GL1800 will not start in gear, with clutch pulled in.

[yooteeayud]

My 08 Goldwing GL1800 (2011 Roadsmith Trike Kit) will not start in anything other than Neutral. The operators manual states that the engine can be started in Neutral, or in gear, when pulling in the clutch. I have located the (already immobilized) side stand switch, and have verified it to be functioning, as intended. I can reposition the inner switch ring and get the "S" light to come on (showing that the side stand is in the down position), then move it back to its original immobilized position and the "S" light goes out (as indicated when the side stand is in the retracted and upright position). I can ONLY start the wing in Neutral. I get nothing when I attempt to start the engine in any gear, with the clutch pulled in. If I 'kill' the engine at a traffic light, I have to hurry up and try to find Neutral in order to start the engine. It has happened a couple of times, and it's rather embarrassing to be holding up traffic while I hunt for the Neutral light to come on. I have checked ALL the fuses...all are okay. Any thoughts on where the problem may lie, and what I should try next???

[eastkytriker]

My 08 Goldwing GL1800 (2011 Roadsmith Trike Kit) will not start in anything other than Neutral. The operators manual states that the engine can be started in Neutral, or in gear, when pulling in the clutch. I have located the (already immobilized) side stand switch, and have verified it to be functioning, as intended. I can reposition the inner switch ring and get the "S" light to come on (showing that the side stand is in the down position), then move it back to its original immobilized position and the "S" light goes out (as indicated when the side stand is in the retracted and upright position). I can ONLY start the wing in Neutral. I get nothing when I attempt to start the engine in any gear, with the clutch pulled in. If I 'kill' the engine at a traffic light, I have to hurry up and try to find Neutral in order to start the engine. It has happened a couple of times, and it's rather embarrassing to be holding up traffic while I hunt for the Neutral light to come on. I have checked ALL the fuses...all are okay. Any thoughts on where the problem may lie, and what I should try next???

Check the micro switch on the clutch lever, it has to make the switch before it will start when in gear, Prob just corroded and needs a little silicone spray

[yooteeayud]

Check the micro switch on the clutch lever, it has to make the switch before it will start when in gear, Prob just corroded and needs a little silicone spray

Well now, my new "best friend"... You hit the nail dead square on the head! I went out to the garage and disassembled the clutch assembly, silicone sprayed both switches (the clutch Start and the Cruise switches), put it all back together and Voile! It works like a champ! Thanks for the fast reply and spot-on instructions! YouDaMan!

Ed

[eastkytriker]

Well now, my new "best friend"... You hit the nail dead square on the head! I went out to the garage and disassembled the clutch assembly, silicone sprayed both switches (the clutch Start and the Cruise switches), put it all back together and Voile! It works like a champ! Thanks for the fast reply and spot-on instructions! YouDaMan!

Ed

Glad everything is good again, That was just one of them "been there done that things" But that's whats good about this place if you ask someone will have an answer.

[yooteeayud]

I concur...Folks on here ARE the Best! I'm thankful that I found the Forum!

[DocGrizzly]

THANKS for the info. I have been having the same issue and now know how to handle it. Yall have a great day!

[John Luciano]

Tip on clutch
it is very touchy.
If you replace the grips or clutch levers you may run into the same problem. I put on the padded grips and chrome levers. The bumps on the grips have to be positioned so the lever goes in between the bumps when pulled in.

[Lucky]

WOW! Developed the same problem WED. What a PLACE WE HAVE

[Art]

THANKS for the info. I have been having the same issue and now know how to handle it. Yall have a great day!

Thanks for the information, i had the same issue on my 2008. I thought that was just the way it was supposed to work. Since i also have aftermarket grips i thought i would see if that was the problem. Yep! problem solved thanks to you guys. Great information here.
Art

[RTwing]

On a somewhat related issue, if cruise will not engage or kicks off when you hit a bump it could be the brass pivot bushing is worn out. This is the brass thing the clutch master cylinder drive rod fits into. Mine wore out at 130k so I spun up a new one on my lathe and bingo works once again.

And yes the switches are not sealed so bug crawl in and get squashed in the contacts. Normally just blasting the switch vents with air will do the deed.