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[newrider1949]

Hello all, total newbie here!

Just brought bike home yesterday, a 1987 Voyager XII with 78,000 kms/48,000 miles ..pretty good so far, rode home about 10 miles and made it to the shop in one piece - well right saddle bag lid is missing but that was how it came.

When I started it the first time with a fresh battery she fired right up but now and again pressing the start button is a hit and miss deal, sometimes works, sometimes nothing, no click, sorta dead.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Larry
Victoria BC Canada

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

First are the easy/simplest questions, is the kill switch in the Run position, is the engine in neutral with clutch engaged (pulled in)?
The safety switch on the side stand may just be intermittent also. Mine was to the point the engine would run and just shut off on me. I removed it all together and shorted the wires so the bike would run. But if there is a light in the trunk, you can swop the switches as they are the same part.
I'm sure there's more but like I said, easy quick checks!

[newrider1949]

All checks out as you say, switch position etc BUT - clutch lever NOT pulled in ...will check side stand switch too thanks!

[update] Yep, that was it, clutch lever - Thanks!!

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

If the side stand switch is going bad, the bike will start with the clutch pulled in but will typically shut down as you release the clutch.
Just for future knowledge.
Either way glad you got it started and running again. The Voyager XII is a very fun bike to ride, handles sporty like a teenager but looks bulky like a senior citizen/grandparent!