have to move the clutch handle back and forth to get starter to kick in

[Guest]

I have an 83 gs750e. To start the bike i have to hold the starter button down, move the clutch back and forth until something connects and it starts right up. Any ideas what might be the bad connection?

Thanks

[dorkburger]

Look under the clutch perch. There should be a small contact switch with 2 wires there. The screws can be loosened and the switch adjusted. It's also likely dirty and in need of cleaning. Easy to open up and clean, just keep a bag or something under it during disasembly to catch the tiny parts that may fall.
Or you can bypass the switch as many do.

[JTGS850GL]

The switch contact connects to the harness in the headlight bucket. You can just short out the two wires and bypass the entire clutch lever safety switch. In most cases, all you need to do is clean the contacts and adjust its position.

[chuck hahn]

To be more specific..loosen the two screws just a little and use a thin screw driver to slide the brown waffle board. Moving it toward the steering head should make the switch engage easier and toward the bars end will make it engage less. Or , as was mentioned, eliminate it by unplugging the wires inside the headlight bucket. Once the lead from the switch is unplugged just plug the ends from the main wire harness together and remove the switch from the lever.

[rushton75]

Thanks worked great