Motorcycle Repair: starter button, contatcs, bikebandit com

Question
i have a 1981 suzuki gs650gl anf the right handle starter switch was loose. i was told that a notch on the bottom half of the switch has to be seated in a groove on the underside of the handlebar for the button to make contact. i see the groove on the handlebar, but can't see on the switch what has to fit on it. i can tighten the switch on the handlebar where it won't move, but i have to play around with the button till it makes contact and turn over the starter. that can take anywhere from a minute to well over an hour. please help.      slindsey1@comcast.net  

Answer
Hi Stacey,

Unfasten the right hand control and look at the parts. Look for a small tang/pin/dowel on the lower part. This tang/pin/dowel fits into the hole on the handlebars.

Check the starter button electrical contacts for corrosion and other reasons it may not be making good contact. Repair or clean contacts as necessary. I've found spider webs and insects in the contatcs causing similar symptoms.

I recommend the service manual for illustrated repair procedures. See michrofiche parts views at "www.bikebandit.com" (order manuals here, too).

Visit: "www.thegsresources.com" <--- A website dedicated to the Suzuki GS series MC's.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively