Crank but no start

[Ol' Man Jeb]

2008 Goldwing/Roadsmith cranks just like it came off the showroom floor but won't start. I'm halfway to my wits end but I still have a few hairs left. Sorry for being so ignert.

 

[cycle7447]

Have you checked the kill switch or gas

 

[pwhoever]

One thing that may be helpful is to crank throttle all the way open and push starter button for about 10 secs and see if the FI light starts flashing codes. Pay attention if it does and count the flashes. Long flashes are 10's and short flashes are 1's. For example, 2 long flashes followed by 5 short flashes equals 25. Hopefully it will throw some kind of code that may help pinpoint the problem.

Also how old is the battery? I know these bikes do strange things when battery gets low even though it may still crank.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Battery is bran spankin' new. Got it from local dealer about 2 hrs ago.
i've been trying since spring to get this puppy on the road. Due to wifes illness, I have limited opportunities for maintenance.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Have you checked the kill switch or gas

Kill switch, yes. Gas gauge sez 1/4 tank.

 

[cycle7447]

Battery is bran spankin' new. Got it from local dealer about 2 hrs ago.
i've been trying since spring to get this puppy on the road. Due to wifes illness, I have limited opportunities for maintenance.

It might help if you provided some additional details. Based on your original note, I wrongfully assumed that this was something that just happened.

So, how long has it been since you had this running. If a long period, you may now have some bad gas in the tank.

 

[cycle7447]

Kill switch, yes. Gas gauge sez 1/4 tank.

If this has been sitting and the gauge is 1/4 tank - it might just be condensation (water in that gas).

I would add some fresh gas and give that a try.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Last winter was the last time it ran. Been on a helper till spring. Just purchased new battery today. I'll get fresh gas tomorrow.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

It might help if you provided some additional details. Based on your original note, I wrongfully assumed that this was something that just happened.

So, how long has it been since you had this running. If a long period, you may now have some bad gas in the tank.

Ima get some gas tomorrow. There's only 2 forks in the drawer and they both have tines missing, so I'm at a slight disadvantage maintainence wise.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

It might help if you provided some additional details. Based on your original note, I wrongfully assumed that this was something that just happened.

So, how long has it been since you had this running. If a long period, you may now have some bad gas in the tank.

What kind of details would be helpful? It was running up till I put it away for the 2023 winter. It was on battery tender all winter. I came out this spring and the battery was flatter'n a ducks instep.

 

[Gorilla]

Did you put gas stabilizer in the gas when you stored it running it to get the mix into the system? If not then there is a good possibility that you have some varnish in the system blocking the flow. I'm not familiar with the Goldwing fuel system, buy we have a couple of very knowledgeable members that might help. Give them a chance to see this thread. good luck

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Put fresh gas this morning, still no start. Indicator light for neutral does not come on. Today, I hear a "clunk" when start switch engaged before it turns over, then the next try I get nothing. This did not occur yesterday. Normally, it always started first crank. I want to thank you all for trying to bail me out. I prolly shouldn't even own it.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Did you put gas stabilizer in the gas when you stored it running it to get the mix into the system? If not then there is a good possibility that you have some varnish in the system blocking the flow. I'm not familiar with the Goldwing fuel system, buy we have a couple of very knowledgeable members that might help. Give them a chance to see this thread. good luck

Well, at least I thought I did. I usually do.

 

[Gorilla]

Put fresh gas this morning, still no start. Indicator light for neutral does not come on. Today, I hear a "clunk" when start switch engaged before it turns over, then the next try I get nothing. This did not occur yesterday. Normally, it always started first crank. I want to thank you all for trying to bail me out. I prolly shouldn't even own it.

You may have to charge the battery back up. Sounds like you have run it down trying to get it started. Starters draw a lot of current. It will run a full charged battery down quick.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

And I thought my troubles were just beginning. Thank you for your input. I need a break anyway.

 

[cycle7447]

And I thought my troubles were just beginning. Thank you for your input. I need a break anyway.

Seems like you added an additional symptom - neutral light does not come on.
OK, you now have fresh gas. Charge the battery since all of the cranks may have drained it.

