All of a sudden, bike won't start.

you can start the bike with the sidestand down.

the switch causes the motor to shut off if put into gear.

my bike will start if in gear and the stand up. scares the crap out of me, lol.

bypass is just simply causing the bike to think the stand is in the up position

 

We seem to be jumping all-about on this. I would suggest that a more concentrated effort be made to determine if we have spark at the plugs. If not then determine is there voltage to the coil and so on and so on. This needs to be addressed logically and with purpose. All of the points brought up are valid, however right now the suggestions are in at random, we need to focus and go step by step.

If there is spark at the plug wire but not at the plug - replace the plug. If there is no spark at the plug wire - trace back.

 

I will buying some new plugs by the end of the weekend I hope. I'll give the new ones a shot and see how they fare.

Though until it was mentioned i didn't know i could pull the cap off of the plug wire, so I will try and pull that off and see if spark comes.. Should i put that wire end into the spark plug hole or is that a bad idea?

 

Screaming, Don't pull the cap off the plug wire!! Think of it as one piece for now. We want to see if the spark is available at the spark plug. Just insert a screwdriver carefully into the cap so you don't damage the cap where it grips the plug. Crank the engine and see if spark jumps from the screwdriver to the head when held about 1/4 inch away.

 

also the plug cap should not be pulled off. it twists off like a screw.

yes wire in the hole is a bad idea.

 

Okay, new plugs are in but still no spark. The PO (my friend) said that the coils should be fine as he had them tested, but he will be over tomorrow night possibly to help me troubleshoot it. Anything else I should check for?

 

Check the battery voltage while the starter is cranking. It should be above 9.5 volts. Low battery voltage can cause this symptom. If its low try boosting from a car battery (car not running) and see if it sparks. I know you said the battery is not that old, but new doesn't mean good. It may have sat on a shelf with electrolyte already in it for months. If that is the case it could be partially sulphated. It can also be a defective battery.

Any electrical issue requires that the power source (the battery) is confirmed as being serviceable. If its not you are wasting time.

 

Its amazing how a maginal battery can cause so many headaches. I just tryed to start my 650. It at almost started but the battery was low. So I hooked up my jump box and it started right up.

MN

 

Just an update, I will try jumping it with some cables soon hopefully, but the bike isn't getting any spark. It was turning over, that is until i ran inside to check something and forgot the dang key on so now the battery is dead again.. *sigh*