the bike does not start in gear

[mustangbtr]

I recently bought a 2000 GL 1500 S E and the bike does not start in gear even with the clutch lever pulled in. I know that it is not the kickstand switch and I wonder what else could cause this problem. the only way I can start the bike is to get it back into neutral does anyone have a solution for this or can give me some idea what to look for. I appreciate any help and I think members for their input.

[robb]

My 89 was the diode pack above bank angle switch. Do you hear a click when clutch lever is pulled, if not it may be a micro switch.

[WingAdmin]

The first thing to check is the clutch switch (there are two, the one you're interested in is the one that clicks when the clutch is all the way in). It's a very common failure item.

[keithg64]

Sometimes with aftermarket grips on the clutch lever doesn't get pulled in enough for the switch to activate. I had to add a shim to mine to get it to pull in far enough to activate the switch.

[Greenwinger]

On mine the wires just came off the switch all by themselves. Later I had to replace the switch as it had worn to the point of not working anymore.

[mustangbtr]

Sometimes with aftermarket grips on the clutch lever doesn't get pulled in enough for the switch to activate. I had to add a shim to mine to get it to pull in far enough to activate the switch.

Thank you for your input. when I bought the bike it did have aftermarket gripes on it and the previous owner who had it since 07 told me it never started in gear even with the clutch in. so I checked the switch and put a shim in their and that's what it was now it does start in gear when I pull the clutch I appreciate your suggestion to help me out a great deal. I want to also thank everyone for the suggestions, it definitely gave me a place to look for the problems.

[edb1960]

The first thing to check is the clutch switch (there are two, the one you're interested in is the one that clicks when the clutch is all the way in). It's a very common failure item.

Where is this 'clicking' switch located? My '94 SE doesn't click, and won't start unless in neutral.

Thanks in advance!

[DarthJ]

it's right at the clutch lever, you may have to listen really close to tell

[mustangbtr]

This switch you are looking for is right at the clutch lever however there are actually two switches there one that will click immediately when you pull the lever in another that will click with the lever is right to the grip if you have aftermarket grips it may be preventing the second switch from activating I had the same problem on my bike and it turned out to be one of the wires on this which was not making good connections after I straighten that out and has been working just fine good luck

[edb1960]

Thanks to all for your assistance. Problem solved.

I removed the clutch lever and examined the bushings for the lever itself and the one that pushes the plunger for the hydraulic clutch. Some wear, but not out of spec, I'm guessing.

I glued a shim to the lever where the microswitch contacts the lever when the lever is depressed, and Voila!, the bike will start when in gear! I haven't killed the engine when at a stop sign or light in some time, but if I do, I hope I'll be able to start it without fumbling for neutral as I have in the past.

I wonder why this happens. Does the plastic of the microswitch just wear down after 108,000 miles of clutch pulls? Should Honda have put a metal cap on the end of the switch so the plastic wouldn't wear down? At this point, such a cap would have to have a short insert, or the cap would block the switch from completing the desired action.

Another mystery solved, thanks to the helpful participants at Goldwing Docs! Thanks!

[davemik]

I know it's an old thread, but I just had to jump in. In my case, it was the pivot point on the clutch handle. The plastic point on the switch is way too soft to wear away the aluminum handle and with 100K on the clock, the switch showed zero wear. What was worn, was the hole in the handle where the pivot bolt passes through. When I took off the handle, it was definitely egg-shaped. the way the handle is designed, just a few thousandths of wear is multiplied by the design and prevents the switch operating. New handles are like $20 a pair, or you can glue on a shim from a soda can. I have large aftermarket grips on my SE and it works just fine with these grips in place. I guess there's a good reason for the manual listing oiling of the pivots on the clutch and brake handles, huh?

[DaRamblerman]

Jumping on this old thread I bypassed both switches kickstand up will not start in gear. I do hear a relay click but no crank over on engine. UPDATE switch had dirty contacts. All good now.

[DaRamblerman]

Fixed.... clean the microswitch