Winter & Starter button

[Dark Horse]

After nearly 7 years of drought conditions we finally have some real
winter weather here. Last year on January 3 I had a great ride and
filed a ride report here. It's not going to happen this year.

Just after Christmas we had one of the largest snow storms recorded
in Utah. There is still ice on the roads and piles of snow
everywhere. The last couple of nights have produced below zero temps.

It's snowing here again today. This is much needed to releive our
drought. But we will need a few more years like this to get our
water reservoirs back to normal.

XS related:
Went out to the garage to give The Dark Horse a start
and warm her up for a bit. Turned over a couple of times and tried
to start (was cold). The third try I got no response from the
starter button. Now when I push it nothing happens, not even a sound.
Battery is strong. Lights all work, etc.

I haven't had time to work on her yet. Any ideas about what has
happened?

TIA for any help.

Those that can ride, ride safe.

[John]

The first thing I would do is remove the headlight and locate the wiring connectors to the starter button. Disconnect them and bypass the switch with a jumper wire. That should get a response from the starter solenoid. If that fails to do anything, then the solenoid is suspect. If everything was working properly duing the first two cranks, then that is where I would look first You could jump it at the solenoid just to test it out. Do you have a manual? Hope this helps.

[MartyA]

You might have had minor arcing on the starter button contact point, which is now not making contact. If you have the original button, it tends to wear and crumble over the years. There are little parts there, but even I have been able to take mine apart and touch up the contact areas with some fine grit sand paper.

Also, you say strong battery, but these iron horses are notorious for stubborness when the battery is just a little weak. A strong headlight and loud horn can fool ya.

Good luck and keep warm.

Winterbound in PA

[skids]

It could be battery time.

[TonimusMaximus]

I've got a sealed cell rechargable battery in my XS. She'll turn the engine over for several minutes before it has to rest. I think I can get my hands on some if you need a cheap sealed battery.

[Dark Horse]

Thanks for your comments guys.

The battery is actually pretty new. Installed last July. I keep it charged with a 1/2 amp battery tender which I connect it to at least once a month. Battery continuity test show the battery good.

However, like you guys say, it still could be the battery. The battery I had previous to this one showed good with the battery test also. But when temperatures got hot it would shut down and go dead. Once it cooled down and was recharged it would show good again. Left me stranded twice so it got dumped and I got a new battery.

What about the sealed cell rechargables? Where do you get them? How much $$$?

[MartyA]

I think you should still look for a loose or cruddy connection or look at that button. I had problems with my button not making contact.

I buy my batteries from Battery Warehouse, mostly because it is right here in town. I paid $34 for the one in '96 and $33 for the one in the spring of '99. This latest one just saw its 4th summer. That is about all I can get out of one. I can tell when it starts to go, the headlight won't come on for a few miles, the signals don't blink for several miles, the starter button is a little stubborn making contact, the engine spins just a little slower, and all this started happening this past summer, so I am planning to buy another new one this spring.

Each fall I take the battery out and store it in the basement, and each spring I take the battery back to Battery Warehouse to get it charged. They do some sort of charging cycle up and down. Then I am good for another summer. And they don't charge me for that. I can definitely tell when the new or newly charged battery is in. The headlight is bright, the signals blink quickly.
But after about 3 years I know what to look forward to.

[jetmechmarty]

IF you need a starter button. Go to http://www.650motorcycles.com From there follow the links to MIKE'S XS. He has new starter buttons. The XS1100 uses the same button as the XS650.

[sixtysix]

Originally posted by Dark Horse
Thanks for your comments guys.

What about the sealed cell rechargables? Where do you get them? How much $$$?

Check out the tips right here at XS11.com

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8

I just bought a Westco for the Bandit http://www.westcobattery.com/ for $58.00 delivered.



The one for the XS is $74.95 with free shipping. I don't have any previous experience with them.

[sixtysix]

Starter or horn buttons? Bill K posted this as one of his favorite 'unpublished tips':

Veteran XSive, Rick Jemison, posted this information early last year.

I have researched the horn button thing a bit now and have come up with a Honda alternative.

Model: 1977 Honda 750
Part# 35317-001-310

The following are dimensional differences:

Dimension.............. Tkat Button ......... Honda Button
Total height........... 0.362" .............. 0.333"
Base to end of actuator on back
....................... 0.060" .............. 0.161"
Lip OD - holds button from the back of the housing
....................... 0.431" .............. 0.423"
Button OD
.............. 0.348" .............. 0.300"

The main dimensions would appear to be top to bottom dist and button OD. The base to end of actuator on back is "adjustable" On the Honda unit this is a 0.070" brass rod which can be filed to adjust length.

Units are plastic and mine cost $2.65 each. They are available and were in stock at Dryer Honda, Indianapolis.

If anyone sees another button that might fit the XS, please post the information.

Note: On 7/29/02 I checked the part number at Ron Ayers Motorsports. They listed it for $1.63! (BK)

[jetmechmarty]

MIKE'S XS has the correct starter/horn button assy if any one is interested. PN is 24-6525 price is $6.00 ph#352-540-9204 In my experience Mike ships PRIORITY MAIL the same day I call my order in.