1980 yamaha650 maxim starting problems

[sidecarguy]

ok so the starter works!

check(clean) the safety switches

like the clutch and sidestand

and also the ignition switch.

did u check out the cd?

[mrhoades]

I did check out the CD and will order one tonight. I will clean all the connectors tonight. In the meantime, since there is NOTHING working on this bike except the tail light when the key is turned to the ON position, there has to be a dropped connection somewhere between the switch and fuses (other than the main).

[niterider]

I checked on my maxim and it does have a third position, however, it is to the far left just past the lock position. The tail lite burns and the front wheel is locked. Other than that I only have off and run on the key switch.

[mrhoades]

After looking at the wiring diagram at Daves Website (GREAT WEBSITE!) I think that there is something wrong with the key switch itself. It looks like it splits power off the switch to two different locations, one to the fuse box for the headlights, ignition, etc. and the other to the tail lights. One works (tail light) but the other does not (headlight, horn, turn signals). I will pull the switch tonight and give it a good cleaning and see what happens.

[sidecarguy]

ok let us know!

[mrhoades]

Put the meter to the switch tonight. I have a good connection between the hot wire (red) and the blue wire (tailight) when the switch in in the on position but do not have any connection between hot wire (red) and brown wire (to fusebox). I do have a question. Will a ignition switch from a xs650 fit a xj650? Please see link and let me know.

http://www.oldbikebarn.com/part.php?id= ... PerPage=20

Jean... Thanks for the help.

Update: Pulled apart the switch and it was full of dirt! Cleaned all the dirt out only to find that the contact plate was going down farther than it should. I will get get a new switch this week. In the mean time, made a jumper were the switch plugs and the the bike fired right up!

[niterider]

That is great I am glad that you were able to fix it so quick. Electrical problems are usually hard to find and fix.

[sidecarguy]

congorats!

im glad it was soo easy!