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Electrical problems after sitting for winter

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  • Electrical problems after sitting for winter

    I was able to get my bike out Sunday and ride. She fired right up with no troubles, and rode fine. I pulled in to McDonald's to get a cup of coffee, and turned the ignition key...nothing. Still running, and all lights still on. Turned the key back to ON, and off again...Nothing...

    Ended up pulling a fuse to cut power, and replugged it when I started to leave. Same problem when I got home, so I removed the battery cable. I really hate the idea of having to pull the fairing off the front of it, just so I can change out the ignition switch. Any ideas?
    http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/...01bfdb21_b.jpg
    1978 XS11 Standard -- For Sale or Trade
    4 into 1 (brand?)
    Special Tank (really sucks for size)
    Special Side covers
    Winjammer 5 fairing with Vetter Hard cases


    1979 XS11 Special (has a new home elsewhere)

    1982 Yamaha XV920J Virago - My new daily rider.
    National Cycle Plexi-3
    Saddleman double bucket seat
    custom paint

  • #2
    Definitely a switch problem, but you can get to the switch without pulling the fairing....

    How? Pull the top tree; loosen the pinch bolts, remove the stem bolt, and just lift the whole tree up and back. Still be a tight squeeze, but you should be able to get to the switch to remove it.
    Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

    '78E original owner - resto project
    '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
    '82 XJ rebuild project
    '80SG restified, red SOLD
    '79F parts...
    '81H more parts...

    Other current bikes:
    '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
    '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
    '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
    Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
    Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

    Comment


    • #3
      Could try cleaning it first. Can't hurt. I always use spray silicone to clean locks.
      Nathan
      KD9ARL

      μολὼν λαβέ

      1978 XS1100E
      K&N Filter
      #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
      OEM Exhaust
      ATK Fork Brace
      LED Dash lights
      Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

      Green Monster Coils
      SS Brake Lines
      Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

      In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

      Theodore Roosevelt

      Comment


      • #4
        Seeing as how it's never given trouble before, and I only installed this switch about a month before winter started, do you think it possible that maybe moisture/condensation of some sort may have gotten in there? The garage was really damp the day I rode the bike, and probably had been for a few days or more. There was condensation on the whole bike.
        http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/...01bfdb21_b.jpg
        1978 XS11 Standard -- For Sale or Trade
        4 into 1 (brand?)
        Special Tank (really sucks for size)
        Special Side covers
        Winjammer 5 fairing with Vetter Hard cases


        1979 XS11 Special (has a new home elsewhere)

        1982 Yamaha XV920J Virago - My new daily rider.
        National Cycle Plexi-3
        Saddleman double bucket seat
        custom paint

        Comment


        • #5
          Anything is possible.
          Nathan
          KD9ARL

          μολὼν λαβέ

          1978 XS1100E
          K&N Filter
          #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
          OEM Exhaust
          ATK Fork Brace
          LED Dash lights
          Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

          Green Monster Coils
          SS Brake Lines
          Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

          In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

          Theodore Roosevelt

          Comment

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