Weird Problem; No Reaction from Starter Button

[FALSTEN]

During my ride in the Deal's Gap area, I had a strange problem with the Sprint. As I recall, I put the kickstand down with the motor running and it shut off. I got off for about 10 minutes, and left the lights on without thinking (key was in the "run" position). I noticed it and shut it off. A few minutes later I got on the bike, retracted the kickstand and turned the key on, but when I hit the starter, nothing would happen. I did notice the odometer LCD was blinking a bit when I was trying it. Both me and another guy juggled the kickstand switch around, checked the run switch and key, but still nothing. However, with a couple of folks assistance, we push started it without too much trouble. After that, the bike started with no problem for the rest of the week. The battery checked at about 13.6 v as I recall.

Any ideas on what could have caused this, or anyone had similar issues?

[Beach]

Interesting problem you describe Falsten.

It definately sounds electrical.

Did the engine management light come on at all?

I had a similar gremlin on my '99 ST. The wiring harnesses from the switch blocks on both 'bars are prone to collecting moisture. At various points there are crimps that will corrode and eventually break, but maintain intermittent contact so the bike will start sometimes. You need to cut away the outer sheath to get to into the harness. I soldered mine and covered them with heatshrink.

The fact that you had your odometer blinking suggests a fault somewhere, possible battery connection. At this point its the old "trace the wiring everywhere, checking every contact point and crimp".

Good luck
Hope you get it sorted soon
Brett.

[unummyu]

As Beach said, I too would check the battery connections.
My brother in law had a similar problem with his Legend last weekend. We stopped for breakfast and when he got on the bike and tried to start it later...nothing. We took the battery out (without disconnecting it) and stuck it back in the holder and it started right away. The terminals were tight and weren't corroded. He hasn't had a problem since. Since that is the only thing we disturbed I guess it was either the battery connection or the other end of the cables are not tight and he has been lucky since.

[DrHouse]

Same thing happened on my 01' RS. Turns out it won't kick over unless you have the clutch pulled in, even if it is in neutral and the stand up. Boy did I feel like an ass after pitching a ***** about a "dead battery"!

If the bike is in gear, it won't start... make sure you're in Neutral!

[SprintST]

On 2006-07-02 12:12, SprintNoob wrote:
If the bike is in gear, it won't start... make sure you're in Neutral!

I don't know about the 05 and later, but the previous generation Sprints will start when in gear. But you do have to have the clutch pulled in. If the sidestand is still down, it will die as soon as the clutch is let out. Preventing you from taking off with the sidestand down. I tested this feature once in a QuickTrip parking lot, about 3 times before my sleep deprived brain registered what was happening.