Neutral Switch problem

[stormrider]

I discussed this with Chrisj on the phone and was thinking my problem may be the sidestand switch but after several rounds of checking I'm thinking my problem may be the neutral switch.

1) When she's in neutral, I don't always get the green light.

2) If she is on the side stand in neutral I can't start her without playing around with the shifter and then only
        on a rare occasion will she crank in that scenario. Most of the time I have to have the sidestand up and
        the clutch engaged with it in neutral and of course with it in gear.

3) If she is cranked with the sidestand up with the clutch engaged, in neutral (remember, only occasionally will
        she crank in neutral without engaging the clutch) and I put the sidestand in the down position she stalls,
        even with the clutch engaged and while in neutral.

4) I can crank her everytime with her in gear or in neutral but the clutch has to be engaged and the sidestand
        up.

5) The sidestand switch seems to be functioning. While running, clutch ingaged, if I lower the sidestand, she
        stalls whether she is in neutral or in gear.


So, I am thinking the neutral switch may be the culprit. Anyone come across this and how hard is it to resolve?
        And are there any tips on replacement? The book says to remove the gas tank to get to the electrical
        connecton and then it talks about an electrical connection behind the engine front cover. Could it be
        disconnected there saving having to remove the tank, that is if the neutral switch is my problem?

Thanks in advance.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I'm guessing it's the sidestand switch,as my bike usually only starts while in nuetral.
I ride in a wet climate here in Ohio.
The switch functioned fine for about 5 years then began to have a will of it's own.
It really doesn't bother me as it always has functioned while underway.
Just start the bike in neutral or replace the switch.

[shortleg]

   Best way to test it would be to bypass
the switch by connecting the two leads together.
    That would let you know if the sidestand switch
is good
             Shortleg[Dave]

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Every once in a while, mine will start in gear,with the sidestand up.
I just save time and aggravation by finding neutral beforehand.
I'm guessing corroded terminals,But I'm too busy to worry about such a small inconvenience.
 

[stormrider]

bringing it back to the top. Has anyone experienced a neutral switch problem requiring it to be replaced? If so do my symtoms match what you experienced?

[fiddle mike]

The bullet connection for my neutral switch wire (under the right side of the  timing belt cover) baked.  The neutral light wouldn't always come on and the engine shut with the side stand down even though the transmission was in neutral.  I replaced the connection and haven't had further problems.

[Ricky-D]

Yea, I'd suggest getting the neutral light 100% working before trying anything else. The fact that the motor will shut off when you lower the kickstand would suggest that switch is operating properly.  Fiddle Mike said it best suggesting you insure all the connections are good. Could simple be a bad connection.

[stormrider]

Thanks, it seems to be more of a nusiance than a problem. I have to change the air filter pretty soon and was wandering if I should go ahead and change the switch since it plugs up under the tank. And to check the switch itself you have to remove the front engine/transmission cover.