pulled in and in gear.
However, will not shut off by lowering kickstand. Diagnosis would be great. Thanks!

Sounds like a faulty neutral diode (clutch diode). Item 4 on the wire harness oem page 31730-MAS-601.

[Jims99]

I have the opposite problem. Returning from InZane, I left my 2000 Interstate in 1st and shut off with key, then lowered kickstand. When I restarted Neutral Light lit up and would not turn off no matter what gear I chose. Rode 500 miles that way.
Starts normally, either with bike actually in Neutral or with clutch lever pulled in and in gear.
However, will not shut off by lowering kickstand. Diagnosis would be great. Thanks!

I would think the switch stuck or the wire shorted out somewhere. Disconnect wire from switch and see if light goes out. If not you have a short.
My tourer has been acting up for years, now the interstate is starting. Looks like I’ll have to get two switches.

[h13man]

Mine has become "finicky" of late also. I'm 4,200 mi. into a dino oil change and this started about a 1,000 mi. ago. I'm going back to a synthetic oil (Mobil 1) @ 5,000 mi. When the bike is cold green light works perfectly hot, it's a bit of a pain. This is one of a couple anomalies that's been happening and the other being is shifting noise/feel.

[RonW]

I would think the switch stuck or the wire shorted out somewhere.

• Disconnect wire from switch and see if light goes out. If not you have a short.

Pulling the clutch diode disconnects the neutral light from the neutral switch ..... which might be the easiest way. The clutch diode is on the wire that connects the neutral light to the neutral switch. It bridges a designed gap on that wire similar to a fuse, and so on.

fullmetal, I suggest testing continuity on the neutral diode with a multimeter. Electricity should only flow in the direction of the arrows. Note: The neutral diode is actually called the *clutch diode.* If by chance anybody knows why this is so, feel free to chime in.

[old2soon]

     On the other hand other than being difficult to find neutral at times my 99 I/S-140000+ miles-still starts easy the kick stand Will shut off the engine if lowered in gear and Only left in neutral IF on fairly level ground or I'm against a tire stop with rear tire. Been using Mobil 1 full synthetic 15-50 since shortly after buying her. I have like Zero idea if the oil makes a difference but though I'd mention it. And after 10 years of Phatt Ghurl ownership she STILL thrills me when i throw a leg over and twist her tail!  RIDE SAFE.

[Bighead]

I have the opposite problem. Returning from InZane, I left my 2000 Interstate in 1st and shut off with key, then lowered kickstand. When I restarted Neutral Light lit up and would not turn off no matter what gear I chose. Rode 500 miles that way.
Starts normally, either with bike actually in Neutral or with clutch lever pulled in and in gear.
However, will not shut off by lowering kickstand. Diagnosis would be great. Thanks!

I believe that Gordonv was just sharing one of the quirks of the Valkyrie transmission.  The transition from first to second can be tricky occasionally. It is not always smooth and takes a bit of getting used to for new owners.  I have size 15 boots and with floorboards there isn’t a lot of room to engage that smallish shifter peg.  I helped my circumstance by installing a shifter peg from the cb1100xx that has a longer arm and moves the peg outwards a bit.
Enjoy the bike...lots of help is available here.

Good luck...

As a new owner, be aware that you need to be forceful on shifting. You can't wosss it.

If your light does come on, just hard to get it in the right position, try that. I know with my bike not running, and trying to get in neutral to start/idle it, it can take a few tries.


Note:
Do you have the Service manual?
http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

I also have a paper copy for on the road, and while working on the bike.

I have the service manual thanks.   I am an experienced rider who knows how to aggressively shift if needed.  The light only flickers when I either pass by neutral or land in it.  Appreciate the tips though .

I had this problem after riding in a HARD rain.  Once  everything dried out (about 2 days) it went back to normal.