another starting issue

[Nails]

So, there was this guy riding a XII just like mine, that wouldn't start. He stopped to check out a campsite on a slight downhill. He shut off the bike, leaving it in gear, and then stepped off the bike. When he let go of the front brake, it rolled forward enough (driveline lash) to fall off the sidestand. He picked it up and then muscled it around to point uphill. Then, deciding that site was too close to the road, he got ready to check out others.

But the bike wouldn't start. The lights came on like normal, but nothing happened when he hit the starter. Also, sitting there, he couldn't get the bike into second gear -- just first and neutral.

So, he pushed it up the little hill, turned it around, rolled down, and popped the clutch. Twice. But with the motor bumped, it still wouldn't go into second. And still wouldn't start. What the hell?!?!?!

No cell service. So he walked around the campground, looking for others on bikes. He found someone willing to take him to town in about an hour, where he could call out.

Walking back across the campground, another friendly camper asked, "How's it going?" Upon hearing this tale of woe, the new guy said he knew about bikes and would have a look -- another set of eyes.

Before long, he noticed the orange switch on the right set wasn't positioned correctly. The bike started right up. And running, it went into second gear just fine.

I read about that guy somewhere.

[Sidehopper]

Sometimes it really is the simplest things that are overlooked. My buddy spent last night troubleshooting an overflowing carb, only to realize he put the float in upside down. Easy fix, nothing damaged except maybe some pride

[Sidehopper]

Also reminds me of when I tried bump starting my ol busted XJ750 down my driveway, then down the road, then around a few more times, only to find the kill switch wasn't in the "Fun" position. That one was a short ride afterwards.

[cushman eagle]

So, there was this guy riding a XII just like mine, that wouldn't start. He stopped to check out a campsite on a slight downhill. He shut off the bike, leaving it in gear, and then stepped off the bike. When he let go of the front brake, it rolled forward enough (driveline lash) to fall off the sidestand. He picked it up and then muscled it around to point uphill. Then, deciding that site was too close to the road, he got ready to check out others.

But the bike wouldn't start. The lights came on like normal, but nothing happened when he hit the starter. Also, sitting there, he couldn't get the bike into second gear -- just first and neutral.

So, he pushed it up the little hill, turned it around, rolled down, and popped the clutch. Twice. But with the motor bumped, it still wouldn't go into second. And still wouldn't start. What the hell?!?!?!

No cell service. So he walked around the campground, looking for others on bikes. He found someone willing to take him to town in about an hour, where he could call out.

Walking back across the campground, another friendly camper asked, "How's it going?" Upon hearing this tale of woe, the new guy said he knew about bikes and would have a look -- another set of eyes.

Before long, he noticed the orange switch on the right set wasn't positioned correctly. The bike started right up. And running, it went into second gear just fine.

I read about that guy somewhere.

With the design of the positive neutral finder,it should not go into 2nd until the bike is going forward fast enough for centrifugal force to throw the blocker balls out of the way for the shifter to go into 2nd.

[Nails]

Well that explains that.

Honestly, I don't know whether I've ever tried to put it in second when not running. But I might just be too stupid to remember.

[Molalla+Voyager]

Nails, it is not stupid if you learn from your expierience, it is an education.
Now, you and I have both been schooled.
Thank you C.E.

Take Care
Steve

[Nails]

That's a big "if".
It was the end of a hot day's ride, far from home. Sets up an odd panic-like mode. A sure sign I was stopping a little later than I should.
But it made for good laughs over beer with new friends at the campground.