Will only start when in neutral

[msbuck]

Hey all - my 1984 R65 has just started a little problem of only starting when I have it in neutral.  It used to start with the clutch pulled in, but not any more.  We're thinking the problem is probably the clutch switch at the clutch lever.  

#4 in the RealOEM diagram here...

Just wondering if anyone out there has had this problem and can confirm our diagnosis before I spend my money.  Thanks!

[Bob_Roller]

Follow the wires down the handle bar, until you find the connector .
Separate the connector, on the bike side of the connector, place a wire between the two terminals in the connector, then check to see if it cures the problem  

[nhmaf]

+1 with Bob's suggestion first.  There is a diode between the clutch switch and the neutral light/neutral switch connection, but I cannot imagine how that could fail in a way to cause this problem, unless your neutral light goes on/off when you squeeze the clutch lever/let it out.  Otherwise, it would appear to be the switch and/or the connector wiring (might be corroded/broken wire, etc instead of broken switch).  If you have a multimeter when you have the connector apart you could also put the multimeter test leads on the connector pins going to the clutch lever, put the multimeter in "Ohms" mode and see of it goes to "0" (or very low number) when you squeeze the clutch lever in).  This would tell you without having to take the clutch lever assembly off.

[suecanada]

I always find these suggestions so useful...if i can just remember them when I am on the road and something happens. Sure be nice to have Bill and Mike along as my "McGyvers"!!!  I would feel sooooo secure!!!

So how goes the testing, Graham and Aïda???

[NC Steve]

I have the reverse problem, in that the bike will start with the clutch lever in, but not in neutral. Neutral light also appears burned out.
My previous '84 would start either way, which was handy.

Could I be looking at a similar fix?  :-?

[msbuck]

Well, we haven't gotten back to it just yet.  But, will let you know how the testing goes.  I'm gonna look for and clean up all the electrical connections first and see if that helps as well as the testing.  I'm crossing my fingers that a good clean-up will do the trick.  

Steve,  I would think you're problem would more likely be the neutral indicator switch under the transmission - the clutch lever switch tells the relay that the clutch is pulled in and ok to start (from what I understand).  The neutral light could be not working because of the indicator switch - or you could have a burned out bulb.  I'm not sure if a burned out bulb in itself would keep the bike from starting.  :-/

[nhmaf]

I suspect that Steve's problem is either a broken switch at the bottom of the transmission, or the wiring connections to said switch have been broken or one of the spade terminals on the switch is broken off.   It lives in a somewhat rough environment, and the wires follow tight along the left frame tube and sneak under the transmission just in front of the left footpeg.  Both the clutch switch and the neutral switch will "ground" the pin on the starter relay.

[Bob_Roller]

I have the reverse problem, in that the bike will start with the clutch lever in, but not in neutral. Neutral light also appears burned out.
My previous '84 would start either way, which was handy.

Could I be looking at a similar fix?  :-?

Steve, there's a two wire connector in the area of the left side cover, separate the connector the two pins should be orientated 90 degrees to each other, place a wire on one of the metal pins, with the key in the on position, when you touch the other end of the wire to a ground (transmission case) either the neutral light will come on, or the low oil pressure light will come on .

That will check the wiring and bulb , if you have a multimeter, put one lead on the metal pin in the connector, the other lead to ground if the switch is working, you should get continuity, or low ohms, less than 1 ohm .

[msbuck]

Finally got around to checking out the starting issue.  Found the connector, disconnected it and jumped it with a wire - starter engaged!  So we just cleaned up the connection - fingers crossed - hoping that might be the problem.  VIOLA!  It works!!  

I just love a quick cheap fix!!  8-)

[Semper Gumby]

NCSTEVE.  Check for a broken ground on the LH side near the shift lever.  If it is out then the neutral light will not work and the motor will not start without the clutch lever pulled in.

The ground is a brown wire with a ring connector on the end.  On my bike it is connected to ground on the allen head bolt that connects the tranny to the motor on the LH side in front of the shifter.

Good luck.

Good job Aïda.    

[NC Steve]

Thanks a lot to everyone for all the good advice, and sorry if I hijacked your thread, Aida.   This board is always such a great source of info, offered up by some of the finest folks anywhere.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Last weekend I was able to get a multimeter on the connector behind the left side cover, and after several tests in which we were able to light either the oil or neutral lights (not burned out after all), and start the bike without the clutch lever in, determined the problem must be at the neutral switch. All the wires and connections between the connector and switch appear intact, as do those at the switch under the tranny, so we deduced the problem must be in the switch itself. Although, Semper's new idea of checking the ground near the shifter needs to be done too. Thanks for that!

But, I guess the decision may be whether to spend the $$ and time replacing the switch, or just live with it as I've done so far, and as SCJJ did for several years before me. If I choose the latter, no harm could come from leaving things as they are, could there? And while I'm being all needy, don't suppose anyone has the BMW part # do they, so I can price one of the switches? Not exactly sure of which component this part would be considered.

[darrylri]

When your clutch switch gives up, you won't be able to start at all until you do what Aïda did -- jumper the connector on the left side under the tank.  However, if you discover that the clutch switch has given up when you have stalled in traffic, you may not be too happy about it.

I would buy the switch and then find an Airhead Tech Day to attend.  You'll find lots of helpful people to help you get it done.

[msbuck]

Well, darn!    I sure thought it was fixed...  Went out for a spin today and stalled the bike as I was doing a turn around.  Went to quickly restart the bike and ... nothing...luckily I was on a hill, so I pulled in the clutch, rolled a bit and bump started it.  

We checked it out when we got back home and it had quit working again.  So I found the connector and again and made sure it was snug.  No difference...Graham wiggled the wire at the handle bar switch and vroom...it started.  Hmmmm... so hopefully, the connector at the handlebar was not snug and it'll be fine from here on out.  :-/