My normally trusty Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S is giving me a real headache. It cranks alright, but just refuses to fire up. I’m missing out on some great rides because of this. Has anyone else faced this issue? Any advice would be very much appreciated!
Response
I’ve been in a similar situation with my bike. It sounds like it could be an issue with the fuel system or electrical connections. Try cleaning all electrical contacts, specifically the relay box and battery terminals.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Electrical Contacts | 5 | $0 – $5 | 10 – 15 |
| Checking and Replacing Battery | 4 | $50 – $150 | 20 – 30 |
| Fuel Pump Priming Issue | 3 | $0 (if self-checked) | 15 – 20 |
| Checking Relay Box Connections | 2 | $0 | 10 – 15 |
| Clutch and Neutral Safety Switch | 1 | $0 – $20 | 15 – 25 |
Detailed Solutions and Steps
Cleaning Electrical Contacts
- What I Did: Thoroughly cleaned all electrical contacts, focusing on the relay box and battery terminals.
- Outcome: Improved electrical connectivity, resolving the starting issue.
- Personal Experience: The bike started consistently after a thorough cleaning.
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $5
- Time Needed: 10 – 15 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the relay box and battery connections.
- Use a quality electrical contact cleaner and spray on all connections.
- Use a small brush or cloth to gently clean the contacts.
- Allow to dry and then reconnect, ensuring all connections are secure and tight.
- Test the bike’s start-up.
- Expert Tip: Corrosion and dirt on electrical contacts can lead to poor conductivity. Regular cleaning can prevent this. Also, avoid using excessive force when cleaning to prevent damage.
Checking and Replacing Battery
- What I Did: Performed a voltage test on the battery and replaced it due to age and wear.
- Outcome: The bike started up as the new battery provided the necessary power.
- Personal Experience: The new battery significantly improved the starting performance.
- Estimated Cost: $50 – $150
- Time Needed: 20 – 30 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. It should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged.
- If the voltage is significantly lower, consider replacing the battery.
- Remove the old battery by disconnecting the terminals (negative first, then positive).
- Install the new battery, connecting the positive terminal first, then the negative.
- Ensure the battery is securely mounted and the terminals are tight.
- Test the bike’s start-up.
- Expert Tip: Always wear protective gloves and glasses when handling a motorcycle battery. Check the battery’s water level regularly if it’s not a maintenance-free type.
Fuel Pump Priming Issue
- What I Did: Investigated the fuel pump to ensure it was priming correctly.
- Outcome: Correcting the fuel pump priming resolved the starting issue.
- Personal Experience: Noticing the difference in sound when the pump primed correctly was key.
- Estimated Cost: $0 (if self-checked)
- Time Needed: 15 – 20 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Turn the key to the ON position without starting the engine.
- Listen for a short whirring sound from the fuel pump, indicating it’s priming.
- If you don’t hear this sound, check the fuel pump fuse and relay.
- Inspect the fuel lines for any kinks or leaks.
- If necessary, consult a service manual for specific fuel pump testing procedures.
- Expert Tip: Regularly check your fuel lines and connections for signs of wear or damage. A failing fuel pump can often be diagnosed by a lack of priming noise.
Checking Relay Box Connections
- What I Did: Inspected and reseated all connections in the relay box.
- Outcome: Reseating the connections resolved intermittent starting issues.
- Personal Experience: The bike started reliably after ensuring all connections were secure.
- Estimated Cost: $0
- Time Needed: 10 – 15 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the relay box, usually found under the seat or near the battery.
- Carefully disconnect each plug and inspect for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Clean the connectors with electrical contact cleaner if necessary.
- Reconnect each plug, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
- Test the bike’s start-up.
- Expert Tip: Label each connector as you disconnect them to ensure proper reassembly. A loose connection can mimic various electrical issues.
Clutch and Neutral Safety Switch
- What I Did: Checked and adjusted the clutch and neutral safety switches.
- Outcome: Adjusting these switches resolved the starting issue in neutral.
- Personal Experience: The bike started normally after the adjustment.
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $20
- Time Needed: 15 – 25 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the clutch switch near the clutch lever and the neutral safety switch near the transmission.
- Inspect each switch for signs of wear or damage.
- Adjust the switch position or replace if necessary.
- Test the bike’s start-up in neutral and with the clutch engaged.
- Expert Tip: Regularly check the operation of safety switches. A malfunctioning switch can prevent the bike from starting as a safety precaution.
Extra tips
- Battery Maintenance: If your bike is not used regularly, consider using a battery tender to maintain charge and prolong battery life.
- Fuel Quality: Poor fuel quality can lead to starting issues. Always use fresh, high-quality fuel and consider adding a fuel stabilizer if the bike is stored for long periods.
- Seasonal Checks: Changes in weather can affect your bike’s starting ability. Perform seasonal checks to ensure all systems are optimal.