QuestionHi Mark, I've heard that the sidestand switch can also cause this, but tried disconnecting it, starting the bike up in neutral and in first and alas, she wouldn't start. also checked the fuses, and yup, they're good. so is the battery. So that leaves the connectors. got the dielectric grease today.
Interesting observation is that if ignition is set to on, and
indicator lights etc light up, and then hit 'start' then lights go
off, and when i try to repeat the procedure... ie turn off ignition
then turn it back on, then indicator lights/ headlight/ lights no
longer light up... ie, system looks as if battery were dead (which
is not!)
BUT, after waiting several hours or overnight, the lights do go on
again (which they would not do after hitting start last time) when I
set ignition to on. And so then when I press start, the whole
process repeats. This 'loop' has already happened four or five
times... exactly the same way.
So, I'm not sure which connectors do you recommend to clean and lube (learning about bikes as I go along) if you have any schematics or tech files you think might help then my email is oexluke at hotmail dot com. thanks again. Lucas
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Followup To
Question -
Hi, I was riding my bike just a bit ago and it ran great. Came home to get some stuff. When I got back on bike literally five minutes later, I went through the regular starting procedure, but when pressed start the headlights and all other electrical shut off immediately.
tried this a few times with same results. starter didn't turn over, nothing, she just shut down same way as if I had turned the key off. An hour later I tried to start her up again, but this time the headlight or indicators won't even go on.
bike is an 86, had no problems with her as far as I could tell. it has been raining earlier today, but rain hasn't caused this before.
thanks for your help in getting her running again.
Answer -
Hi Lucas,
The Radian are very reliable MC's.
I think you're experiencing water shorting due to rain water getting into an electrical connector. Same can happen with washing, too.
Try applying dielectric grease to all electrical connectors.
Separate connectors one at a time. Clean connectors and apply dielectric grease. All electrical connectors should be clean, corrosion free, and have a snug connection.
Also check battery leads at all ends. A losse battery lead may cause blown fuse like symptoms.
I would've returned tech information files, but there was no email address with your question as requested in my instructions.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
AnswerLucas,
The headlight should temporarily go out during starting. This allows maximum current for starting. If the light remains off after releasing the starter button, then a problem is present.
I recommend testing the ignition switch and starter button contacts. I suspect the problem is within one of these parts.
It may be a defective wire, too. Have to search until the problem is found.
Also test the safety switches: clutch lever sw, side stand sw, and the neutral sw. Basic continuity test to determine if they're working properly.
About applying the grease to connectors... all connectors must be clean. For best results, apply the grease to all connectors that you can find. Do one at a time. Don't smother the connectors with grease. Apply enough to coat the metal conductors.
Get a copy of the Service Manual. The manual has illustrated procedures for repairs and testing. Check on-line, eBay, Barnes & Noble, and your local library for manuals.
I'll send a few files to your email. Free email servers do not recieve these large file sizes well. Be sure your mail box has space to receive the files.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
