Intermittent issue . It is like I turned the key off.

[DavidMTX]

1991 K75s that has been garaged all it's life.  55,000 miles.
After setting for a few months this winter I now have a intermittent issue that will occur going down the rode and sometimes when I try to start the bike. I have no horn, no turning signal, no lights, no neutral lamp, no break lamp, no warning lamps, no gear indicator. The clock is always on and is not effected. No reaction to the starter button and if I am going down the road it dies.
If I turn the key off and back on it will all work again, most of the time. Some times when I turn the key to the 2nd position (all the way to the right) the dash lamp are very dim for a few seconds and they they light up OK.
Once in the failed state I have left the key alone and several times the lights come back on after a few minutes but not always.
I have replaced the battery.
I have cleaned the fuse connections and checked the battery connections and ground connection to the frame.
I am going to pull the tank this weekend to check the ground connector there.

[pallum]

http://www.eilenberger.net/K75S/IgnitionSwitch/

It's fun when it happens 2000 miles from home, damhik.

[DavidMTX]

Thanks.
I striped the setscrew on the switch the last time I tried this. I never got it apart. I suspect it could be the cause and then I replaced the battery and the issue went away for a few days until the bike set for 2 weeks. I will try again this weekend.

[Gio]

+1 ...

I had the same problem a couple of years ago (~63k miles) - engine would quit (usually within the first few miles of a ride), but start again after stopping / switching off - cleaned up the ignition switch (using the same link) and problem solved. It's a little bit of work - but worthwhile.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Just had exactly the same problem last April at 63,000 miles on a well cared for 1994 K75RT. 

Identical symptoms, plus ABS low voltage faults.  Occurred just before and during a 4,000 mile trip to Colorado.  Every morning I could count on the bike dying at some point within the first 10 minutes after which it would run all day doing as much as 750 miles without a problem.

The Ignition switch was spotless inside, but the moving contact had microscopic grooves worn where it touched the fixed contacts in the body.  A light sanding with 320 wet or dry to level the contacting surface of the movable part cured the problem.  I have not had a single drop out in 1500 miles since I fixed it.

It's a poorly designed switch in that there is no provision to compensate for this wear. 

[wmax351]

I often ponder changing the switch to something better.

[K75RT Keith]

Ignition switch issue clean or replace.  Also check and clean the starter motor.  I firmly convinced that 90% of electrical system issues on K Bkies can be traced back to a dirty starter

[DavidMTX]

Thanks everyone. I have pulled the switch and since I messed up the set screw the last time I had it out I will order a new one tomorrow.

[TimTyler]

I often ponder changing the switch to something better.

Me too. I'd switch mine to a keyless switch in a heartbeat if I knew where to find one.

[wmax351]

I often ponder changing the switch to something better.

Me too. I'd switch mine to a keyless switch in a heartbeat if I knew where to find one.

http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Entrepreneur%27s_RFID_chip_implant_to_open_doors,_start_car

Just gotta make one. Lol

[rbm]

I often ponder changing the switch to something better.

Me too. I'd switch mine to a keyless switch in a heartbeat if I knew where to find one.

http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-triple-forum/164192-keyless-ignition-part-deux.html
I'm working on adapting this idea to the K75.

Problem with keyless ignition is the need to carry the key around anyway ... for gas cap, seat lock, side bags and fork lock.

[DavidMTX]

I got the striped set screw out and cleaned the ignition switch. Soon as I get a replacement set screw I will let you know if it works.

[DavidMTX]

Could not find a replacement ignition switch. Was able to get the old set screw back in. May never come out again. Cleaning the ignition switch contacts seems to fix the issues. Thanks

[AussieBrick]

A few years back I had a flame out issue on my KTM 990 Adventure....usually at low speeds or going over a bump of a certain shape.

Turns out my heel was pushing down on the centre stand for a moment....  :riding:  :riding:  :riding:

[kryder]

I have had ignition switch issues with K bikes and it is easily addressed, there is a great video on Youtube that shows the step by process on how to get the job done. Intermittent loss of power can often be traced to the ignition switch. I had this problem on my 2000 R1100S as well.