Neutral light flickers+crackling noise?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by rccaulfield, Mar 25, 2010.

  1. rccaulfield

    rccaulfield New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2009
    Messages:
    95
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On the vfr, lately when the engine runs a little hot after a long spin- if im stopped and pop her into neutral the light begins to flicker and theres a kinda crackling noise comin maybe from gearbox maybe from ignition system.
    Big clue is if i have the sidestand down while shes in neutral and the flickering begins the bike will cut out, also if i pull the clutch in fully the noise stops but the flickering continues?. Is there something obvious im missin? I had a look at the sidestand switch other day- was CAKED in chain lube so gave her a good clean and spray with elec contact cleaner. Ran fine for a day or 2 and now today problem is back! Any idears?
    Hopin its not the neutral switch at the gearbox, anyone ever have this before?
     
  2. BrysonBman

    BrysonBman New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2011
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Yes I have the same issue with my 2001 vfr. I've noticed that when the bike is hot and stopped, if I lean the bike to the right the neutral light comes on but lean to the left and the light goes off and I can hear a cracklin' sound like an electrical short, but no problem with performance.
    sorry I have no answer for you, but I am looking.
     
  3. donald branscom

    donald branscom New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2009
    Messages:
    1,934
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Guerneville CA
    Map
    This may be what is going on.

    First make sure the neutral indicator light wire fitting on the end of the wire is tight where it goes onto the switch.

    On the shifting drum a little copper brush or ball bearing that is on the end of the
    neutral light switch rides on the end of the shifting drum.
    When you lean the bike over the shifting drum has a little side play and if the drum goes far enough over (just a few thousandths of an inch), the little ball bearing or contact will not be up against the shifting drum. Try tightening the neutral switch just a tiny bit if possible. That may eliminate the problem. just a 1/8 turn might do it. but if it is already tight do not force it.

    The little ball falls into a notch in the face of the shifting drum.

    Also in that circuit there is a wire that goes to the left handlebar switch that
    Makes it so that when you pull in the clutch lever that you can start the bike without getting the bike in neutral.
    No matter what gear you are in you can just pull the clutch lever in and start the bike. That wire on the handlebar which ultimately goes to the start solinoid could be loose. That wire is also in common with the neutral switch.

    When you pull in the clutch lever it grounds the 12v wire to ground, to allow you to start the bike in any gear with the clutch lever pulled in.

    The electrical sound could be the solinoid. Check those connections.
     
  4. rccaulfield

    rccaulfield New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2009
    Messages:
    95
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I figured out the problem, the crackling noise is actually the flapper valve in the airbox which is opening/closing really fast because of a bad signal its getting from the neutral switch(part of that circuit). I'm still living with the problem cos it doesn't make any difference that the bike thinks it's in gear-just pull in clutch and she starts right up! I'll try tightening up the switch donald if needs be-hadn't thought of that! The neutral switch is just in front of your right footpeg going into the side casing for anyone reading this in the future.
     
  5. rccaulfield

    rccaulfield New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2009
    Messages:
    95
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Well well well- you sir were spot on! I Loosened the neutral switch right out and back in again, pulled wiring off and reseated it and the neutral switch behaves perfectly now! Easiest fix of my life lol! So thank you- theres a happy vfr blastin around east Ireland thanks to your goodself!
     
  6. donald branscom

    donald branscom New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2009
    Messages:
    1,934
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Guerneville CA
    Map
    Way to go! Good deal rccaulfield.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page