2009 sv650s - kill switch accidentally and now won't start

DSoup

Well-known member
Was riding my bike and hit the kill switch accidentally. Bike obviously shut off, and then wouldn't start. What happened?

SOLVED:
I have adjustable levers, on the lowest setting it doesn't travel far enough to disengage the clutch switch, figured this out by sitting on the bike and just poking around.
 
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I hate to ask the obvious, but did you flip the kill switch back to the run position?
 

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I hate to ask the obvious, but did you flip the kill switch back to the run position?

Yes, I have kickstands up, clutch in, key in on, kill switch on run and then hit ignition. Lights dim but bike doesn't start and engine doesnt turn over. Bike is in neutral and I see the neutral light on. There is a red light on beside neutral with the temperature thing on.
 
Check your fuses, check your side stand and clutch safety switches. Other than that maybe the kill switch itself has failed.
 
If it makes any difference I can bump start the bike.

switches and fuse look good, is there a way to short out the kill switch easily to check??

When I turn the ignition to on there is a red indicator light on the instrument panel and the oil pressure symbol appears. I think that is normal though until the bike starts, right?
 
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1. You can bump start the bike and it runs
2. All the idiot lights light up like they should when you turn the key
3. You hit the start button and the lights dim but the bike doesn't turn over.

Have I summarized this correctly?

Based on what you have told us, the problem lies in the starter circuit somewhere. My guess, and its only a guess, is somewhere between the starter relay and the starter its self.
 
Sounds like a dead battery.

Possible but I would have thought you would hear the clicking....unless it is really dead. OP do you have a multi meter? If not I would suggest getting one, can-tire had them on sale this week i think.
 
If you can bump start it, then battery is where I'd start. Have you tried boosting it with a car? If it cranks when you boost you know its the battery. Testing voltage might be a little misleading. If you've lost a cell the voltage might be okay but not enough amps. Go the easy route and try the boost and see what happens first. (you should get a multimeter anyway though. The things are life savers!).
 
1. You can bump start the bike and it runs
2. All the idiot lights light up like they should when you turn the key
3. You hit the start button and the lights dim but the bike doesn't turn over.

Have I summarized this.

Yes, the lights are strong and I just had a mechanic check the bike over last Saturday (just bought it - he said alternator and battery were good)
 
just had a mechanic check the bike over last Saturday (just bought it - he said alternator and battery were good)
batteries fail ,,, "it was working this morning" is heard tooo often ... boost it with a known good battery,,
you previously said the lights dimmed with the starter... and now you say the lights are strong..?
if the lights dim with the starter,, it is showing the circuit to the starter is ok,, and either the battery is low... or.. the starter is jammed, or some problem at the starter.. I am not familiar with the starter,, is it constantly engaged,, or does it have a solenoid [click click dead battery sound]
 
5 bucks says it is the clutch switch, jump it out (connect the two wires together that are on the switch by the clutch.). Report back soon.
 
And of course you have cleaned and tightened the battery terminals?
 
5 bucks says it is the clutch switch, jump it out (connect the two wires together that are on the switch by the clutch.). Report back soon.

The lights are strong when I turn the ignition then I press the starter and it dims. There is no dead battery noise, I press the starter and the lights dim and nothing else happens. I shorted the clutch switch, and I hear the fuel pump whir when I I push the kickstands switch.
 
Adjusted my clutch lever to have a longer travel, bike runs again! I had adjusted it while riding and on the lowest setting there isn't enough clutch travel to disengage the switch.
 
Adjusted my clutch lever to have a longer travel, bike runs again! I had adjusted it while riding and on the lowest setting there isn't enough clutch travel to disengage the switch.
So you didn't try starting your bike in neutral? Facepalm.

-Jamie M.
 
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