starting issue......almost got stranded

[bg]

i've had this problem 2 times and today i did a pgr mission and the ole honda almost didn't start.
sure would have been embarrassing with all those harleys close by.
i have a new battery but when i would push the start button it was dead silent. no power to the starter at all. i was starting it like i have since i had the bike......in gear with clutch engaged.
i even double checked to make sure the kick stand was up.
i eventually put it in neutral and it started right up.
stopped by a friends house and was afraid it wouldn't start again.
what i found out is it will start in neutral but not in gear. after playing with it a bit i was able to get it started in gear but i had to really squeeze the clutch. it was almost like the clutch wasn't engaging enough unless i put a lot of pressure on it. i've had the bike since it was new, 2000 Interstate.
this problem just started in the last couple weeks.
any idea what may be happening or any adjustments i need to make.

[Valker]

The metal bushing in the clutch lever is worn. Easy and cheap fix. Honda part # on Bike Bandit: 614230
(59215-001)
Suzuki (cheaper by far) part # 59892-08a00

[tank_post142]

there is a switch that is activated by the clutch lever. it is located on the bottom the the left switch  housing. switch could be going bad, clutch bushing could be worn( lever not fully engaging switch) or, as in my case, the small rod that works the switch had worn a divot into the clutch switch. reach underneath and slip a business card card in the gap then try to start it. this will tell you if it is a bad switch or no by tacking up the worn space.

[bg]

how serious of an issue is the worn bushing.
any problem just to keep starting it in neutral?
not much of a mechanic, is a bushing replacement doable by a novice?

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Very easy to replace bushing. No problem starting in neutral until you can fix it. Also you can try spraying contact cleaner in the switch to clean contacts. Remove switch and and sray the crap out of it thru the small hole in the housing. You can use a meter to check if switch is making connection. You should hear a click when switch make contact.

[tank_post142]

the bushing is the pivot point in the clutch lever. you remove the clutch lever screw slide out the lever tap out the bushing and tap in the new one. takes 5-10 mins total.

[bg]

that's sound easy enough even i can do.
thanks guys for the help.

[Daniel Meyer]

Check here: http://lifeisaroad.com/clutchlever.html

Gives a good idea what's involved.

[bg]

daniel..."Still worked perfectly well as a lever, I just couldn't start the bike in gear." ...........
my problem exactly. thanks for the pics and write up.

[PhredValk]

I had the same problem with the Kuri adjustable GL1800 levers. If I dial the clutch lever in closer to the grip, right where I like it best, it can't be pulled in enough to close the switch; and the bike won't start in gear. I dialled it back out 1/4 inch and it works properly.

Something is worn; the bushing is easiest/cheapest, then go to the piston if that doesn't work. the switch would be the expensive fix.
Fred.