[TucsonBill]

We've discussed the interesting starting characteristics of Tigers. It seems 99's, especially, don't always start when you do the clutch-start button in that order. We discussed the neutral switch, the clutch switch, and various relays. Well......this last weekend the ol' Tiger was not even starting when I did the button-button-clutch exercise. I messed with the key and then it fired. I got out the electrical contact cleaner and gave the ignition switch a good shot in the keyhole. This is a solvent kind of cleaner, not the freon kind. I flooded it good and exercised the key. Then I did it again. It made a HUGE difference. I think sitting up there with your keyhole to the sky can only attract nasty bits that would compromise the contacts in the switch. Give it a try if it's acting like Lucas, the Prince of Darkness, is messing with your motorcycle!

 

[tyrebyter]

Good call. My BMW K75S went through three ignition switches in 50k miles. Then I just installed a toggle switch in its place (hoping someone would steal it). No luck on luring a hapless thief. Even criminals are too smart to take a BMW.

 

[Jonny955]

After washing my bike, I always squirt a tiny amount of WD40 into the ignition switch (and the other keyed locks).

Never had an issue in 23 years of riding.

Jon

 

[Skidpan]

I had the same gremlin crawl into the ignition barrel on a Daytona a bit back, which would cause either poor starting or a misfire, depending on the day of the week. After a squirt with WD, it was ok for quite a while. Then it started playing up again, the WD didn't help this time. But, believe it or not, a newly cut key fixed it. Go figure...

 

[tyrebyter]

Can't argure with success but might take note that WD40 does not displace moisture and also has a tendency to varnish since it is mostly kerosene.

 

[HeyMan]

I thought wd 40 did displace moisture? That's what the WD stands for is, Water Displacement formula 40. I have heard many times of it gumming up though.

 

[marauder2]

i cured mine by opening up the switch part on the handlebars and spraying lots of maplins contact cleaner inside and working it in with an old toothbrush,i found WD40 had varnished the contacts in the push button.

 

[fenderbender]

I've posted on the topic of the dodgy starting of my '99 before. I'm just wondering whether this thread...

http://www.triumph-tiger.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2981&sid=6fba31ecd93ffeead966ca170b326ee5

...has any bearing on the problems we have all been experiencing. Could it be a dry solder joint or something similar in the ignition barrel, rather than problems with the clutch switch or starter button? It may explain why squirting contact cleaner into the barrel has an effect.