Starting Issue

[Vellos]

So up on my ride today Swift and I stopped for a small break. When I went to start again it wouldn't do anything.

Key in ignition and on? Yes.
Lights and fuel pump start up? Yes.
Kickstand up? Yes.
Kill switch on run? Yes.
Gear properly engaged in 1st? Yes.
Clutch pulled all the way in? Yes.
Start button attempt to start? No.

Changed the gear into neutral, starts up fine, and I can put it back in first and it won't die. Thinking it might be the kickstand sensor but it should die when I put it back into first. Thoughts?

[madvlad]

Check battery terminals.... I know it may not be 100% related but Hell can't hurt to check it. Do you turn your bike around on the stand quite a bit or not at all. Also check for recalls

[Vellos]

Do you turn your bike around on the stand quite a bit or not at all.

Never.

[Bueller]

Clutch safety switch

[TinkerinWstuff]

+1 Bueller

[rfranks303]

I would check the the nuetral safty switch for intermitent continuity. Don't rule out a starter scilinoid starting to go.

[Vellos]

That on the handlebar or in the clutch housing? I can't find it in my service manual.

[Bueller]

follow wire up to left controls should be a switch at the end of it.

[madvlad]

I would check the the nuetral safty switch for intermitent continuity. Don't rule out a starter scilinoid starting to go.

I've heard of the zx6r has common problems with this

[TinkerinWstuff]

I've heard of the zx6r has common problems with this

except that it doesn't really fit the symptoms in this situation.

Bueller's on the right track with the clutch lever switch - fits the OP's description to a "T"

[madvlad]

oh never said he was wrong lol... just adding the comment to that lol... but yea Bueller does have the issue down.

[rfranks303]

Well the way I see it is if the starter is not engaging you have 3 thinks that come to mind first that I think are on the control circuit for the starter. cluch switch, nuetrul saftey, and kick stand. I would also start with the clutch. When your starter won't engage all things on that control curcit could be the issue.

[TinkerinWstuff]

When your starter won't engage all things on that control curcit could be the issue.

Could be - until the OP said that the bike started in Neutral, not in gear, therefor the neutral switch appears to be functioning. Further, remember the bike started in neutral and continued to run after the bike was shifted into gear proving that the kickstand safety switch is functioning.

Nowhere did he say there was an intermittent issue. So process of elimination and the OP's original description has already shown that the culprit is related to the clutch safety circuit which should have allowed it to start while in gear when he had the handle pulled. Now all he has to do is prove it before dropping any dough.

[rfranks303]

Ok ok you win. Forgive the new guy for a mis diagnosis. I'm a jack of all trades and master of none.

[TinkerinWstuff]

Ok ok you win. Forgive the new guy for a mis diagnosis. I'm a jack of all trades and master of none.

Well, we'll see. It's all assuming we were given the whole story, accurately. One detail left out or misreported and you could end up right in the end.

Cheers!

[rfranks303]

Well, we'll see. It's all assuming we were given the whole story, accurately. One detail left out or misreported and you could end up right in the end.

Cheers!

Judging by how long its taking to get a response I'm guessing we may have have all been wrong. Smells like operator error or possable small oversite jk.

Cheers! smiley seems to be enjoying his frosty beverage ill go do the same.

[Vellos]

Hey guys. So yes it is the clutch safety switch. It has been working recently even though I haven't messed with it, but if it goes bad consistently I'll probably just short the circuit and save myself money since I pull in the clutch no matter how I start the bike. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Now all I have to do is figure out why tonight my rear tire slipped making a left hand turn and ever since it did the back wheel is making a clunk/rattling noise. Fun times.

[sloridr]

Bearings? Just a thought...

[Vellos]

When I smacked the tire when I got home something sounded fluttery. I'll need daylight to discover what new gem Kawasaki has left me.

[BlueRanger]

I don't know much, but just for safety check the brake calipers. See if they rattle like maracas.

[Wrider]

Also I'm not sure if Kawi does this, but I know Suzuki for some reason limits their bikes to a certain throttle opening when the clutch switch is read as "clutch disengaged". So by bypassing the clutch switch it could mess with your ECU a bit.

[Vellos]

To understand, you're saying (possibly) when the clutch is in the butterflies can be fully opened, but when I'm actually going they can't?