Starter push button sporatically failes

[Me&MyRocketIII]

Since getting the bike out of storage after returning back from Iraq for over a year, i find that after turning on the ignition switch everything cycles as normal but when i hit the start button nothing happens, It is only after several attempts on the button it will engage the stater. Some back ground on the bike. it was stored in a building and when i went to get it out it was covered in heavy condensation. Am leaning towards rusty contacts at the switch. I called the local dealer and they said i cannot replace just the switch but have to buy a $150 total right hand throttle unit? Anyone else experience similiar or know if the start button is a user friendly individual part to replace?

thanks

 

[Navigator]

+1 on Welcome Home and also for what IDK says about lubing the safety switch points. That's somewhat of a regular preventive procedure up here in the Pacific Northwest.

 

[atomsplitter]

What IDK said. I recommend you download the manual and check the wiring diagrams carefully. You can diagnose 99% of your problems with the electrics with some knowledge of how the bike is wired. Welcome home.

 

[RocketEd]

Welcome back, and thank you.

When my Roadster did that, it was the starter relay. On my Roadster it's the rearmost relay under the right side cover. If the above good ideas don't work, pull the relay and have your local auto parts store match it.

 

[xhdskip]

mine does it occasionally.
No rhyme or reason that I can find.
Just hit the button a few times and it'll kick in...
Figure it out, let me know
and I'll see if it's something I haven't tried or checked yet..

 

[oakville]

There is an enforced no start time in the ecu. If you push the button nothing happens until that is over. I found that out when mine did not start the first try. I pressed the button a second time and nothing. Looked around but forgot to release it. As I was looking for the kick stand the ****ed thing cranked. Scared the you know out of me. I was actually able to replicate it but it is such a creepy feeling I wont do it again. LMAO

 

[barbagris]

There are also safety switches on the side stand and the clutch lever to prevent starting in gear and/or driving off with the side stand down. A little WD40 sprayed in them may help as well.

Bypassing them WILL. One has to offset the risks though.