Chasing down an electrical puzzle

[SKULLTZI]

My 19 Kawasaki Z650 has developed an interesting starting issue. Sometimes it fires right up, other times nothing happens when I hit the button. My roommate is convinced the bike is possessed but I'm sure it's just a simple connection somewhere. Where's the most common spot for a wire to rub or a connector to come loose on this frame, and is the kickstand safety switch a component that fails often?

 

[K9Commander]

@SKULLTZI the kickstand switch is absolutely the first place to check. It's notorious for acting up on many bikes, including Kawasakis
It gets gunked up, or the wire gets pinched. Clean it, check continuity, and make sure it's fully disengaged

 

[SKULLTZI]

@SKULLTZI the kickstand switch is absolutely the first place to check. It's notorious for acting up on many bikes, including Kawasakis
It gets gunked up, or the wire gets pinched. Clean it, check continuity, and make sure it's fully disengaged

This confirmed my suspicion about the kickstand switch. I got to it yesterday and the component was completely packed with road grime. After a thorough cleaning it appears to be working perfectly now. I will let my roommate know the exorcism can be called off.

 

[leanmeanmachine412]

Intermittent starts like this usually point to issues with safety interlocks or corroded connectors. A good first step is to clean those contact points and check for continuity.

 

[SKULLTZI]

@leanmeanmachine412

That is exactly what @K9Commander suggested. The bike has been starting perfectly ever since I cleaned out the kickstand switch a couple of weeks ago.

 

[leanmeanmachine412]

That's great! I'm happy cleaning the kickstand switch fixed things. Those tiny switches can be super annoying when they get rusty. It's good when a simple solution actually does the job