Reverse & Starter intermittent issue


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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Shootdaroc
Posts: 14
Joined: Fri Sep 26, 2014 9:11 pm
Location: Baltimore, MD
Motorcycle: 1995 GL1500 Aspencade Trike with Motor Trike kit

Reverse & Starter intermittent issue

Post by Shootdaroc »



I have a 1995 GL1500 Aspencade with a Motortrike trike kit. Very recently the reverse started to act up. I would hit the Starter Switch while in reverse and the bike would move and inch and stop. After a few attempts the bike would back-up normally. Now the starting is also affected and it may take multiple attempts to start. Most times when I press the Starter Switch nothing happens until I release the Starter Switch and then you hear a kick from the starter. After multiple attempts the bike starts like normal.

I had hoped it was just a sticking Starter Switch and cleaned it. Then on the advice of my Motortrike mechanic I replaced the Reverse Lever Switch with no change in symptoms. With this being an intermittent issue I’m inclined to believe it may be a Starter Relay Switch. What is your advice before I swap multiple parts?


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Shootdaroc
Posts: 14
Joined: Fri Sep 26, 2014 9:11 pm
Location: Baltimore, MD
Motorcycle: 1995 GL1500 Aspencade Trike with Motor Trike kit

Re: Reverse & Starter intermittent issue

Post by Shootdaroc »

Today I was working on replacing all the plastic on the left side and also changing the Cruise filter. After that I tried to do more testing of starting the bike and this is what I found: if I push the starter button all the way in - Nothing.
When I let it out a tad or do not push it completely in, it cranks over Every Time! I have it on jack so I can't test the reverse just yet but I'll let you know later. I feel like I'm on to something!! 🙏
Take apart the right clip and clean the Starter Switch again (I only sprayed electric cleaner in it) or does it sound like the switch is shot or can something else cause this to happen!
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dingdong
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Motorcycle: 1976 gl1000
1993 gl1500A
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Re: Reverse & Starter intermittent issue

Post by dingdong »

The switch contacts are coated with diaelectric grease. After 20+ years that grease hardens and spraying with cleaner won't work. Take the switch apart, clean and relube. Be careful when opening the switch so you don't lose any parts.
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Shootdaroc
Posts: 14
Joined: Fri Sep 26, 2014 9:11 pm
Location: Baltimore, MD
Motorcycle: 1995 GL1500 Aspencade Trike with Motor Trike kit

Re: Reverse & Starter intermittent issue

Post by Shootdaroc »

Ok, last evening I was able to test the reverse and it was exactly like starting the bike. if I push the starter button all the way in - Nothing. When I let it out a tad or do not push it completely in, it moves in reverse very smoothly! I found a few other articles where people were experiencing the exact same results. Today I sprayed WD-40 liberally in the Starter Switch and worked the switch. Then I cleaned out the WD-40 by with liberally spraying electric contact cleaner and working the Starter Switch. The Starter Switch is now working properly!! I'm guessing that the hardened Dielectric grease was on the switch contacts and keeping it from working properly when the switch was pressed all the way in, as Dielectric grease does not conduct electricity.

DingDong - I take it you have taken the Starter Switch apart. I cannot find an article on how to properly pull the GL1500 switch apart, clean and relube it. I have read about the small parts and spring inside so I'm a little hesitant. Can you open the Right Hand Controls to get to the Starter Switch without anything falling out, then take out just the Starter Switch to be taken apart and cleaned at the workbench?
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bellboy40
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Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 1:13 pm
Location: Brewton, AL
Motorcycle: 2000 GL1500SE Candy Spectra Red

Re: Reverse & Starter intermittent issue

Post by bellboy40 »

Here is an article on how to clean up some of the handlebar switches. They will all be similar. Not very hard to do but you need to be careful to not lose any of the tiny parts when disassembling them.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=46606


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