Well...the Valkyrie left me stranded today

[39 Chev]

 

I've pretty new to this board, been riding a VTX 1800, but I just recently bought a 1998 Valkyrie Tourer.

My wife and I decided to go for a ride today.  I just put on the peg relocators (which I like very much) and wanted to go for a ride to try them out.

Rode about 50 miles and stopped to take off my jacket.  When I went to restart, I pushed the start button and nothing happened.  I figured I didn't get it perfectly in neutral, so I stuck it in 1st and rocked it a little and put it back in neutral.  Pushed to start button and it started right up.

We rode another 50 miles or so and stopped for gas.  Same thing happened, but this time there was nothing I did that would make it turn over.  I have neutral light, horn, turn signal lights (but no headlight-don't know if that's normal or not) but when I push the start button, nothing happens.  No click or anything.  Checked battery terminals, good and tight.  Flipped kill switch on and off a bunch of times while trying, nothing.  Made sure the stand was up tight, etc. etc. etc.

Had to call my mom and have her come and get us, haul us home to get the truck and trailer and drive back to the gas station to pick it up.  I'm leaving it on the trailer and hauling to the dealer on Monday.

Kind of discouraging.  My VTX never let me down.  

[Snowflake]

To bad...it's a bummer but stuff like that happens. Sounds like a bad connection. Hope its no more than that. Post the problem when fixed.

[dreamaker]

I had a similar problem. It was in my starter button, I took it apart and used a pencil eraser on the terminals and put electrolytic grease on it and it was fine. Try checking that.

Dan

[39 Chev]

thanks Dan, I'll take a look at that tomorrow.

 

[f6john]

Almost certainly starter button contacts, dealer could put a hurt'in on ya by selling you a new harness, ect. If that is what it was I can tell you if you run into a similar situation and a little down hill grade the bike will push start easily.

[R J]

Go to Shop Talk and it is explained in detail on how to service the starter button.

You could have bump started it and rode it home.

[39 Chev]

Yah, I know some dealers are like that.  I have read lots of posts about problem dealers, (both here and on VTXOA), but I have a GREAT dealer.  The service manager even rides a Valkyrie.  Don't get wrong, they're not shy about charging, but they have never "jabbed" me.  I buy have bought a lot of stuff from them over the years, including snowmobiles, 4 wheelers and motorcyles.  I buy local, but then I expect to be "taken care of" when I have a problem, and they always do.

Thanks for the tip, though.  I'll definitely check it out. 



RJ...  I'll check out shop talk.

WHAT AN IDIOT I AM!!!  I shoud have tried to bump start it.  I used to start a dirt bike like that when I was a kid.  It was the only to start it!  How soon we forget 

[Valker]

Like RJ said-do the starter button maintenance: Here is another link: http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/starter.html
It takes me about 10 minutes as I've had to do mine three times in 112,000 miles.

[39 Chev]

Like RJ said-do the starter button maintenance: Here is another link: http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/starter.html
It takes me about 10 minutes as I've had to do mine three times in 112,000 miles.

That's a good write-up over at Rattlebars.  Maybe even someone like me with 4 thumbs could follow those directions.

Thanks for the pointers, guys!

[Dan Manko]

The last time I redid my starter button,[3 times so far,101200 miles] I had to gently pry up on the contacts for them to make contact.
The other times a good cleaning did it.  It's easy.

[kickstand]

Next time try to push start valks start easy in 3rd gear with a little push

[KCvalk]

hey just in case (i ever have this problem) go thru step by step how you bump start a valkyrie

never had to do this with a bike but sounds like i need to learn

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I work with a guy that rides a VTX1800 and his starter button just died on his. I think the headlight running thru this swtich is a bad design. He has also had a problem with his solienoid  hagging up.                                                                                                                                                   I lost an alt on mine valk about 230 mile from home last year. I pulled the headlight fuse and push started it  when we stopped for fuel and  rode it about 75 miles until battery died. The valk is pretty easy to push  start.             

[Chrisj CMA]

I'm leaving it on the trailer and hauling to the dealer on Monday.

taking it to a Honda Dealer is usually a big mistake.........good luck, but learning how to fix it yourself is much better.

[valkmc]

I work with a guy that rides a VTX1800 and his starter button just died on his. I think the headlight running thru this swtich is a bad design. He has also had a problem with his solienoid  hagging up.                                                                                                                                                   I lost an alt on mine valk about 230 mile from home last year. I pulled the headlight fuse and push started it  when we stopped for fuel and  rode it about 75 miles until battery died. The valk is pretty easy to push  start.             

I don't like the headlight in the starter switch either. I have toyed with running the headlight thru a toggle switch and changing the design of the starter switch, anybody tried this?

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I think chet has a wiring plan to take the light out of the switch. I have an I/S and I think only the tigger wire for the relays is ran thru the switch.

[PAVALKER]

Like RJ said-do the starter button maintenance: Here is another link: http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/starter.html
It takes me about 10 minutes as I've had to do mine three times in 112,000 miles.

That's a good write-up over at Rattlebars.  Maybe even someone like me with 4 thumbs could follow those directions.

Thanks for the pointers, guys!

That starter switch/headlight issue has been discussed on the VTXOA as well.... same thing may happen to your VTX.... same set up.

[John U.]

The previous owner of my Standard had added highway lights, also run through the starter switch. When the switch went it was so melted I had to replace it. I wired relays to the headlights and auxiliary lights triggered by the starter switch. The load on the switch is now just a few watts per relay. Relays are cheaper than starter switches.
I also carry a piece of heavy gauge wire so I can jump the starter relay, just in case.

[39 Chev]

I'm leaving it on the trailer and hauling to the dealer on Monday.

taking it to a Honda Dealer is usually a big mistake.........good luck, but learning how to fix it yourself is much better.

I just came in from the shop.  Got 'er fixed.  The little spring loaded copper connector was pushed down in the plastic so tight I had to pry it out with a knife.  I almost thought I was doing something wrong, but I figured what the heck, the dealer is just going to throw a new one on it anyway.  If I break it, I break it.  Finally got it pulled out and used the knife to trim off a little piece of plastic "slag" so it would spring up and down.  Hit all the contacts with some 400 grit lightly and then put just a touch of dialectic grease on each one.  Put it back together and it started right up.

Thanks to everyone for their advice!!!

One question:  when I started it up, the throttle didn't snap back to idle.  I pulled it back apart and made sure everything was in it's place, (it was).  So wiped the gunk out around the throttle and put a little silicone in there.  PUt it back together and it works fine now.    Any thoughts???

[Madmike]

I think chet has a wiring plan to take the light out of the switch. I have an I/S and I think only the tigger wire for the relays is ran thru the switch.

You are correct - according to the schematic there is a set of relays for the headlights in the OEM wiring on the Intestate, one relay each for low and high beam.

[Chrisj CMA]

there is a set hole and a peg on the switch housing but there is still enough play that you can bind the throttle sleeve if youre not careful as you re assemble

[X Ring]

Gonzo from HondaShadow.net makes wiring harnesses on the side.  He even makes one to change the power for the headlight from the headlight harness to the battery using the stock harness to power the relay.  For those that don't want to make it themselves, it's a good idea.  You can check them out at http://www.gonzos-garage.com/bike/harness.htm

Marty