Next, go to the reverse lever - pull it up and down - make sure it is disengaged. Now, check to see if you have the neutral light.

If so, jump on the bike, turn the key - make sure the kill switch is off. Hold the clutch and hit the starter.

Good luck

 

[cScjhb]

Your 08 Goldwing is fuel injected so a lot less chance of having fuel/gum issues than if it was an older carbureted model. I'd be looking at electrical gremlins. Things like stuck micro switches, rodent infestation and damage to wiring. But first, give your bike (and yourself) a break and fully recharge your new battery. Advice from cycle7447 is good except you have a reverse button instead of the older lever system. Check all your micro switches in the brake and clutch systems for proper operation. You need to get the neutral light back on. Could be the bike got slipped into gear. If that's the case and if your clutch and brake switches are malfunctioning you will get a no start condition, even when stepping on the brake and pulling in the clutch. I've seen instances when finding neutral on a Goldwing can be tough. Sometimes need to get pressure off a locked-up transmission by rocking back and forth. Have patience and you'll find the issue. Good luck and keep us posted..... Jim

 

[cycle7447]

Thanks cScjhb - I was remembering the level from my old GoldWing days

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Seems like you added an additional symptom - neutral light does not come on.
OK, you now have fresh gas. Charge the battery since all of the cranks may have drained it.

Next, go to the reverse lever - pull it up and down - make sure it is disengaged. Now, check to see if you have the neutral light.

If so, jump on the bike, turn the key - make sure the kill switch is off. Hold the clutch and hit the starter.

Good luck

Another symptom? Someone mentioned the F1 light which comes on momentarily along with oil light and both go out when starter switch engaged.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Your 08 Goldwing is fuel injected so a lot less chance of having fuel/gum issues than if it was an older carbureted model. I'd be looking at electrical gremlins. Things like stuck micro switches, rodent infestation and damage to wiring. But first, give your bike (and yourself) a break and fully recharge your new battery. Advice from cycle7447 is good except you have a reverse button instead of the older lever system. Check all your micro switches in the brake and clutch systems for proper operation. You need to get the neutral light back on. Could be the bike got slipped into gear. If that's the case and if your clutch and brake switches are malfunctioning you will get a no start condition, even when stepping on the brake and pulling in the clutch. I've seen instances when finding neutral on a Goldwing can be tough. Sometimes need to get pressure off a locked-up transmission by rocking back and forth. Have patience and you'll find the issue. Good luck and keep us posted..... Jim

I shifted until I could manually push the bike into the driveway by hand. I have better access to it there anyway. Hooked it up to the Battery Tender Junior and now waiting for the green light to cme on and taking a break. Thanks.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Drained gas tank, put fresh gas and charged battery, checked all the fuses still no joy. In the interim, relocated to Newton Ks, where haven't found anyone to work on it. My next try is to find a U-Haul to Wichita to a Goldwing dealer. Doesn't appear it'll run this year. Obviously, a mechanic I'm not!! Appears, the deficate hit the proverbial fan. BTW, I'm married to Calamity Jane.

 

[Gorilla]

just an off beat thought.

I'm a Harley guy so I maybe off base. Don't the Honda's have a switch that will not let the bike start if the kick stand is down? If so when they did the conversion they would bypass this some how. If that bypass failed?

 

[trike lady]

By chance is the fuel pump working?

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

just an off beat thought.

I'm a Harley guy so I maybe off base. Don't the Honda's have a switch that will not let the bike start if the kick stand is down? If so when they did the conversion they would bypass this some how. If that bypass failed?

Not so off beat, good thought worth checking, thanks

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

By chance is the fuel pump working?

Another item needs checking, thank you.

 

[trike lady]

Just found an interesting video about a no start condition.

Possibly something set up house in the fairing and gorged itself on some wires.
Just for the heck of it bang on the right side fairing like he show in the video and see if the bike starts.

 

[Vulcanscott]

Just found an interesting video about a no start condition.

Possibly something set up house in the fairing and gorged itself on some wires.
Just for the heck of it bang on the right side fairing like he show in the video and see if the bike starts.

That is what I was Thinking