Triumphrat

illusionist · 07-14-2005

Thumbing starter on my 96 sprint is occasionally met with silence - especially when engine is hot. When this happens, the starter solenoid is not switching. However, neutral light dims so there appears to be current draw. I had this happen 6 months ago and replaced solenoid - blaming that, as I only had 11v across connections. However it seems to have returned - so I doubt its solenoid. I'd guess voltage is dropping across another component in the circuit and lowering across solenoid to a point where it wont activate.
Have any of you good folk come across this before?

Its great to see so many vintage Triumph enthusiasts out there, still enjoying these bikes. I had a 93 Trident for 5 years and a Sprint for 5 years and counting. Best bikes I've ever had.

seumas · 07-14-2005

Mine started doing the same thing recently. I found that if I pull in the clutch, it'll start. So, somewhere a switch must be sticking. I just haven't taken the time to track it down yet.

andybike · 07-15-2005

i sometimes need to pull the clutch in to start my sprint too but only when i get no neutral light.

i know that its a dodgy neutral switch on mine so try that on your bike.

pendraig · 07-15-2005

I've had to pull in the clutch about 50% of the time for about a year, and have procrastinated on finding the cause. A faulty safety switch or a loose connection is what I suspect. Whoever is the first to play Sherlock with this one, let the rest of us know. :???:

pendraig · 07-15-2005

OH, The possibility has also occured to me that , by pulling in the clutch, the starter is relieved of the load of turning the gearbox shafts, and will therefore spin with less available current. I don't like the destination to which this trail of thought leads, so am keeping it on the back burner for now.