Starter Problems

[Stilter]

1. I have just aquired this bike. The previous owner said it ran fine last season but it won't run this season.
2. He (P.O.) said he cleaned the carbs and "paid a guy to sync them".
3. The starter (and horn) buttons are missing and the P.O. had a small metal piece taped into position on the spring to act as the starter button.

When trying to start it, the "button" would work a couple of times then not. After waiting a while it would work again.

I put on my "shouldn't do it" hat and used a screw driver to make contact were the button should be to energize the starter.

Same problem. Starter worked a few times then not. Wait a few minutes then worked again.

I'm sure I need to go through the carbs again, but this starter button thing puzzles me.

I'll ask more Qs about other problems later.

Thanx

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Stilter,

Not sure if your post got lost amongst the others, there were quite a few today!? Okay, the Starter button is ONLY a ground, it finishes the switching circuit that trips the starter relay, so there's not much power going thru it! You can get replacement buttons from several sources, both starter and horn from Partsnmore, about $6.00 ea!

With these old bikes, it is highly recommended that you pull the connectors and clean ALL CONTACTS, check the FUSEBLOCK, the holders breakdown, fuses go bad. ALso pull all heavy cables from starting circuit and clean all posts, battery posts, and check the battery to frame ground contact AND the engine to frame ground strap on back of engine just in front of the battery!

You can put that "I shouldn't do this hat" on and take a screwdriver and jump the starter relay posts, and if the starter keeps turning and starts, then the contacts inside the relay may be corroded, can be taken apart and cleaned! This should get you started. Check the Tech tips, lots of good info there, like what to look for in a neglected XS11, I think that topic is in the MISC section! Welcome and you will be enjoying that XS11 in NO TIME!

[Stilter]

Thanx TopCat. Considering all the apparent problems with this bike, I think I will start with the electrical system (including replacing the fuse block), then cleaning the carbs and rebuilding the petcocks. It's a project, but the price was right - "free to good home". I know - "free always cost something".

[crunchbird]

Agreed, in the end you'll fix everything, but your immediate starter problem just sounds like an old battery. Exact symptoms. Check the water level, and try jumping from a good car battery.