Realized I neglected to say the bike is a 2011 DL650A with 22K on the clock.

 

Hi mate. If it’s out in the weather it could be the starter switch itself. They tend to no be as waterproof as they should and the contacts inside corrode a bit. Try hitting the button a few times to run the contacts together inside, then hit the ignition and see if that fixes it. A bit of water dispersal after that will help. Otherwise it might be the solenoid on the stater but try the common fix first. When I say a few times I mean like a dozen fairly robust presses and let it flick back sharply.


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My first thought is the starter switch too.

 

Yeah it’s a common issue. Give it a go and see how it’s comes out.


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You have certainly covered most of the usuals.
The starter switch info is here and it is a common fault: Start Switch Maintenance

If not the problem you will need a voltmeter to start checking the electrical connections and charging system. What is the earth strap connection to the motor like? Also check the large electrical connector near the headstock/radiator for corrosion on the terminals.

And thank you for your detailed description.

 

Also look through this post for ideas. My Bike Won't Start

 

If the starter switch does not fix it and given that you have already thrown several vital parts at it make sure that the ground cable at the engine block has good clean contact. And obviously that both battery contacts are tight.

 

Thanks for all of the replies. I have worked with the starter switch but haven't removed it and sprayed the contacts with cleaner yet, though I do have a can of Deoxit. Might have to try that. The ground strap sounds most likely because to me, that's what it acts like, a shorted ground. Add to that the fact that a couple of times when the issue began, the engine would begin to turn over, then stop, then just the click of the solenoid. Where is the ground strap located?

 

Back of the motor. Follow the lead from the battery. Got a torch?

 

No torch, nor the skill to use one for anything other than a hot wrench.

 

Do you know if your bike has a headlight relay kit installed?

If not, that would be my next purchase after fixing the current problem (possibly the starter switch).

 

I'll have to dig in to the headlight relay kit. That's a new one for me.

 

Yeah I saw the reference to a torch. in some places they call a flashlight a "torch". just a bit of local "colour".
I had to take my start button apart once, clean it, put die electric grease in it, and put it back together. I think they are something like $95 usd !!!. I am going to have to clean or replace my kickstand switch as some times it needs to be kicked up a couple times to work right.

Cheers

RLBranson

 

Yeah I saw the reference to a torch. in some places they call a flashlight a "torch". just a bit of local "colour".
I had to take my start button apart once, clean it, put die electric grease in it, and put it back together. I think they are something like $95 usd !!!. I am going to have to clean or replace my kickstand switch as some times it needs to be kicked up a couple times to work right.

Cheers

RLBranson

Thank you! A flashlight I can operate, 😂.

 

Well what he really meant, but being a gentleman did not say, use common sense and look (with the assistance of a flashlight) where the ground cable goes. That's where you should check if it has good clean contact ...

Shelve the headlight relay kit for later, first solve the current issue. Then do the relay kit. It will save you from more electrical gremlins.

 

Gotcha. I guess I'm just accustomed to having forum members give a more accurate description of where the item in question is located. Please understand that my other bike is a 2014 Goldwing and before I start digging around inside the tupperware of that bike, I like to have a little better idea of where I'm looking and what the part looks like, how it's attached, etc. I know the VStrom is quite a bit simpler than the Wing and I'm sure I'll be able to resolve the issue. Without this forum, I wouldn't have even thought to check the ground strap. Thanks again to everyone who replied. I'll be sure to follow up when I have the opportunity to get under the bike.

 

I purchased an '12 last spring and it would do something similar. I would press the start button and could hear something under the seat click but the starter would never engage. After a few presses it would start. I cleaned the starter switch and that seemed to help a bit, which I don't know why it would because once you hear the relay click the switch should be done with its job. After running it daily for several months the problem happened less and less. Now it never happens any more.

 

God bless the early version i have. Even going a lot of miles the switches never gave me a bit of trouble. I did do the EB wiring and got a switch to shut off one of the head lights and then got LED's to lessen the load.
Living in a dry climate but riding in a variety of weathers I've not the problems others seem to experience.
Trouble shooting electrical problems can be a bugger especially if electrics seem like magic can be a lot of work.
Hopefully you finally locate the source of the problem.

 

May I suggest that you read: Intermittent not starting. The thread gives a fair step by step technical advice on how the final fault of starter motor brushes was diagnosed. The safety switch bypass testing procedure, on how to activate the starter motor, is also discussed. While your complaint may not be starter motor brushes related, following the basic steps should be useful info that may be of help to you in diagnosing the starting fault on your ride.

 

You guys most seit around watching this site all the time. So I’m checking in late. I had similar problem. I repleced starter swirch and it didn’t change a thing. I started playing around with teh clutch safety switch. It’s a small switch under the handle bar of the clutch side. You can see a punch sticking out from the switch. I oiled that and have had no problems since. A lot cheaper than a new starter switch and a DIY job.

 

I once was on a road trip and encountered extremely heavy rain. My buddy's bike did exactly what you describe, and the only way we could start the bike was to turn the key on, and short out the solenoid with a screw driver (make sure you are insulated by the handle of the screw driver). We just laid it across the two terminals on the solenoid. Once the rain stopped and the bike dried it was fine again. Not suggesting this as a fix, but if you get stuck somewhere, it might get you started again. We were 1,500 miles from home, so grateful it worked.

 

Simple things - Is the clutch FULLY released(adjusted)? Did you check the kickstand kill switch?

I've had issues with both on my 2006.

 

You need to get a test light and a voltmeter because right now your probably replacing good parts and wasting money. Power and grounds have to be good for stuff to work right.

 

Finally got the opportunity to get under the bike today. Ground strap connection to the back of the engine case is easily accessible with a long extension going in beside the rear brake light switch. Removed the strap and replaced the bolt, then relocated the ground strap connection to the engine side case. The bike has not failed to start so far. Hopefully this has resolved this issue. Didn’t need a torch, but an 8mm socket was handy 😂. Lots of thanks to all who responded. Yes, I probably replaced some things unnecessarily, but the way I see it, I now have a spare starter, battery, starter relay and clutch switch. Troubleshooting should be much easier next time!