K75 only starting in neutral?

[cjskach]

I swear I used to be able to start it in any gear as long as I had the clutch was engaged. Was I dreaming? Now it only starts when I am in neutral. If I wasn't dreaming what should I look for?

[robleyd]

I'd start with the switch on the clutch lever.

[johnny]

greetings cjskach...

its gotta be in gear with clutch out for it to catch when push starting...

j o

[Rick G]

Yep I have come up with exactly the same thing on my K1100. Might pay to check the plug under the tank I had that plug come lose on the K100.

[cjskach]

Do I have to take the tank off to see it on my RT?

[frankenduck]

Yes, you need to pull the tank back.

Diagnose: If you short the wiring harness connector for it on the main wiring harness connector then the bike should start. (Be sure to be in gear and have the clutch pulled in when you do this.  Maybe tie a string around the clutch lever to keep it pulled in.)

[Phil Marvin]

Hi, cjskach,
    There are other things to check, but if I were a betting man, I would bet your clutch switch is upgefucht.  It is part number 61 31 1 459 569 and Max's price is $33.66.  It is actuated by the clutch lever.  You probably can't remove it without cutting the wires and unscrewing it with a deep socket.  I think it is 10mm, but don't quote me.  First, I would pull the tank and make sure the connections are good.  I might also check continuity when the clutch lever is pulled.  If there is no continuity, the switch isn't making contact and in my experience, they don't clean well.  With the wires cut, you can twist the (bare) ends together and you'll then be able to start in any gear, with OR WITHOUT the clutch being pulled in.  To replace the switch, unscrew the old one and screw in the new one.  I've replaced 2 of them and only tightened them hand tight, and have had no problems.  Once the switch is replaced, plug in the connectors into the wiring harness.  Reinstall the tank and you're done.  You may be able to get to the connections by just pulling the tank back.  I just don't remember.  Good Luck!

[frankenduck]

You probably can't remove it without cutting the wires and unscrewing it with a deep socket.  I think it is 10mm, but don't quote me.

Phil:

It only works about half the time but if you can get some needlenose pliers properly positioned sometimes they'll unscrew.

However, if you are sure it's a dead switch then it doesn't really matter if you cut the wires to it.

Yes, it's 10mm.

[cjskach]

Thanks for all the info, I have another issue that I think it did before. When I turn on my turn signal I think it used to cancel after the turn, now it just cancels after so many feet have elapsed. Was I dreaming I was in a car?

[frankenduck]

You were dreaming.  The only auto-cancel is after 300 meters.