Won't start in gear

[99ISrdr]

As of recent the valk now won't start in gear. I think I read, or heard somewhere, that there's a switch that controls that. Anyone had that happen? Also, as I was applying the choke the other morning the cable broke, or disconnected somewhere, or the lever broke. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet but was wondering if anyone else has had this happen? If so, was it a broken/disconnected cable, or a broken lever? Hopefully I'll have some time Wed to look at things. Any input though would be much appreciated. Thanks.

greg

[Rocketman]

There's a safety switch in the clutch handle mechanism.  If that switch isn't closed (or is it opened?), the starter relay won't fire when the tranny's in gear.

As for the choke- There are two chrome covers on the carbs (one on each side).  Remove those (three screws each), then you can watch the choke linkage move.  One side is driven directly by the cable, and the other side is driven off the first side.  If I remember correctly, the left side is driven directly.  The direct-driven side has a cable connection on both ends, whereas the indirect driven side has only one.  Both sides have gaps for cables on both ends, so don't let it fool you into thinking that's a defect.  Anyway, watch the direct-driven side for the cable moving.  Make sure you move the choke lever all the way.  As you're watching the cable (if it's working correctly), you'll learn a whole lot about it as you watch.

[99ISrdr]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I did change the carb springs, put the interstate springs in a cpl yrs ago. Guess I'll take those covers off again, hopefully the cable just came loose from a slide.

I didn't know where that switch was.  I'm off Wednesday, looks like i've got something to tinker with now. Thanks again for the info.

[Cattman]

It could also be the clutch bushing. I switched out the switch over the weekend and there is too muchslop int the grip to engage it.

[vanagon40]

With regard to the choke cable, I just replaced mine on a 2001 Standard with only 20K miles.  The cable broke at the lever on the handlebars.  I doubt that your cable just came unhooked.

The cable was $16.84 (plus $7.50 handling) from HDL.  Replacement is easy and straightforward.  Place the cable end in the handlebar lever first, move the lever to the full choke position, and reinstall the handlebar turn signal/choke/horn switch assembly.

Once the handle bar assembly is back together, move the choke lever to completely off and install the other end in the carb slide.  Tighten and make final adjustments.

[lee]

Just a reminder:  The Kick Stand must also be up to start in gear.

[hubcapsc]

Y'all seem to know a lot about this circuit... every once in a blue moon (particularly if someone is watching) my bike will register
neutral with the little green light, but actually be in gear. The safety mechanism which prevents you from starting in gear
without pulling in the clutch sees (well, whatever  ) the green light too, and, well, it is clear why there is such a safety
mechanism... I haven't tumbled over yet... it is hard to fix intermittent stuff...

-Mike

[fudgie]

Just a reminder:  The Kick Stand must also be up to start in gear.

Not always! 

[99ISrdr]

With regard to the choke cable, I just replaced mine on a 2001 Standard with only 20K miles.  The cable broke at the lever on the handlebars.  I doubt that your cable just came unhooked.

The cable was $16.84 (plus $7.50 handling) from HDL.  Replacement is easy and straightforward.  Place the cable end in the handlebar lever first, move the lever to the full choke position, and reinstall the handlebar turn signal/choke/horn switch assembly.

Once the handle bar assembly is back together, move the choke lever to completely off and install the other end in the carb slide.  Tighten and make final adjustments.

Great info, thanks. I believe you're right. Just the way it broke loose. It happenend suddenly as the choke was getting very tight and starting to engage.

[99ISrdr]

Just a reminder:  The Kick Stand must also be up to start in gear.

No, it won't start in gear, clutch in, KS up.

[F6MoRider]

Mines does the won't start in gear thing every now and again.  I found if I squeeze the clutch and wiggle the handle up and down while squeezing by moving both my ring finger and little finger up and down,  I can often get her to engage the starter.  Been meaning to check out the contact in the clutch handle but she works and has been working like this for some time. 

Try the wiggle method, if it works, cool.

[Bugslayer]

Just a reminder:  The Kick Stand must also be up to start in gear.

No, it won't start in gear, clutch in, KS up.

Mine did the exact same thing and it was the brass bushing in the clutch lever. (As mentioned earlier in this thread.) With the worn bushing, the lever wouldn't push the switch in far enough.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

My choke cable broke at the lever inside the control box. If you need to use the choke you can take a screwdriver and push the bar that operates the slide on the left side (clutch side) and it'll work both sides of the choke slides and you can start the bike until the new cable comes in.

[Tropic traveler]

Kim's Valk was doing the sometimes no start thing while we were up in Savannah last month. I thought it was the clutch switch but after we got it home I fiddled around with it. Wanted to figure it out BEFORE we rode over to Daytona for Biketoberfest. Lo & behold it was the red button kill switch on the RH side intermittently acting up. Had a new one laying around that I had bought for my bike last year but hadn't yet installed {cleaned my starter button instead} & presto!, no more problem. I had never heard of a kill switch messing up like that before. Accidently discovered it by pressing down on it {on the run side} & the bike shut off. While I blamed it on the clutch or neutral switch I guess the action of fiddling around & double checking all the switch positions when it wouldn't start bumped the bad switch into working. It got her home anyways! $67 for a new RH switch pod from HDL & all is good! 
Oh yes, I did get another new RH switch pod & install it on my Valk. Peace of mind! 
Double check all your switches!