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    Starter button

    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...

    #2
    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.
    Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

    1981 GS550T - My First
    1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
    2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

    Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
    Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
    and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

    Comment


      #3
      you can strip it out, clean all the contacts and refit it. check the wiring is alright and you should sort the problem out
      1978 GS1085.

      Just remember, an opinion without 3.14 is just an onion!

      Comment


        #4
        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.

        .
        sigpic
        mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
        hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
        #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
        #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
        Family Portrait
        Siblings and Spouses
        Mom's first ride
        Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
        (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

        Comment


          #5
          Awesome, thanks! The bikes are up for the winter so time to tend to some of these things.

          You guys are a tremendous resource!

          Comment


            #6
            How about getting a new switch?

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by Graham View Post
              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.

              .
              sigpic
              mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
              hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
              #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
              #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
              Family Portrait
              Siblings and Spouses
              Mom's first ride
              Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
              (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

              Comment


                #8
                Mine did something similar, turned out to be the starter relay. FYI.

                Comment


                  #9
                  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 ?

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by gert du prez View Post
                    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.

                    .
                    sigpic
                    mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
                    hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
                    #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
                    #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
                    Family Portrait
                    Siblings and Spouses
                    Mom's first ride
                    Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
                    (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by Steve View Post
                      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.
                      Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

                      1981 GS550T - My First
                      1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
                      2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

                      Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
                      Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
                      and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                      Comment


                        #12
                        ...and by any chance there are 'special' motorcycle replacement buttons for this purpose ? or would you dare to use whatever button is existing ?

                        Comment


                          #13
                          i have remote start on my GS, operated by a key fob. the starter button still works so i can use either
                          1978 GS1085.

                          Just remember, an opinion without 3.14 is just an onion!

                          Comment


                            #14
                            a picture is worth a thousands words...HINT
                            what manufacturer ?

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by gert du prez View Post
                              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
                              1978 GS1085.

                              Just remember, an opinion without 3.14 is just an onion!

                              Comment

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