K75 starter doesn't engage (sometimes)

[skidmore]

So I'm out on a ride this past Saturday. I'm stopped for hydration at a gas station for both the bike and I. I shove it off the centerstand, twist the key and thumb the start button. Nada. All I hear is the fuel pump buzzing. I thumb again. Zilch. Nothing but fuel pump buzz.

The instantaneous rush of panic sets in as I prematurely scramble my thoughts to figure out how I'm going to get me and the ol' girl home  :hehehe

I gather my wits and begin to think somewhat straighter logical fashion. The ignition seemed to function properly *click* *click*. Instrument panel etc lights up. Horn, headlight, signal lights all work. Thumbing the start button resulted in nothing.

I was in neutral when I jerked it up on the centerstand of course. Likewise shoving it off. So I thought wtf I will pull the clutch in and rock it into gear and see if it will start. *insert cranking K bike sound now* *insert RUNNING K75 sound now*

Needless to say I didn't make another stop til I got home. Once I was home, I thumbed the starter 3 or 4 times and it engaged (and started) every time.

I'm a daredevil. Sunday comes and I was gonna be damned and burnt in hell if I didn't get in some riding. My first stop of the afternoon resulted in a no-start  :clap: thank you thank you, yes, I can repeat this trick any day of the week it seemed  :yow  I immediately clutched, rocked the bike into gear, and it started right up.

This has only happened twice. Each time, coincidentally or otherwise, rocking the bike into gear resulted in the starter engaging. Is the problem likely to be with the starter? Or neutral safety switch? Or?

[Scott_]

When was the last time, if at all, you had the starter out to inspect the brushes?
Sounds like you need to do an exploratory on the starter.
Can you hear the clicking sound of the starter relay in the electrical box?

The clutch switch and the neutral starting circuit appear to be fine if the fuel pump is running when you press the start switch.

That pretty much only leaves the starter relay and the starter itself.

[skidmore]

Never have I had the starter out for inspection. I have owned the bike two weeks. Are the brushes replaceable?

I don't recall hearing the relay click but I can't say for certain it wasn't kicking in. I shall verify.

Thanks for the ideas, Scott!

[skidmore]

I see now, yes, they can be replaced....time for some exploratory after dinner!

[MikeisonTV]

I'd look to replace or clean the build up off the sprag clutch when the starter is out too. I agree with Scott on the starter brushes and bearings, but since your in their the sprag clutch seems to be the culprit for a spinning starter that won't engage. Even though that's not your current issue, that'd really suck to rebuild the starter then it start spinning and have to go back in.

[tg4360]

Do the brushes.

After mine did it the first time, cleaning only lasted about 10k miles and even less after the second.

My working theory is that as they wear, there is less spring tension to make contact through the brush smutz. 

Easy enough to replace.

I also grounded the load shed relay permanently. I can get away with this because I have the headlight switch on the right switch pod.

TG

[skidmore]

I appreciate all the input!

A few nights ago I was set to pull the starter and give'er a good cleaning. One recommendation I had was to pop the gearbox into 2nd gear, clutch in, roll backwards and release the clutch. Since this little trick I have only ridden once, entailing 3 starts total, all being successful.

In preparation for a rebuild, what are the recommendations? Obviously brushes would be replaced but is there anything else wear-n-tear?

[hector planter]

  More often than not intermittent starting is caused by battery in poor condition bad connections or worn leads these are the easiest things to check and should be done first.  If you bother taking out your starter motor it is always good advice to wash all the carbon out of it with a pressure washer then bake in an oven for 12 hours at 150c, the carbon can do real damage.