i have an 82 fxwg. somewhere, there is a mercury switch (i think). the starter will only crank if the bike is leaning. i've traced all the wires and have no clue as to where it might be. is it possible for the starter solenoid to have one in it? or the ignition module? i took a few pic to see if someone can recognize something i am missing in my search. under the dash???

 

There is no mercury switch. The only mercury switch harley used was inside the 1975 alarm system (mounted on license bracket). It would trigger if the bike was moved. Check your connections to the solenoid, battery, ignition and kill switch.

 

i've checked those connections. i think someone installed a mercury switch at some point. it's very consistent. it will only start if it's leaning, like when on the kickstand (no wires to the stand and will start if the stand is up or down). i can hold the starter button standing straight and nothing, start leaning the bike and it starts.

i just got this in september. i changed the handle bars, so it's not by the button...

i cannot think of anything besides a mercury switch. i'll recheck the solenoid since i didnt remove it.

it makes no sense as to why someone would add a feature like this (except to slow down a thief, but a hidden kill-switch would make more sense) so it might be something else, but i'm at a loss

 

i had a neutral switch that was internally broken and it was wired into the start system when the bike was on the k stand it would not crank over if you stood the bike up right it would start

dont know if yours is doing that

 

is this the neutral switch?

 

can't see how that would affect starting but stranger things have happened if ther was a Mercury switch would be mounted horizontal on frame check under bike or under gas tank. Luck. Wild Bill

 

Check to see if a wire in the starter system pulls when the bike is upright and relaxes when on the stand. It my have an internal break and makes a contact when relaxed. My guess would be in the handlebar switch wires.