Voyager won't start in gear.

gv550 · 04-13-2021, 09:43 PM

Hi, it's been a while since I last visited this board. Sold my Voyager a few years ago (riding 2018 goldwing now) but locals still bring me bikes for service and repairs. Latest is a 2011 Vaquero that won't crank when in gear and clutch pulled, starts fine in neutral. I tested the starter lockout switch with an ohmmeter and it turns off and on as I pull the clutch lever. I followed the wire harness inside the fairing, pulled the plugs apart and reconnected them, pins look good and plugs snap together properly.
The gear indicator and neutral light in the display work properly so the transmission switch and wiring must be OK.
The starter circuit relay is contained in the main relay box and isn't serviceable by itself, gotta buy the whole box.
Any other suggestions of things to check? Hate to buy a new box and not fix the problem.

**Sabre-t** · 04-13-2021, 11:59 PM

May be a stupid question, but do you have the kickstand up when doing this? Even with the clutch pulled, it's not supposed to start in gear if the kickstand is down when not in neutral. At least Voyagers don't.

Peg · 04-14-2021, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gv550

Hi, it's been a while since I last visited this board. Sold my Voyager a few years ago (riding 2018 goldwing now) ... <snip>

Hey Garry, nice to see you pop in... How many km's on the Goldwing? (I'm quietly wagering - more than I have on my Voyager)

.

gv550 · 04-14-2021, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabre-t

May be a stupid question, but do you have the kickstand up when doing this? Even with the clutch pulled, it's not supposed to start in gear if the kickstand is down when not in neutral. At least Voyagers don't.

Yes, kickstand is up. Thanks for the suggestion.

gv550 · 04-14-2021, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peg

Hey Garry, nice to see you pop in... How many km's on the Goldwing? (I'm quietly wagering - more than I have on my Voyager)

.

55k on Goldwing, 175 k on my Tenere, 34k on the Tracer ( sold)

**Sabre-t** · 04-15-2021, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gv550

Yes, kickstand is up. Thanks for the suggestion.

Then the other stupid question would be did you check the kickstand switch. I know you probably did, but...

**smokier** · 04-17-2021, 06:55 AM

What @Sabre-T said. I have had the problem (kick-stand switch). Pull wires from switch. Connect wires together (mimicking closed/kickstand up).

Ride safe,
Smokier

gv550 · 04-17-2021, 08:24 AM

Thanks for the advice. I did borrow a working relay box from another bike and swapped it out but made no difference so eliminating that. The bike is gone home now (not fixed) and I will recheck the side stand switch next time I see it.

redjay · 04-17-2021, 12:22 PM

This is slightly off topic but I had an issue last week with my Goldwing. The cruise control would not engage. I checked the switches (with a multimeter) at the brake and clutch levers and they checked out okay with regard to switching on and off. The issue was a build up of corrosion on the switch push on terminals (spade end connectors). Some sandpapering of the connectors and the cruise is now working.

**MAS Tequila** · 04-28-2021, 04:12 PM

If it were a 1500/1600 I'd tell you to change the clutch safety switch, anyway.

That is exactly the symptom I had twice.

KillingAngel · 09-05-2021, 01:41 PM

Hi GV550. I have a brand new 21 Vaquero (just 2 weeks and 440 miles). I rode it home and it was fine. 2 days later, I noticed the same issue where my kickstand is up, I'm in first gear and when I tried to start it...nothing happens. I also noticed that the bike will start just fine in neutral. Furthermore, I noticed that when in 1st gear and is refusing to start, I have to pull the lever as hard as I can even though there is no more play or sometimes I have to pull it twice normally (as if I was pumping it) and it will start. I contacted a local dealer and the dealer where I purchased my Vaquero and they both informed me that is the hydraulic clutch that is causing the issue. They mentioned something about a switch on the lever/hydraulic unit that needs to be check and or adjusted.
As soon as I can take it to my local dealer (the dealer where I purchased is too far from where I live) and find out what is really is going on, I'll let you know. Unfortunately, is a 2 weeks wait just to have it check, and since it is starting on neutral just fine and sometimes in 1st gear, I want to enjoy my new Vaquero just a few days more before I have to say goodbye to it for 2 weeks or more.

mbarr10 · 09-05-2021, 02:23 PM

Since you Have the bike and it works, Keep it till the riding weather sucks. I rode mine for 3 months with a slipping 2nd gear. then drove it to the stealer for warrantee repair.
I found one that would store it for 100 bucks till the snow melted.

