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Dies when switching out of neutral

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by jtalafous, May 1, 2013.

  1. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

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    I had my 82 XJ550 bike in storage for 3 years, and brought it back to life. It runs superbly in neutral, and continues to do so when I hold in the clutch (no change of gear). But when I hold in the clutch and change to a non-neutral gear, it stops, exactly like when you turn the key off. It's definitely electrical. I've heard that there is a clutch switch and neutral switch. Do you think the neutral switch could be doing it? Where is the neutral switch? Thanks, XJ'ers..
     
  2. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

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    I forgot to add that the neutral light works properly.
     
  3. midnightmoose

    midnightmoose Member

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    There's also a kickstand safety switch that requires the sidestand to be up in order to put it in gear. Is your sidestand up? (Don't worry...I'm sure we've all done this at least once in our lives)
     
  4. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

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    Solved: kick stand switch was stuck "on" even after lifting it. Guess that's the regular thing to expect after storage.
     
  5. midnightmoose

    midnightmoose Member

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    A sticking sidestand switch is also the reason many PO's disconnect or bypass it. A little electrical contact cleaner sprayed in there should clean it out good. I also sprayed a small squirt of white lithium grease in mine. Smooth like butter now!!
     
  6. Kilted_to_the_Max(im)

    Kilted_to_the_Max(im) Member

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    And from a 30 yr old bike. Amazing what little things happen. Good troubleshooting!
     
  7. Magiccowinuse

    Magiccowinuse Member

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    This explains why my 550 is missing this part. PO must have done away with it. It is a good safety feature to have. I have taken off from a gas station and forgotten the kickstand. Taking that first left turn will damn near make you need to change your underwear. 8O
     
  8. aSECAwrencher

    aSECAwrencher Member

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    Engine oil is also not electrically conductive. The used stuff is really cheap and has worked fine for me on many of those stuck switch fixes.
     
  9. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

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    Thanks Everybody! I am finding that if you store a bike in top shape for three years under a tarp outside in Chicago winters, almost every contact, switch, and cable needs cleaned. Other than that, she stores well.

    All I have to say is THANKS to all the people in this wonderful forum that have helped me through so many procedures in getting my XJ550 to near perfect shape over the years. She doesn't look pretty, but when she starts on the first tap of the start button on a cold morning, and doesn't hesitate at all when I snap the throttle, well, it makes me feel just downright warm and fuzzy. Tap & snap! I definitely, definitely could not do it without y'all.
     

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