GN won't turn over, seems dead.

[Lucy]

Planned to go for a tootle down the River road today, got my 2006 GN out of the shed where it's been for a couple or three weeks since getting it's brand new tyres and speedo drive, and the blardy thing won't start. No reaction at all to the button press. It's not the kill switch, the headlight seems bright and the horn is loud, we couldn't even crash start it there is just no life at all. The neutral and gear indicator lights are going.

Any ideas anyone? It's never had a problem starting before, even after sitting for longer periods than this. The only thing different is I've had both wheels off whilst changing tyres and speedo.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Zoolander]

Maybe a problem with the side-stand cut out switch?

[FROSTY:Me]

Dirty contacts on the starter button.Blown fuse in the starter solenoid.
--Trace the thick red wire from the battery and itll go to the starter solenoid. On the top is a fuse
Check the main fuse too just in case

[FROSTY:Me]

Um have ya checked the clutch cutout switch

[Lucy]

Ok thanks, (no side stand cut out switch Zoolander). Might have to download the workshop manual overnight...

[Lucy]

Um have ya checked the clutch cutout switch

I don't even know what that is?

[FROSTY:Me]

look at the clutch lever -where it joins to the perch theres a little button/switch that stops the bike being started with the clutch out

[Lucy]

look at the clutch lever -where it joins to the perch theres a little button/switch that stops the bike being started with the clutch out

Well the only fuse that I could find is ok, but I couldn't see more without taking the seat off, which may have to wait until a fine day. Couldnt see any button/switch anywhere on or near the clutch.

[FROSTY:Me]

Try this --trace the red wire from the battery to starter solenoid.theres two bolts with nuts on em sticking up-
Turn the bike on then bridge the two posts with a screwdriver.--bike will turn over and should start

[Steam]

Ooh, that's a good trick Frosty. I wish I'd known that one when I had the same problem.

Couldnt see any button/switch anywhere on or near the clutch.

It's not a button, it's a switch on the underside of the handlebar, near the base of the clutch lever, so when you pull the clutch lever it switches the switch to let the starter motor go. This is so you don't accidentally start the bike while it's in gear.
Sometimes it can jam up or gets full of gunk or corrodes, and gets stuck, and it stops the starter from working.
Have another look, it's be on the underside of the handle bar where the clutch cable goes into the clutch lever. Poke the switch to see if it's moving freely, see if any wires have come loose.

Was that clear? My head is full of sand and mist today.

[Lucy]

Ok, I've googled a pic so I know what the starter solenoid looks like, and I'm going for another look at the bike to see if i can find it, and the clutch switch. Really appreciate all this guys. cheers.

[FROSTY:Me]

Ok, I've googled a pic so I know what the starter solenoid looks like, and I'm going for another look at the bike to see if i can find it, and the clutch switch. Really appreciate all this guys. cheers.

if ya know what it looks like--you'll see a fuse on the side of it -thats a candidate for blown

[Lucy]

Try this --trace the red wire from the battery to starter solenoid.theres two bolts with nuts on em sticking up-
Turn the bike on then bridge the two posts with a screwdriver.--bike will turn over and should start

Yes! Took me ages, had never taken the seat off before. The starter solenoid had rubber caps over the bolts too so was in disguise, but luckily Mr Lucy came home just in time and boldly declared that he was sure it would be that, so I joined the two bolts with a metal spanner and the bike started. Just as predicted. Thanks frosty!

Unfortunately the solenoid looks to be a sealed unit so I guess I need a new one.

Thanks a lot - much happier now.

[Lucy]

if ya know what it looks like--you'll see a fuse on the side of it -thats a candidate for blown

Ooh, I'll go back and check the fuse, that would make a VERY happy ending.

Edit: Nope, no fuse to be seen anywhere on the solenoid or even close to it. Never mind, at least I know I can hotwire it!

[Lucy]

Full credit to Bikebusters on trademe. Got a solenoid that looks exactly like my old one for $25 plus postage. Now the bike goes yay! And with the new tyres and a speedo that works I just went for a ride on tarmac and gravel and am very happy!