possible ignition switch?

[mbdean55]

Hello all I just wanted some knowledge from you guys. Overall the past few weeks the rocket has been running great no issues. About a month or 2 back I was leaving work when it began it's start procedure (needles going to right and back, fuel pump starting etc) when it just went dead.... nothing. I didn't think to check horn or anything. Anyways it started after a few key turns and that was that. When I got home from work this morning however (30 minute ride with no problems) It cut out on me. I thought I may have hit the kill switch or something but i had not. Then while in gear and looking around it suddenly started its start up procedure again. I am able to start the bike and it idles fine but if i turn the bars it shuts itself off again. So my question, do you think it's just a loose wire or a bad ignition? I have very limited tools on hand to check myself. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mittzy]

Yep.....classic ignition switch failure.

 

[CanberraR3]

It may not be the switch itself if you're lucky. Also check the pins in the connector plug under the front of the tank. If the are burnt you can bridge the plug (either just one wire or all of them) and you might be OK, although the damage could already have been done to your switch. If you haven't already done so, install light relays immediately - Eastern Beaver or similar. Drop Hanso a line and he can tell you how to do it.

 

[Triple Trouble]

It does sound like the ignition switch. Would certainly help if you were to post what year and model Rocket you ride.

 

[mbdean55]

I ride an '05 standard. Any guesstimations as to how much the new ignition is gonna set me back?

 

[Triple Trouble]

I ride an '05 standard. Any guesstimations as to how much the new ignition is gonna set me back?

No idea but if you are mechanically inclined it is possible to remove the switch and repair it. Installing some form of relay set up is necessary to take the headlight load off the switch. Being an '05 I would say it's almost a certainty to be the switch overheating.

 

[mbdean55]

I'd say overall from the forums just go for the Eastern Beaver relay mod?

 

[Rocket Scientist]

I'd say overall from the forums just go for the Eastern Beaver relay mod?

Not only will the EB mod save your new (or repaired) ignition switch it will make your headlights MUCH brighter. Here is mine before and after EB mod.

 

[TURBO200R4]

it is probably the white wire come loose from ign. best bet is to replace ign switch and do some kind of light relay bypass.
there is info on this site about key less ign. i don't know if this is practial or not you might want to check.
if it is a financial problem there are ways to by pass the ign switch.

 

[HansO]

i agree with All of the above and as a Richard said if you are lucky it may only be the connector plug under front of tank, pull the plug and check there is no burnt or discoloured connector pins and while you are at put a good dose of Dielectric Grease in the plugs as this helps continuity, if the wire is burnt or discoloured at either side of the plug make a bridging connector as Richard (canberraR3) had to do and either buy (EasternBeaver) or make up a ign bypass lighting relay harness. I haven't had a chance yet but promised someone else I would make a drawing and list plus instruction to make your own, I will endeavor to get it done later after I Finnish work in morning