Ride when you can. Use down time for repairs. Shit you got a new toy go out and Play.
Going back in this winter for the gear indicator going wacky. I have an extended warrantee so I want the bike perfect for the next owner. If I ever decide to sell it.

And By the way, WELCOME to the forum.

Chuck A. · 09-06-2021, 10:26 PM

Welcome to the forum. Get you a can of silicon lube and lightly spray the switch on the handlebar that you can see from under the lever adjustment area with the clutch level pulled in. If you can pump the clutch hand lever a few times and it starts, the switch is sticking.

Just had to spray mine Friday for this same thing.

For cleaner results use the spray tube and cover everything around it. The spray travels, Fast. Don't ask how I know.....

KillingAngel · 09-07-2021, 12:05 AM

Chuck A, what kind or brand of Silicon lube?

I had a similar problem on my Honda where the bike wouldn't start at all even on neutral or any gear. It turned out that spraying the start button with WD40 will fix the problem.

However, I don't think you mean WD40 when you say Silicon Lube.

Thanks

KillingAngel · 09-07-2021, 12:10 AM

Thanks, mbarr10 for the advice. Since the winters are not so bad here in Southern California, I tend to ride even during the winter so there is no downtime for me. I will, however, enjoy it a little longer before I take it to the dealer for warranty repair. I don't know if this will be covered though as the dealer is saying that the hydraulic clutch issue is 'cosmetic' and it may not be covered. Anyone knows if the switch on the hydraulic clutch is covered or not by the warranty. I purchased my Vaquero on August 13th, 2021.

04-13-2021, 09:43 PM	#1
gv550 Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Listowel, Ontario Posts: 642	Voyager won't start in gear. Hi, it's been a while since I last visited this board. Sold my Voyager a few years ago (riding 2018 goldwing now) but locals still bring me bikes for service and repairs. Latest is a 2011 Vaquero that won't crank when in gear and clutch pulled, starts fine in neutral. I tested the starter lockout switch with an ohmmeter and it turns off and on as I pull the clutch lever. I followed the wire harness inside the fairing, pulled the plugs apart and reconnected them, pins look good and plugs snap together properly. The gear indicator and neutral light in the display work properly so the transmission switch and wiring must be OK. The starter circuit relay is contained in the main relay box and isn't serviceable by itself, gotta buy the whole box. Any other suggestions of things to check? Hate to buy a new box and not fix the problem. __________________ Garry 2009 1700 Voyager KACT, sold at 679,465 kms 2011 1700 Nomad Improve handling, suspension and tire life with Garry's Fork Brace. PM for details. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-17-2021, 06:55 AM	#7
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	What @Sabre-T said. I have had the problem (kick-stand switch). Pull wires from switch. Connect wires together (mimicking closed/kickstand up). Ride safe, Smokier __________________ You only get one, so "Make it the best day ever!" 2014 Victory Cross County Tour Blue Fire Gloss (BFG) "Cruella" Brides Ride: 2012 Victory Crossroads in Sunset Red "Ruby" Previous Vulcans: '15 Vaquero, '12 Vaquero, '10 1700 Nomad, '04 1500 Classic, '01 1500 Classic, '88 Vulcan 750 VROC # 10967 \| VBA # 3115
	0

04-17-2021, 08:24 AM	#8
gv550 Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Listowel, Ontario Posts: 642	Thanks for the advice. I did borrow a working relay box from another bike and swapped it out but made no difference so eliminating that. The bike is gone home now (not fixed) and I will recheck the side stand switch next time I see it. __________________ Garry 2009 1700 Voyager KACT, sold at 679,465 kms 2011 1700 Nomad Improve handling, suspension and tire life with Garry's Fork Brace. PM for details.
	0

04-28-2021, 04:12 PM	#10
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	If it were a 1500/1600 I'd tell you to change the clutch safety switch, anyway. That is exactly the symptom I had twice. __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
	0

