Need help, Valk won't start

[ArkyBubba]

I need a little help here. Last Saturday I rode my 2003 Valk trike to a bike shop to get them to fix the lightbar on it. I had already had it there once to be fixed (worked sometimes, didn't others) while I had some other work done on the trike. I watched this time as he undid 1 wire and soldered into a different wire(in the bucket). Started the bike and rode it home, no problems. Finally had some decent weather today, so I was going to go for a ride. However, the bike won't start. Push the starter button and nothing. Checked the battery and it is fine. Disassembled the starter button and cleaned it. Still nothing. Any advice would be helpful. I don't really know anything about electrics and such. That's why I took it to a bike shop to get the lightbar fixed. Thanks in advance for any and all info you guys can send my way.

[ArkyBubba]

Forgot to mention that when I push the start button the headlight does go out as it should.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Does the starter solenoid pull in when you hit the starter button?

[salty1]

Bad ground? Check that your battery conceptions are tight. 

[Gryphon Rider]

Checked the battery and it is fine.

How did you check it?  It measures 12.9V with a voltmeter?

Have a look at the starter relay behind the right side cover.  Pull the connector off of the top of it and check for corrosion or melting.

[Steel cowboy]

How old is the battery? You mentioned that you tested the battery for volts, how about for cranking amps too.
To perform this test you need to use a voltmeter with the load test button, you hold it on for five seconds to see were the gauge drops to. H/F carries them for about $20.

[longrider]

What wire did he solder to.  Sounds to me like he really doesnt know what he's doing.  The light bar should be on it's own relay powered and fused at the battery and triggered from the aux plug under the right side cover.  Anything less than this is shoddy work

[..]

I've had a couple of beers and a couple of tequilas. 


Is the KILL switch on?

[salty1]

I've had a couple of beers and a couple of tequilas. 


Is the KILL switch on?

Dumber things have happened. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've had a couple of beers and a couple of tequilas. 


Is the KILL switch on?

Dumber things have happened. 

Are you referring to the tequila or the kill switch ? 

[..]

I've had a couple of beers and a couple of tequilas. 


Is the KILL switch on?

Dumber things have happened. 

Are you referring to the tequila or the kill switch ? 

Heec. Tequila.

[MarkT]

I really think you need someone to go hands-on who knows what he's doing.  One of us who is local. Too many stealers have incompetents in their shops. Or if you can get referred to a dealer with a known good mechanic.

[ArkyBubba]

Well, I sure feel like a dumbass. It was the kill switch, must have inadvertantly bumped it. In my defense, I have only had the trike 3 or 4 months, still getting used to it. Also, it had been over 30 years since I had ridden a bike. They didn't have electric start back then, much less a kill switch! Thanks to everyone who replied, especially to Britman.

[..]

Well, I sure feel like a dumbass. It was the kill switch, must have inadvertantly bumped it. In my defense, I have only had the trike 3 or 4 months, still getting used to it. Also, it had been over 30 years since I had ridden a bike. They didn't have electric start back then, much less a kill switch! Thanks to everyone who replied, especially to Britman.

WE'VE ALL DONE IT OR WORSE!

[Steel cowboy]

Been there done that "twice" don't feel to bad. I call them brain farts

[salty1]

Well, I sure feel like a dumbass. It was the kill switch, must have inadvertantly bumped it. In my defense, I have only had the trike 3 or 4 months, still getting used to it. Also, it had been over 30 years since I had ridden a bike. They didn't have electric start back then, much less a kill switch! Thanks to everyone who replied, especially to Britman.