1985 XJ 700 only starts in random positions..

Ive got an '85 XJ 700 that I just got a few months ago. The guy I bought it from told me that sometimes you have to turn the forks a certain way to get it to start, otherwise when you push the start button, nothing happens.

For a month or so, I had no problems whatsoever with this, and had pushed the "problem" from my head. Just the other week, however, I went to start it, and sure enough, nothing happened. I fiddled around with it for about 10-15 minutes, turning the forks from left to right, and holding the clutch in at different intervals until finally, randomly, it started up with the clutch halfway in and the forks all the way to the right.

Since then, 80% of the time this will be needed to start it. Every time it starts, I find that the forks are in a completely different position. I.E, there is no rhyme or reason to how to get it to start; it becomes a crapshoot of just sitting there like an idiot turning the handlebars and squeezing the clutch in different positions until it starts. Has anyone out there had this problem? If so, how do I fix it? It is very annoying and potentially dangerous.

I should note that until this problem came about, I did not need to hold the clutch in at all to start it. Don't know if all maxims are like that, or if it's just mine (and potentially part of the problem). Most bikes I've seen require the clutch to be engaged.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Paul

 

There are MULTIPLE wires that go through that area and are critical to starting.
I would suspect the wiring harness where is goes past the head tube and into the back of the headlight may be frayed.
If you haven't been into the headlight yet, you are in for a treat!....those wires are STUFFED inside there and there is a lot of opportunity for a loose connection. They are color coded and have unique connectors so it's almost impossible to put them together wrong. I'd go through them all, clean them and make sure they are tight.

Normally, the bike WILL start without pulling in the clutch but it needs to be in Neutral.
You also have a low oil sensor that will lock out the starter if a wire is disconnected BUT the "oil" light should come on then.

 

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... vious.html

If I may jump to a conclusion - - I would trace the start button wire first.
Here's the full "level 3" diagnostic instructions, hope it helps !!

 

@ Desinger_Mike - when I push the start button and nothing happens, the red oil light does come on, and the headlight and RIGHT marker light/turn signal only shut off (the left one stays on) for as long as the starter button is depressed.

I figured this was due to some crossed wires/bad connection somewhere, but does the fact that the oil light is coming on mean that the oil sensor wiring is most likely the cause of it not starting? I haven't had a chance to really take anything apart yet, so I couldn't say for sure if anything is frayed/disconnected

 

Same place I'd start.

 

Use a Test Light and test the RED Wire with WHITE Tracer at the Solenoid.

It should Test ON and Off for +12V when the Switch is depressed.

If the Switch Tests OK, ... Intermittent Starting is often caused by Dust Buildup on the Starter's Commutator.

Douche the Starter's Electrical-end out with Electrical Cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol.
You need a Spray Bottle that shoots a strong stream to shoot the Brushes and the Commutator.