Need some help...

[Earl]

...I'm many things, but not a mechanic. This puts me at something of a disadvantage in the motorcycle world, I know. Simple maintenance I can handle, but right now I need some good advice.

My '97 Standard wouldn't start this morning. Has power, lights come on, but no attempt to start at all - no turning over at all. Ran fine yesterday, no hiccups.

Fuses? Starter? Starter switch? Other ideas? Good Orlando Honda mechanic? 

[FloridaValkRyder]

Hey Earl, you will get numerous responses from the guys on here who are real good Valk Techs. I have read about this numerous times on here and it almost always is the starter switch. Terry (Thunderbolt) showed me how to jump the solenoid under the side cover, right one I think, to bypass the starter switch if this happens away from home. Be patient and let the "Guys Whom We Trust"  chime in. Hope it's not a big problem for you. Good luck. Jeff

[Daniel Meyer]

Check the voltage at the battery. Should read at least 12.6 with key off, should not drop much with key/lights on. (stay above 12v)

But..

Probably the starter switch.

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

[FloridaValkRyder]

Check the voltage at the battery. Should read at least 12.6 with key off, should not drop much with key/lights on. (stay above 12v)

But..

Probably the starter switch.

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

See Earl, told you!! The wise men cometh. Thanks Dan. By the way Earl, get Dan's book (http://lifeisaroad.com). You will love it!

[Earl]

Heh - been reading Daniel's musings for two years before I ever got a motorcycle. If there's a better marketer for Valkyrie I can't imagine who it is.

It sounds like this is a typical problem - starter just failing like that?

[Skinhead]

I assume you already made sure the Kill switch didn't get bumped by accident?

[Thunderbolt]

When you press the starter switch do you hear a click on the right side under the side cover?  If you do hear the click the starter switch is operating the relay in the solenoid.  If it clicks and does not turn over the solenoid contacts might be burned and not making contact. If you do not hear the click clean the starter button contacts.  As Daniel said the battery could be low, but usually if it is low it will turn the engine, just not start the engine because the voltage is too low to operate the ECM.
As Jeff said you can start the engine by shorting the two large contacts on the starter solenoid with a screwdriver if the solenoid itself is defective inside.  First you need to make sure the transmission is in neutral.  With the key on and if the battery is good, when you short those contacts the starter will turn and the engine should start.  The function of the solenoid is to short those contacts internally when you press the starter button.  Another way you can start the bike assuming the battery is good and either the starter button or the solenoid is bad is push start.  Turn the key on put the transmission in second gear with the clutch in.  Have someone push you across the parking lot or down a hill and when it gets rolling as fast as you can, release the clutch and pull it back in when it starts.
Like Skinhead said make sure the kill switch was not operated by accident or one of your friends to see if you could find it.

[Earl]

I was right with ya, Thunder, until you said 'hill'. Florida >< hill. 

There's no click when the starter is pressed, so I'm thinking starter contacts.

And ummm.....   "kill switch"...is umm, where?

[Earl]

OH! I'm tracking now - big red toggle above the starter switch. I think of it as an 'on' switch, not a kill switch. Yes, it was in the 'on' position.

(Whew - felt really stupid for a minute).

[Daniel Meyer]

It sounds like this is a typical problem - starter just failing like that?

Starter switch failing is a common problem.
The instructions for fixing it are here:
http://valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/VSGPages/starterbutton.htm

Also, make sure the clutch switch is making...or try it in neutral with the sidestand up just to make sure the interlock isn't keeping you from starting it...

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

You may want to check the 30amp fuse at the Starter Solenoid, it is under the red Fuse cover on the Starter Solenoid itself. This fuse is known to Corrode and not give power to the Solenoid when the starter switch is pressed.

[John Schmidt]

Earl, I see you're in the Orlando area, guess we haven't met yet. I'm in Winter Park so come by if you like and have a second set of eyes take a look. Email me and I'll share my phone #.

John

[larue]

Last year I had a similar problem when the Valk died on me all of a sudden on I4 and luckily I pulled over and  it wouldn't turn back on . Lights on, battery was fine , after posting the problem here it was just the fuse in the right side panel in a red covered harness (like what Bert mentioned) . Bought one from autozone for $2 and voila fired right up

[Earl]

John - Hi! We *did* meet earlier in the year, on the group meet for the Lakeland bikefest. Can't forget a ride like yours, nor how quiet it was. In the Harley-centric world here, I used to think *my* bike was quiet in comparison.

Everyone else: Thank you for the help. Tried it again in the evening (when I wasn't in a rush heading to work), and while it's a easy fix, it wont' be as cheap as a fuse: lights began dimming as soon as I tried to start'er up. I'd borrowed a charger for battery problem earlier, and I'm not going to put this off again - I need a new battery.

Any favorites?