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So I got this salvaged 1980 Yamaha XJ650. I tested all the electrical. It works fine(from what I can tell) When I turn the key, nothing happens, no starter click, no spins, NO NOISE. I ordered a new ignition. I can turn it to run, and all the lights/horn work. There is, on the right handlebar a button that says "START" and another switch that has 3 positions. OFF, RUN, OFF. Not exactly sure what all of these do(unless it's the obvious) But why would there be 2 off's on the same switch?

Forgive me for being so nieve, but this is my first bike, and I was hoping to fix it up and then ride it(sort of as a self pride thing) Any ideas of what could be wrong? Hooked up new fuses to the fusebox, so they are all good. Getting power off of the starter soleniod. The "START" button on the right handlebar seems to be broken some how. It won't really push, as it kind of jiggles. How exactly am I supposed to start this bike? The only experiance i've had starting a bike is where you kick start it(dirt bike) Do I have to hold the clutch in while I turn the key or anything? Any secrets from the pros? Mainly what i'm looking for is an idea that i can do to get closer to it starting, if not starting all the way. What parts to order, etc.

Thanks in advance for all the advice and help!

~Garrett

The swithc with two off's is an emergency cut off switch. You can hit it either direction and the bike will shut down. But it must be on to start!!

Your button contact might be corroded. Take it apart and clean up the metal contact patches on the inside... use contact cleaner and (if necessary) very fine sandpaper.

The Solenoids are a problem on these bikes too. If you are getting power past the pushbutton, then the solenoid is the likely culprit and will have to be replaced. Just make sure all your wiring is tight, clean and intact before replacing parts !!

TechBMW is correct, as per usual!

Something else you may want to try is jumping the terminals on the starter soleniod. People will probably shoot me down in flames for suggesting this, but it does work, and will help you identify where the problems are.

To do this, remove the rubber cover from bith terminals of the soleniod, and using an insultated screw driver, with the bike ignition on, and the switch set to run, put the screw driver across the terminals to bridge them. Don't leave the screw driver wedged in, all you want to do it touch it across them, making sure they are both making contact, to see if the starter motor turns over. If it does, then the problem is either with the start bitton being corroded as TechBMW said, or the soleniod is tired. Either way, these are easy repairs, and at least it will eliminate the starter motor as a culprit.

Good luck, and try not to electrocute yourself!
S

Is whats supposed to happen is I have the starter switch turned to the on position, and then I press the start button, and the bike is supposed to start? Just to make sure i'm doing this right. I'll probably order a new starer soleniod, but i'm not sure about the button, not even sure how to take it apart... doesn't seem very managable.

Took the starter in to get tested... they said they don't have a propor tester for the motorcycle starter, so he did it as if it were a car starter.. It spun well, but the test said it failed (I assume due because he plugged it in as a car starter). So knowing that works, it should spin, regardless, even if it isn't enough to turn the motor or if it is. It should still spin. I am guessing my problem is the button, I used the light tester and I am getting power up the wires to the start button. It's probably the button that is faulty i'm guessing.

XJ650 is a cool bike. Very smooth running engine. When (note that I didn't say "if") you get it going, you'll love the ride.

You're correct about the starting procedure. Unlike a (modern) car, the bike has a separate starter switch. Make sure the kill switch (off/run/off) switch is in the "run" position and the tranny is in neutral. When you turn the key switch on, you should get lights. The next step is hitting the start button. That activates the starter. You don't have to pull the clutch in unless the bike is in gear.

From your description of the start button, I agree. It sounds like that is the best place to start looking for a problem.

Is there a way to bypass this button and have the motor start when I turn the key? I'm getting some power out of the button after I took it apart, but not a full light. I traced it back to the starter soleniod. Like I said, I do get some power, but it's very weak. Replace soleniod? I think so. But will this fix my problem? Even though I get a weak signal from the start button, should the starter actually click or try to turn or anything? I'm kinda lost here as to what should happen with this. Any ideas, thanks!

By-pass the switch and the start button with a wire from your batt to the small wire at the relay switch, you need 12 volts. This should engage the relay and cause the starter to turn. If the relay clicks but does not turn the starter you may have a bad connection at the bigger cable to the starter or a low batt. (electrical problems, who needs them)