Im having an anoying problem with my 1994 GPZ500S, everytime I turn the ignition on and try to start my bike nothing happens for about 1 to 2 minutes after that it works fine. The ignition light comes on OK and I've checked the starter button which is also OK, I have noticed that I can make the fault ocure everytime after taking the bike off the centre stand.
I hope its a common fault that can be easily sorted out cause it's driving me mad!

 

can't help ya but welcome to KF

 

hmm some questions for ya.

The centerstand comment is intiguing. So when you jolt the ride off of the center stand, this issue occurs? and only during this?

The 1-2 minutes and trying to start statement has me at a loss. The ride is cranking over for 1-2 min's? ie a long time. Things overheat in that time frame.

edit: Welcome to the forums.

 

No! not just when I pull it off the centre stand, if the bikes left for 10 minutes or more it'll start playing up. Pulling itoff the standseems to make it play up a lot quicker, which to me would indicate at loose connection but loose connections don't reconnect after a couple of minutes.
The inital 1 to 2 minutes before it starts there's no cranking over, it's just dead as if the ignition is switched off.
A good way to describe it is " the lights are on but no-bodies home"
a list of things I've checked so far:
1. I've rattled the key in the ignition 'didn't do a thing'
2. stripped down the starter button 'clean and making contact every time'
3. batteries brand new
4. pulled the wiring loom under the seat and it started?
Tried this several times but can't locate the fault, it's gotta be an electrical fault near to the regulator/rectifier. Im not sure if this is any help but I did get a mild shock from the starter relay.

 

hi , if it started when you pulled the loom then you must have a bad connection or a broken wire in the loom, does it start right away if you cross the solenoid ?? does it click when you press the starter button?? try cleaning all the associated connector blocksand make sure your connections on the solenoid are tight . if this is all good then you will have to go into the loom to find a broken wire

 

I've been working on it all afternoon with the same idea in mind, at one point thought it was the wires for the side stand that's been disconnected.
it seemed to start while pulling the wires, but after alot of messing about it didn't solve the problem.
I crossed the solenoid and it started every time so at least I can rule that out.
As for going into the loom, well! I know Im gonna have nightmares tonight over that one, but it's gotta be done.
I'll let you all know if I get lucky tomorrow.

 

While still on the electrical topic. Contacts, molex connections or bad wiring can cause a voltage drop. Pretty much mentioned above, but use your meter!

 

[sm=happy046.gif]Got it sorted! it was the clutch switch, it was intermittently making contact.
Every time Itested the continuity on the switch itshowed closed circuit, it wasn't until I tried starting the bike with the clutch in and in 1st gear that I realized where the problem was.
"I must have knocked it when I tested it"
Took it apart, cleaned the contacts, added a little grease and success it starts every time.
Thanks for all your input, it is much appreciated. now I can go for a blast round the lakes on Sunday without worrying about it not starting

 

glad to hear it's fixxed