Posted by Jon D. on March 19, 2003 at 04:46:11:
Sorry about the long post...please read...
Recently, I’ve been having occasional problems starting my bike. A few weeks ago, I would turn on the ignition and I didn’t get any lights on or anything. I finally figured that the battery was shorting out because I could move the battery around in the box and presto! I had power. I cleaned the battery terminals, filled the water cells, and the problem seemed to stop. I could move the battery around and no interruption in power from it. None of wires to the battery and ground look exposed or anything.
Just started riding more this season and now *twice* this week I’ve turned on the ignition, only to get the lights/horn. Hit the starter, nothing! So, the first time, I shifted the bike around and double-checked the kickstand sensor, neutral, battery connections, etc. and the baby fired up. Okay, now the second time this happened was today after work. I’m in a rush to get home and damn it if the lights all go on and the starter button does nothing! I thought I was s*!t-otta-luck for about 5 minutes.
Then I remember the advice from this forum about jump-starting the Savage (you know, pop the clutch). I’d never jumped a bike before and looked like a freak in the parking lot, running up and down. Co-workers were asking me if I’m having problems as they walk to their cars. I’m thinking they’re thinking “what a piece of junk” and all that stuff is going through my head. I’m a high school teacher and my students were having fun, watching and laughing at me. I'm a good sport, so no biggie...but I need to get on the road!
I kept trying. Second gear...pop the clutch out and in fast...and on the 6th try or so, she fired up! I felt cool again! But this time, I was a *smart* cool guy! I would get home on time. (I owe this forum for saving my neck today with that tip! I picked it up here a while back and stored it for future use.)
When I got home, it still wouldn’t start. Lights on, no juice to starter. I played with the clutch and moved the clutch lever (on the motor) and tried again and the bike started! I turned it on and off like 3 times after and it started all 3 times.
I did adjust the clutch cable 6 months ago. I looked in the Clymer manual and can’t tell if the sensor can be accidentally tripped if the cable is not adjusted properly.
Could a poorly adjusted clutch cable cause a sensor problem in that part of the loop for the starter? The clutch works fine (I rev with the clutch in and don't move forward. Clutch not slipping either). I plan on adjusting the cable again soon. Geez, do you think this could be my gremlin?