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Can I start in gear?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by daveflick, Oct 2, 2007.

  1. daveflick

    daveflick Member

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    Should I be able to start in gear with the clutch pulled in? Other bikes I have had would start with the clutch pulled, but the only thing that happens on my 1983 750 Maxim is the red light on the panel lights up. Does it have to be in neutral to start? Maybe a dumb question, but I figured I'd ask anyway.
     
  2. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    I believe you should be able to start in gear so long as you have the clutch pulled AND the sidestand is up.
     
  3. Anthony14

    Anthony14 Member

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    I can't start in gear with my 550.
     
  4. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The Max starts in gear.
    The Clutch Switch is part of the Safety Circuit.
     
  5. daveflick

    daveflick Member

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    Ok, then what am I doing wrong or maybe is my clutch bad? or maybe the kick stand switch is bad? and what does the red light mean?
     
  6. rpgoerlich

    rpgoerlich Member

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    Check the switch on the clutch lever (left handlebar).
    Check the switch on the kickstand.

    Looks like that one has a side stand relay as well.
     
  7. Ass.Fault

    Ass.Fault Active Member

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    Red means warning.
    Which light are lighting up?
     
  8. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    I could mean that your Safety Relay has gone bad.
    It could mean that one or more of the switches is bad or not working.
    The red light means that the bulb is good and working.
    If the light is on while you are running ... it means it's time to check your oil.

    Note:
    It is not uncommon to have the Oil Warning Light come ON during cool weather. The air-cooled engine is running fine. It's cool. The temperature (ambient) is sufficiently cool to allow the engine to run cool enough to "Slow Down" the scavenged oil's return to the sump.

    The level ov oil in the bike hasn't changed ... but, it's time out of the Oil Pump, through the system and back to the sump is longer ... because the surfaces within the engine are COOLER than normal and the Oil isn't thinned by engine heat.

    The cooler-than-normal oil clings to the cool engine components and insides ... and flows slower in the Scavenge channels. The net effect is to reduce the level in the Sump. With the level in the Sump reduced because of this reaction to cool weather ... it's very easy to have the LOW OIL Light come on.

    Sometimes: Intermittently. When you rev higher and pump oil out of the Sump.

    Sometimes: Permanently. As the oil contracts to the "Cooler than it was when you put it in Volume" causing the Oil Level Sensor to trip.
     
  9. Hvnbnd

    Hvnbnd Active Member

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    If what you are saying is right Rick, then by just adding a little extra oil to the sump level should cure that problem of low sump level.
    Only a coating of oil will stay clinging to engine parts. so if having an extra cup of oil clinging to parts is the trouble, then adding just a little more should cure the trouble and prove that it was the trouble!?

    Sounds reasonable to me
     
  10. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    That's how I handle it.
    I keep my Oil Level tight too the top of the window.
    Makes for an easy way to check my Oil.

    I just pop-it on the center stand and peek at the window.
    No bubble line ...
    Good to GO!
     
  11. PghXJ

    PghXJ Member

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    Ok, yeah check your sidestand switch. They are notorious for not working because of dirt and grime. Spray it out with WD-40 or contact cleaner and try again. If the sidestand is up, the bike should start in gear with the clutch pulled in. I do it all the time on my 550. As soon as my sidestand goes down though, it is instant death. :D
     
  12. daveflick

    daveflick Member

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    I think my kickstand switch has been removed... Late meeting tonight, so I'll check tomorrow. Thanks guys for all the input. This site is amazing.
     
  13. daveflick

    daveflick Member

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    Ok, there's a plug in the wiring harness with 3 wires coming out.
    Blue w/ yellow stripe
    Green w/ blue stripe
    black
    According to the wiring diagram I found, http://members.tripod.com/dave_jack/wiringdiag/d11a.jpg the blue w/ yellow stripe is supposed to go to the side stand switch and the Green w/ blue stripe is supposed to go to the clutch switch. The PO had twisted together the black and Blue w/ yellow. The green w/ blue was just hanging there.

    I have 2 questions. One, Do I have the right diagram? I have a 1983 Maxim. Is that an XJ750RJ? The diagram for the XJ750J looks like it has the electronic indicator.

    2nd, if the green and black are not connected, the bike dies when I shift into first. I thought maybe if I twisted all three together, that would bypass the clutch switch, but it didnt make any difference.

    I would like to start in gear and I dont mind bypassing the clutch or any other "safety" interlocks...
     
  14. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

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    If I'm not mistaken: R=Seca. No R=Maxim (U.S. models).
     
  15. PghXJ

    PghXJ Member

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    yes, R is Seca....if there is no R, then it is Maxim.
     
  16. daveflick

    daveflick Member

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  17. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

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    Looking at the diagram, you could disconnect the starter circuit cut-off relay and jumper the two red/white wires together. This will bypass the relay and supply power to the starter solenoid. Once you hit the start button, it'll ground the solenoid and crank the engine.

    WARNING: Bypassing safety switches may result in serious injury or death as the motorcycle can be started while in gear.
     
  18. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The best thing to do ... ???

    Buy a used Sidestand Switch.
    Slap it on the bike.
    Wire the Safety Circuit ... RIGHT!

    Your odds of not pulling away with the sidestand down and having it lever you into a bad situation when you decide to go left ...

    Greatly reduced!
     
  19. KiwiXJ750D

    KiwiXJ750D Member

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    Always look down and check your sidestand is up before moving!
     
  20. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Guess the engineers figured that not everybody was going to do that or forget ... so they built-in a safety device.

    Seems like a good idea to me.
    I wish everybody's bike had a sides stand safety!
     
  21. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

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    From personal experience, I have unknowingly tried to pull away with the side stand down on several occasions. Note that I said tried. The bike died like it was suppose to and kept me from doing something really stupid. Had that safety switch been inoperable? Well... let's just not think of what could have happened.

    Bypassing any safety feature is only a temporary fix while you figure out what needs to be replaced. And, for heaven's sake, don't sell the bike with the safety features disabled. The new rider isn't going to be aware of what you've done and may get himself killed, and you facing a wrongful death lawsuit. Or worse.
     

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