Should a Valkyrie start out of neutral?

[OldNick]

Mine won't and I just read a post about a GW that would not and the owner felt this was wrong. The killswitch has been disconnected on my trike Nd I suspect that was because there is some mess with tilt/clutch/whatever swtiches. I can hear the clutch switch acting, but of course that does not mean it works.

I just assumed the no neutral no start was a safety issue, but if the GW does not have that I wonder.

Thanks for any help.

Nick

 

[rhino 2]

Mine won't and I just read a post about a GW that would not and the owner felt this was wrong. The killswitch has been disconnected on my trike Nd I suspect that was because there is some mess with tilt/clutch/whatever swtiches. I can hear the clutch switch acting, but of course that does not mean it works.

I just assumed the no neutral no start was a safety issue, but if the GW does not have that I wonder.

Thanks for any help.

Nick

Check the kickstand switch, A few had problems with it not being tided up properly:Shrug:

 

[OldNick]

So the Valk _should_ start out of neutral? If that's so then yeah there has been a bodge. I would like my kill switch back and I will look into fixing up the Kick switch.

All I have to do is _find_ it in the Valk wiring spaghetti.

Thanks

Nick

 

[keepinon]

My Valkyrie trike will start in any gear, as long as the clutch handle is pulled in. Those little electrical switches are notorious for gumming up. I clean mine with a spray electrical contact cleaner... just stick the little tube up in there & squirt while working the handle/switch. Usually cures it. If not, the switch part# is 35330-MB0-003, about $15.00 Held in by one little screw.

If the kick stand switch is bad, or left loose by the installer, it won't start in gear, but then it won't run in gear either. It will start in neutral, but die when shifted into gear. If it goes bad, there's only three wires, and jumping between two of them bypasses the switch. I did it by trial & error on one of mine when it quit at a gas station far from home. Never replaced the switch...

just told the new owner about it so he could pay the $30 for the switch if he desired.

Edit: the kill switch can also be cleaned with the contact cleaner. I used to spray cleaner in there & the starter button every oil change, as preventive maintenance.

 

[OldNick]

Thanks keepinon. That makes it all clear. I will check it out

 

[Lee H. Mann]

Thanks keepinon. That makes it all clear. I will check it out

Also sometimes a worn clutch lever bushing can be the criminal. Have you changed grips lately ???

 

[OldNick]

I ll check the bushing, but the lever has no discernible play. I definitely hear a switch click when I pull the clutch in. I have only had the trike a short while; I have not changed anything, but do not know what was done before.

 

[OldNick]

Also sometimes a worn clutch lever bushing can be the criminal. Have you changed grips lately ???

OK. There is some play and I hear the switch click only sometimes. AHA! Thinks I. Make sure I hear the click amd try to start.Rats! Nothing. Next to check the switch as suggested.

Nick

 

[OldNick]

Thanks for the help, guys. The switch just needed a scrape with emery cloth and a bit of WD.

HAH! Thinking that as usual with the Valk, it would be a 10-20 step process involving removing the rear wheel, to get to the clutch switch, I left it for the evening. Then I looked at thr manual and itsaid "undo a screw"..so I did;

So yeah the bushing is worn and I think it's affecting the clutch. It has not been a problem when riding, but once I got the switch working, hitting the starter caused the trike to move ever such a tiny bit. I assume that means the clutch is not properly disengaged? Or is that normal? When riding,I can release the clutch quite a bit before it takes hold.

Nick

 

[keepinon]

Nick... that's just the beast beneath you wanting to run!

But yes, I have had that surge on several Valks, usually when the clutch is cold. I just put it down to good clutch plates.

 

[OldNick]

Nick... that's just the beast beneath you wanting to run!

But yes, I have had that surge on several Valks, usually when the clutch is cold. I just put it down to good clutch plates.

HAH! Yes good thought.

Thanks for the info. Yes the engine was dead cold.

Nick

 

[ptgb]

Yes, they will lurch a tad with a cold clutch. Happens frequently with both my Valks (I/S & trike).