First Honda project, wont start

[Duffman1125]

Hi I'm not new to the bike world but I am new to water cooled bikes and hondas. I have a 1986 VT700, This is my first honda and I can not get it to start. when I turn on the ignition key all the lights come on. but when I press the start button nothing happens (lights turn off).

It has a New battery that is fully charged and reading at 12.6v

I tested the starter by jumping the solenoid terminals with a screw driver. I also check for spark by doing the same thing but with a spark plug removed from the cylinder. (Spark Looked good).

Im not 100% on the fuel pump since this is a first fuel pump I've seen on a motorcycle. but bubbles do move through the filter when i jump the starter.

my clutch safety switch wires are twisted together. I couldnt find any other safety switches that would keep the bike from starting. (if there is any more where would they be?)

Sorry for writing so much but I am trying to give as much info as i can.
All advice is welcome
Thanks Travis

[oldskool]

I know its kinda obvious but is it in gear?
My 87' won't start when its in gear. With or without the clutch or brake depressed.

[oldskool]

Oh yea..... check the fuses. there is also one attached to the solenoid right next to the battery

[Duffman1125]

I checked the fuses near the handle bars but I didnt notice any on the solenoid. Ill have to go take a look. does the neutral light is on and the bike rolls freely, do both brakes need to be applied for it to start?

[oldskool]

No if the bike is not in gear the brake or clutch switch shouldnt be used.
The 30A fuse by the solenoid is under a red rubber cover.
I will go take a pic of mine in a min.

[verdeva]

it can not be the 30 amp fuse; quote "when I turn on the ignition the lights come on".

More likely it is the starter pushbutton switch.

[gmck]

My 94 has sidestand switch that prevents from starting. Also neutral switch, clutch switch and the emergency kill switch. It is kind of sounding like it is your start button. Known problem for bikes as it get dirty, and causes a no start problem a lot. Search for start switch cleaning and there are a few how to.s here.

[TxShadow49]

1. Starter button switch. Take apart control, clean with electronic/contact cleaner. Check to see if it is burned looking. Check switch according to MoM.
2. Clutch Switch. Its an eleven dollar part. Put one in.
3. Sidestand switch. Check it according to MoM.
4. Clutch Switch Diode. Probably in Neck under sidecover.

More than likely you have a bad starter button switch or one that needs cleaning.

[srbeasley88]

88 honda shadow 600 same symptoms. Mine was the kickstand killswitch. Its not supposed to start in gear ( even with the clutch pulled) but if that switch is dead it will not start. Even in neutral.

[John Hopkins]

It's pretty obvious..12.6v on a new battery is not charged enough to run it.

For a new battery you need to charge it with a charger capable of at least 4amps until it reads 13.8v.

A battery tender will not do.

John.