Possessed bike…

OK, so it’s not possessed, I probably just messed something up…. but what?

I started the bike today (it hasn’t run in a while), and it rolled a little, as if the clutch is engaged all the time. The clutch lever moves fine, the cable moves smoothly, but I’m unable to shift gears.

I went to kill the engine, pushed the shot of switch… still running, took out the key, still running… had to disconnect the battery.

Any ideas? Aside from going through the whole electrical system with a tooth comb.


The bike is a 1982 Seca XJ650R, ran fine last year, I had to disconnect some electrical stuff when I was working on it over the winter, and obviously did not reassemble it right.

 

First I'd check the solenoid, the contacts will stick together if the voltage is low and keep the bike in crank mode.
Second, what did you disconnect?

 

It's a brand new battery that just came off of a trickle charger, but I'll check it anyway.

I've disconnected the relays, and the ignition box, but when I was reconnecting it, I followed the diagram in the owner’s manual to make sure the appropriate color wires went to the appropriate components.

After tinkering with it a little more, this is what I’ve observed so far…
-Neutral light does not come on (even when it’s in neutral)
-Clutch does not disengage (I can shift through gears with the wheel up in the air, when it’s on the center stand, but it rough).
-I tried adjusting the clutch cable, but no matter how much I tighten it, it does not respond.
-When I hit the kill switch, or remove the ignition key, they engine dies, but the starter immediately reengages and restarts the engine, I have to disconnect the battery to turn the engine off.

 

Could be a bad ignition switch. If you have a good wiring diagram, you could unplug the ignition switch, use a toggle switch from the positive contact to the ignition/accessories wire and a push button from positive to start circuit. Start and then hit the kill switch to see if that solves the problem. Just remember to turn off the toggle afterwards. If the problem remains, then you'll need to look elsewhere.
When you pull in the clutch, how far does the lever on the clutch case move?
The clutch case is the large circular case behind the motor on the right side, if you didn't know. I don't know you level of knowledge so don't get offended. :wink:

 

What's the condition of the fuse box? The originals weren't great to begin with, so you need to replace it. That could be some of your problem too.

 

My knowledge is somewhat limited, so I do appreciate detailed explanations.
I'll have to check those things out on my next day off.