1985 xj700 ignition switch

Hey I recently dropped my bike 85 xj700 and now the when i put the key into the ignition and turn the key to on, It does not turn anything on unless i wiggle the key. Or if i turn the key slightly back it turns everything on. Any suggestions on this subject? Also when i turn her on and rev it up she sometimes turns off. Thank you

 

xjrida700,

Are you alright? Explain to the members in what way you dropped your bike so we can better understand what might be happening. Right Side? Left Side? How much damage? Let us know.

Gary

Edit 2/10/13: Glad you're ok.

Gary

 

yes, i am ok. I locked my rear brakes, slid, and she landed on the right side after the rain. I bent my handlebars, dented the tank, and everything else besides the ignition key hole is good. The only problem i seem to have now so i can test ride is the ignition key hole is not lining up with the ON position. It is slightly before the line when all the lights and everything turn on and seem to be normal. Also, I am curious to know what is the other wires coming from the clutch lever is for. Not the clutch cable but there is also seems too be like a sensor of some sort on the inside of the lever.

 

I can't tell if the problem is only at the switch or something else got messed up. Check your connectors behind the head light. You can always service the switch following Len's wisdom:

http://www.xj4ever.com/clean%20and%20lu ... switch.pdf

good luck.

 

The 700 is slightly different than the 650/750 in the key-switch aspect.....

On the 700, the back of the key switch has a boss where a bolt attaches. That bolt mounts into the back of the keyswitch through the hole and grommet in the back of the headlight bucket. It anchors that back of the bucket to the back of the keyswitch. It is very possible that if you jarred the headlight bucket, you may have also jarred or mis-aligned the back part of the switch. In doing so, you may have also pulled the switch wires a bit, as they come out from under a small plate held on by two screws. You may have to remove the switch, dis-assemble, and straighten things back out. This is do-able, these switches are not complicated, and you can totally dis-assemble and re-assemble them yourself. I've taken several apart to clean, and they work SO nice when they are cleaned and lubricated, so do that while you're at it, if you're so inclined to tear into it.

Dave F

 

ok thank you dave i have already disassembled the headlight bucket and noticed a black wire that was unplugged. I will do more digging into it tomorrow. I will come back with more details thanks.

 

Glad to see you're OK.

The wires coming from the clutch lever are for a safety switch. It works in combination with the side stand switch system, and when working properly, will keep you from starting it when in gear.

Tony

 

Yea... there is that safety switch on the clutch.... if that's not seated and/or working properly, you are gonna have problems.

 

hey, i believe that the clutch safety switch is not seated properly. I have not figured out how to take it out and reseat it yet.

 

There's a small hole on the bottom side of the clutch lever mount. Straighten out a paper clip and use that to depress the tab (through the small hole) on the switch. The tabs do break off easily, so be careful. If the tab is broken, you're probably looking at replacing the switch.

Tony

 

Thank you it was the ignition switch that broke from the screw on the back.

 

There are two tabs, only one does the "latching." If one gets broken you can simply flip the switch over and let it latch with the other tab.

Re: clutch switches: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=30354.html

 

Yes it was the plastic part where the screws bolt up to. Too hold it done broke off. Is there anyway to jus buy the plastic part or super glue togeter if possible or do i have too replace the whole unit

 

The entire switch is a couple of bucks. hit up Len (username Chacal) or click on the 'click here for catalog' in the top right corner....