Neutral switch or Kickstand switch?

Hey guys!

So I recently went to go for a ride and when I hit the start button nothing happened. In order to get it started I had to jump the starter solenoid. It runs fine when I do that, just kind of embarrassing and inconvenient. I was told the 2 likely sources could be either the kickstand switch or the neutral switch. Problem is, I have no clue where either of these are located or what they look like. Furthermore, even if I did k ow what and where they were I wouldn't know what to do next. Multimeter work I'm guessing?? Is there a way to eliminate one or both of the switches as the source of the problem without using a multimeter? For example, the neutral indicator does come on and function normally when starting and riding the bike. Would this indicate the neutral switch isn't the problem?

Any help identifying, locating and testing for the source of the problem would be much appreciated.

Couple things to note: I'm still a newbie! I don't have a service manual. My ride is an 81' xj650, not the midnight or turbo model. Not sure if it's connected or not, but my turn signals recently stopped working as well. I have tested and none of the bulbs are burned out and the fuse is good. I'm stumped!

Thanks for your help!

 

The sidestand switch is located...wait for it......on the sidestand. They tend to get dirty and stick. You will see a rubber accordian-shaped cover on the switch. Peel it away from teh switch ans spray the switch with contact cleaner as you press and release the switch by hand.
Unless you are not seeing the neutral light light up when the bike is in neutral then the neutral switch is working.

The turn signals: the turn signal relay is under the fuel tank. It is a rectangualar plastic box. The cover can be popped off and the internals cleaned. It is common for the contacts to get rusty from lack of use.

 

Great info! Thanks a ton for the reply. Quick question: I used to be able to start the bike in neutral when the kickstand was down. If that was the case, the switch should have been depressed when it started in the past. Would knowing that bit of information possibly eliminate the kickstand switch/sensor as the potential problem? If so, I guess it really could simply be that the starter switch is bad? Is there a way to test and verify that the starter switch (on the handlebar, not the actual starter) is the culprit? Could it be anything else?

 

The bike will start in neutral regardless of the kickstand position.

You have three safety switches.

Clutch, neutral, and kickstand

The bike will start in neutral regardless of the condition of the other two switches.

The bike will not start in gear with the kickstand down.

The bike will not start in gear with the clutch released.

If the bike is started in neutral, and put into gear, and the clutch is released with the kickstand down, power to the ignition circuit will be cut.

The starter switch connects the two small posts of the starter solenoid. You can remove the terminials from the solenoid and check for continuity with the switch pressed.


Here's what I think: Your sidestand switch is dirty.

 

Thanks K-Moe! I'll check the sidestand switch tomorrow and let you know if that was the problem. If not I'll try the continuity test with the starter as you described. Thanks again for all your help!

 

here is a wiring diagram for you
http://members.tripod.com/dave_jack/wiringdiag/d7a.jpg
http://members.tripod.com/dave_jack/wiringdiag/d7b.jpg
http://xjdiagrams.thundervalleypower.com/wiringdiag/d8.jpg

 

No accordian-shaped switch under the kickstand that I can find...

 

the switch on ebay follow link to see what you are looking for
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...h.TRS1&_nkw=xj+650+side+stand+switch&_sacat=0

it could have been removed and jumpered together to bypass
the rubber boot may be missing.
seca or maxim?

 

Wrong bolt in side stand it will tear itself apart in time.

 

81 version of the XJ650 was not equipped with a side stand safety.

This "how to" includes a side stand safety, but is still a good link to check out the starter switch and starter solenoid.

http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/how-to-test-your-starter-circuit.7828/

 

^^^ true dat.
My 1981 XJ650 Maxim (as noted in my signature) does NOT have a side stand switch either.

 

It's a 1981 maxim xj650

 

Hey I have an 81 xj650 maxim, and I'm super excited to know why I could never find my side stand switch.