I am having a problem with getting my bike to start... I can turn my key to the first stage and the speedo light comes on and you can hear my fuel pump make a noise, then when I turn the key to start the bike the light goes off on my speedo and nothing happens. Sometime I can turn the key all the way on and the head lights will come on and the horn will work, but other times nothing will work... The weird thing is that I had cranked the bike the other day and ran it for a good while, then the next day I went to get on it and it is doing all of this stuff... What could be my problem? I have checked the wires to the battery and all are connected tight and good..

Thanks for the help

 

First off, a 2001 should not have a fuel pump unless it has been converted to fuel injection so that sound is a little curious. Second, it sounds like the problem is in the ignition system itself. You'll need a service manual to determine all the correct electrical tests, but it sounds like it's in the ignition module since the key seems to work/not work at different times. My advice, take some time and work electrical diagnostics all the way through. It's the only way to be sure what is wrong.

 

Sounds like the ign switch is bad, not uncommon, or wires loose on it. And he's right, no pump. The speedo makes a little buzz while making its sweep when you turn the key on, but it is very quiet.

 

Sounds like a bad key switch to me.

 

Also, as that's three of us for the key switch being bad, be sure to take it in to the dealer for a diagnostic test to ensure that's what it is before you replace it. They have some proprietary tools they use to make sure it is in fact broken. It will likely be cheaper than putting a new one in if it isn't really broken.

 

Thanks yall. I will get on this and check to see if that is the problem...

 

Did you check all four connections, (as in the two connections of the wires to the frame & starter)? Also, did you check the solder connections on both wires to make sure that one hasn't broken loose giving you the electrical gremlin? I've had my solder connection break on the ground giving me a similar issue.....All connections were tight, but I found it by wiggling the actual wire and found the wire was able to slip out of the bolted connection.

 

I will surely have to check everything out, it was 30 degrees here today and I dont have a heated shop so I will have to check it out when it warms up a little