09-05-2021, 02:23 PM	#12
mbarr10 Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,565	Since you Have the bike and it works, Keep it till the riding weather sucks. I rode mine for 3 months with a slipping 2nd gear. then drove it to the stealer for warrantee repair. I found one that would store it for 100 bucks till the snow melted. Ride when you can. Use down time for repairs. Shit you got a new toy go out and Play. Going back in this winter for the gear indicator going wacky. I have an extended warrantee so I want the bike perfect for the next owner. If I ever decide to sell it. And By the way, WELCOME to the forum. __________________ Please post back after you have solved any issues 2016 1700 Vaquero 10/4/2016 2007 1500 Classic W/ Reckless Fairing, 42,000 miles 2004 600 Honda Shadow 18,000 miles 1989 500 Honda CX Custom 55,000 miles 1973 400 Kawi Triple 5,000 miles
	0

04-13-2021, 11:59 PM	#2
Sabre-t Join Date: May 2015 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 838	May be a stupid question, but do you have the kickstand up when doing this? Even with the clutch pulled, it's not supposed to start in gear if the kickstand is down when not in neutral. At least Voyagers don't.
	0

04-17-2021, 12:22 PM	#9
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,978	This is slightly off topic but I had an issue last week with my Goldwing. The cruise control would not engage. I checked the switches (with a multimeter) at the brake and clutch levers and they checked out okay with regard to switching on and off. The issue was a build up of corrosion on the switch push on terminals (spade end connectors). Some sandpapering of the connectors and the cruise is now working.
	0

09-05-2021, 01:41 PM	#11
KillingAngel Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 8	Hi GV550. I have a brand new 21 Vaquero (just 2 weeks and 440 miles). I rode it home and it was fine. 2 days later, I noticed the same issue where my kickstand is up, I'm in first gear and when I tried to start it...nothing happens. I also noticed that the bike will start just fine in neutral. Furthermore, I noticed that when in 1st gear and is refusing to start, I have to pull the lever as hard as I can even though there is no more play or sometimes I have to pull it twice normally (as if I was pumping it) and it will start. I contacted a local dealer and the dealer where I purchased my Vaquero and they both informed me that is the hydraulic clutch that is causing the issue. They mentioned something about a switch on the lever/hydraulic unit that needs to be check and or adjusted. As soon as I can take it to my local dealer (the dealer where I purchased is too far from where I live) and find out what is really is going on, I'll let you know. Unfortunately, is a 2 weeks wait just to have it check, and since it is starting on neutral just fine and sometimes in 1st gear, I want to enjoy my new Vaquero just a few days more before I have to say goodbye to it for 2 weeks or more.
	0

09-06-2021, 10:26 PM	#13
Chuck A. Advanced Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Hartselle Alabama Posts: 991	Welcome to the forum. Get you a can of silicon lube and lightly spray the switch on the handlebar that you can see from under the lever adjustment area with the clutch level pulled in. If you can pump the clutch hand lever a few times and it starts, the switch is sticking. Just had to spray mine Friday for this same thing. For cleaner results use the spray tube and cover everything around it. The spray travels, Fast. Don't ask how I know..... __________________ Have A Good One, Chuck Patriot Guard Riders Sons Of Liberty Riders Alabama Road Captain 2015 Voyager 2003 1500 NOMAD FI sold 6/19 VBA #2993 RUSSELL DAYLONG SEATS ROCK!! DAMMIT TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling "DAMMIT" at the top of your lungs There is no substitute for laminar flow in which a helmet is the primary disturbance. SO MANY ROADS, SO LITTLE TIME.
	0

09-07-2021, 12:05 AM	#14
KillingAngel Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 8	Chuck A, what kind or brand of Silicon lube? I had a similar problem on my Honda where the bike wouldn't start at all even on neutral or any gear. It turned out that spraying the start button with WD40 will fix the problem. However, I don't think you mean WD40 when you say Silicon Lube. Thanks
	0

09-07-2021, 12:10 AM	#15
KillingAngel Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 8	Thanks, mbarr10 for the advice. Since the winters are not so bad here in Southern California, I tend to ride even during the winter so there is no downtime for me. I will, however, enjoy it a little longer before I take it to the dealer for warranty repair. I don't know if this will be covered though as the dealer is saying that the hydraulic clutch issue is 'cosmetic' and it may not be covered. Anyone knows if the switch on the hydraulic clutch is covered or not by the warranty. I purchased my Vaquero on August 13th, 2021.
	0