Starting Problem

[Gilesplus]

Hi Everyone, Happy New Year !

I have a curious problem: It's winter here, although it's not been too cold. After a few weeks I got a battery tender which has been left topping up the scooter. The scooter is parked outside on its centre stand, under a cover. The scooter is 2012 Downtown 300i with about 3800kms

I have done a couple of minor mods to the scooter, including putting a digital thermometer/voltmeter on the handle bars (only activated when the ignition is on) and heated handle bars. But the scooter has worked and been ridden since installing those items.

I went to start the scooter a couple of days ago, and while all the lights came on and the voltage said 12.6 (and the battery tender says it's full) when I turned the key only the following happens: all the lights come on, the needles flick up as per usual, and there is a momentary quiet buzz (the fuel pump maybe ? ) However when I squeeze the brakes and press the start button nothing happens, literally NOTHING ! :-) It does not react at all. No turning over, no starter motor, no reaction at all.

It seems as if the engine cut-off from the side stand is activated, however when I kick the side stand out it cuts off the lights etc. and when I kick it back up again as if to ride it goes through the same little start up sequence - lights come on, needles flick, short buzz.

Is there any other engine cut out mechanism that I have missed, as I'm mystified as to why its not working. Any thoughts, hints, things to test would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help and greetings from Switzerland

Giles

[de dee]

I would bring it to the dealer and plug in the diagnostics , should give you something,.  best of luck from canada

[Gilesplus]

Turns out it was a problem with the sensor on the brake handle (also means the brake light was not coming on)

My interim quick fix was to run a wire directly from the battery, via a push switch, to the motor. It starts fine when I do this, which indicates the whole starting system is fine, just the safety system is not working.

Back to the dealer to get it fixed, who says that the sensors are apparently a "consumable"... not quite sure I believe it.

Any thoughts ?

Giles

[zombie]

It's just a 2 dollar micro switch inside the lever assembly. Pull the lever off, and you will see the switch is removable.

I have only had a couple fail over the years. You just got the short straw.

[Gilesplus]

Thanks! - I will this out