Starter button

[singletrack]

Been having a minor issue with starting my 82 1100ES, which I believe the culprit to be the starter button. When I pull the clutch and push the button, usually nothing happens until I mash/roll my thumb over the starter button. When I first got the bike this would happen intermittently, now it seems to be getting worse. I suspect the contacts might just be oxidized. Anyone ever had this happen and if so were you able to fix it? I haven't closely inspected the switch yet to see if it can be disassembled...

 

[cowboyup3371]

I haven't but I would unscrew the two screws from the bottom, open it up, and clean things out to start. Past that, check your wiring and make sure it's not causing you problems.

 

[Agemax]

you can strip it out, clean all the contacts and refit it. check the wiring is alright and you should sort the problem out

 

[Steve]

Yep, been there, done that. In fact, I just did it again to my wife's bike before leaving on my current trip.

The switch can be disassembled, just watch for flying parts.
The button is pushed out by a spring, and the spring itself is part of the electrical circuit. Clean both ends of the spring and the copper traces on the board and the starter button that it rests on. There is also a center contact on the button which is what actually touches onto the board to complete the circuit. Might have to polish some rough edges on it.

.

 

[singletrack]

Awesome, thanks! The bikes are up for the winter so time to tend to some of these things.

You guys are a tremendous resource!

 

[Graham]

How about getting a new switch?

 

[Steve]

How about getting a new switch?

Yeah, I suppose you could do that, but it costs a LOT more money than fixing it for FREE.

.

 

[Curly]

Mine did something similar, turned out to be the starter relay. FYI.

 

[gert du prez]

same topic but a different question...
has anyone ever replaced the starter button and located it at another - invisible - location ? does that exist ? or am I dreaming ?

 

[Steve]

same topic but a different question...
has anyone ever replaced the starter button and located it at another - invisible - location ? does that exist ? or am I dreaming ?

Anything is possible.

Because all it has to do is activate the solenoid, it does not have to be a very large switch and can be "hidden" just about anywhere you want.

.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Anything is possible.

Because all it has to do is activate the solenoid, it does not have to be a very large switch and can be "hidden" just about anywhere you want.

.

My only question is why would you want to? I've had a couple of occasions where the bike died on me while driving and the first thing I did to get back running again quickly was to hit that button. Being right there at my right thumb makes it quick and you don't have to go hunting for it.

 

[gert du prez]

...and by any chance there are 'special' motorcycle replacement buttons for this purpose ? or would you dare to use whatever button is existing ?

 

[Agemax]

i have remote start on my GS, operated by a key fob. the starter button still works so i can use either

 

[gert du prez]

a picture is worth a thousands words...HINT
what manufacturer ?

 

[Agemax]

a picture is worth a thousands words...HINT
what manufacturer ?

if you are refering to my post, i made the kit myself. 2 remote solenoids, 1 for ignition on/off and 1 for the starter relay. including all parts came to about ?50. can get some pics up if you want

 

[gert du prez]

yes, thank you sir for some pics !

 

[Agemax]

yes, thank you sir for some pics !

 

[1_v8_merc]

I cleaned my starter button as well.

Pop out the 2 screws and it will split apart into 2 pieces, nothing will fly out YET.
Now the front half of the unit has the starter button on it, duh.
So just un-do 3 more tiny Phillips screws, and it comes apart!
Make sure you hold the entire thing upside down when ur undoing the screws, so the starter button is facing downward.
Cause there is a spring directly behind the starter button.

It's easy, the spring won't come flying out, but it might fall out.

Clean the spring with a tiny wire brush real quick, and the button contact nipple as-well.
And inspect any other contacts.

I'd hit it all with some contact spray and wipe it before reassembling.

I think I had to use a dab of super glue to get the spring to stay in place while reassembling. Never had any problems.


My REAL problem turned out to be the starter relay, lol.
I went to Lowes in the lawn and garden section, there's an isle where they keep lawn tractor air filters and belts,etc.
They had a starter solenoid for around $12.

It literally bolts right into out GS bikes. Works perfect, never a problem.

 

[bonanzadave]

My button broke and a GSR member made me a new one. Horn and Start buttons are the same on my bike.