Bike only starts in first gear?

[bigpee]

Hi - I've recently developed a problem with starting my 98 plate 600 Diversion.

When I turn the ignition on the green neutral light is on. I then press the ignition button and only hear a relay click and see an oil light come on. However if I put the bike into first gear and roll it forward (or back) half a foot or so and press the ignition button the bike starts (only if left in first).

This happens about two times in three and started after I had left the bike for a few months over winter. The first time I started it it was ok, however I almost immediately dropped it into first and there was a big clunk like I'd stalled it (although I still had the clutch in) and the bike would not start. This problem has occurred since then.

I have eliminated the usual blue wire starting problem (as this is something I've previously fixed and the symptoms are different) and I don't believe this is related to worn bushes (although I will be inspecting them on a side matter).

To me not knowing too much about bikes I'm wondering if when I first started the bike from cold after a long lay off dropping it into first knocked or dislodged something but I don't know what. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

[bobh]

Definitely check the starter motor brushes before you do anything else. Only takes a few minutes.

[stevie16v]

Yeah, certainly sounds like the starter motor is jamming to me, It does a similar thing to a car. Try starting it, if it does that, then click it into first, push it forward a foot or so, then click it back into neutral, then try starting it, that should rule out any weird and wonderful electrical faults

[bigpee]

May 2, 2011 20:14:45 GMT stevie16v said:

Yeah, certainly sounds like the starter motor is jamming to me, It does a similar thing to a car. Try starting it, if it does that, then click it into first, push it forward a foot or so, then click it back into neutral, then try starting it, that should rule out any weird and wonderful electrical faults

Thanks for the suggestions - the above does happen ie when I do start it and then drop it into neutral and start again it almost always starts.

[stevie16v]

Sounds like the starter motor to me then. There is a way to do a power drop test on it, can't remember the values tho. If you're going to look at replacing it, give me a pm, I have one that I've just stripped out of a 94 d6 that had a knackered intake valve.

[bigpee]

Thanks to Stevie16v for the offer of a starter motor. I've taken it apart now - it was very dirty and the brushes are at their minimum so I'm going to replace them and see how it gets on after that.

[amorti]

May 4, 2011 16:51:54 GMT bigpee said:

Thanks to Stevie16v for the offer of a starter motor. I've taken it apart now - it was very dirty and the brushes are at their minimum so I'm going to replace them and see how it gets on after that.

Try just cleaning it and putting it back together?

[Deleted]

May 5, 2011 8:25:02 GMT amorti said:

May 4, 2011 16:51:54 GMT bigpee said:

Thanks to Stevie16v for the offer of a starter motor. I've taken it apart now - it was very dirty and the brushes are at their minimum so I'm going to replace them and see how it gets on after that.

Try just cleaning it and putting it back together?

Yep, a bit of an alcohol rub ( the commutator not your tonsils) and stick it back together. Unless the brushes are no longer viable. Should keep you on the road until replacements turn up.

[bigpee]

Motor reinstalled after a good clean and it is much better - think this has solved the problem although only time will tell. New brushes will definately help. Can't believe how easy the whole process was. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

[stevie16v]

Good stuff, glad you got it sorted