Not Starting in Gear

[RIX97]

I recently bought a 1998 Valkyrie and discovered that it won't start in gear. I had a similar issue with a Goldwing and it turned out to be the switch on the clutch handle. Has anyone had a similar issue with a first generation Valk?

[John Schmidt]

If the kickstand is down it won't start. You should be able to hear the switch click when you pull in the clutcth handle, unless you have aftermarket grips which sometimes are thick enough to prevent pulling the handle in far enough to engage that switch. You can always pull the switch, one screw, and with the bike off just test continuity when you manually press the button on the switch...assuming you have a volt/ohm meter.

[gordonv]

Yes, also on the Valkyrie.
If you need a replacement bushing, then there is another brand that's only a few $, rather than the $20 Honda wants for it.

But it check the kick stand too. There is 2 style stands, one for the std/T and a 3 wire one for the IS.

[RIX97]

If the kickstand is down it won't start. You should be able to hear the switch click when you pull in the clutcth handle, unless you have aftermarket grips which sometimes are thick enough to prevent pulling the handle in far enough to engage that switch. You can always pull the switch, one screw, and with the bike off just test continuity when you manually press the button on the switch...assuming you have a volt/ohm meter.

Good point, the previous owner put heated grips on and they are fat. When I asked him why it wouldn't start in gear he seemed confused by the question. I don't  think he was  aware that it was supposed to.   

[RIX97]

Yes, also on the Valkyrie.
If you need a replacement bushing, then there is another brand that's only a few $, rather than the $20 Honda wants for it.

But it check the kick stand too. There is 2 style stands, one for the std/T and a 3 wire one for the IS.

[Hook#3287]

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/switch-cable

When this happened to me, the wire plugs in the fiche above (just above #21) had come loose.