I have a new 2012 V-Strom 650 with less than 1000 miles on it. I just had the initial service done last week. I'm having a strange, and troublesome, electrical issue that manifests itself in a couple of different ways. No aftermarket electrical add-ons yet.

The most common issue occurs during starting. Every once in a while (maybe one time out of ten, but completely unpredictable) when I turn the key to the On position, the instrument panel lights up and turns on as it should, but when I hit the starter button, everything goes blank. No amount of switch flipping, or removing and re-inserting the key seems to bring it back.

At this point, I usually take off the seat, jiggle a few wires, and try again. Nine times out of ten this does the trick and the bike starts as normal. Loose connection somewhere?

The other problem I've observed—only once, thankfully—was when everything shut down during a ride. I was on the freeway, at night, and the instrument panel and lights flickered and went out. Everything came back on after a second or two and I was able to get home safely.

I've occasionally noticed the neutral light and ABS light flickering while I'm stopped at a light.

I know the best option is to take the bike to the dealer and let them run a full diagnostic, but I would feel better if I could accurately describe the problem or give them more information. Has anyone here ever experienced anything like this or have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dalton

Try tightening the battery cables.

That seems like it might do the trick! The nut on the negative terminal was not connected to the bolt underneath. Everything is nice and tight now, I really hope that was it! Thank you very much for your quick response.

The nut should be on the bottom and the bolt on the top.

So new bike, first service and the battery is not connected properly? That would be a red flag to me. I would check the tightness of all the bolts on the bike that I could see, especially the calipers, axles and let the service department know that I was disappointed.

As never ever going to a dealer for a service in my life - explain what a less than 1k service is??- or post an RO please.
regards

If you don't know answer for that, such a basic question, consult your owner's manual.
And don't try to start debate with mechanic, I won't participate in it.

Interesting how many almost new vehicles past through my hands in last 30 years with similar problems and in 90% of ocasions it was loose connection on battery terminal.

+1

Nice one greywolf.

Put some dielectric grease on the terminals too. Maybe take them apart and clean them up also.

I got a great deal on my Tiger about a year and a half ago. The seller didn't disclose that it would randomly shut down on start up and lose all the settings. The positive cable would have to be removed and reattached, so the computer would reset. He probably thought the ECU was going bad and decided to sell it.
Long story short, even with tight connections, it would occur. I cleaned and greased, the terminals, which didn't look bad, along with all the connections to the battery, and it hasn't ever occurred again.