Starter button Works when it wants to...

With the vast amount of knowledge here on VFRW maybe someones had this?

First I can always start the bike...
Just may take 2-3 pushes.

Turn key, ignition on, push the starter button nothing somethings
Push it again and the bike starts up.
Sometimes bike starts on first push, other times it takes more than one attempt.
Could this be a wiring short?
Is my ignition switch going bad?
All connections to and from starter motor seem in order.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
-S

 

Sorry guys-
Additional info
1993 w/ 19k

 

I'd check the starter button and the starter solonoid. Do you hear a "click" from under the seat, when you push the starter button when it doesn't start?

 

i had a 750 nighthalk that had the same problem, it turned out to need the button cleaned. i haven't had to open my VFR yet ,but if you open to switch housing you can get to the screws that hold the switch together.CAREFULLY remove the screws, and with a small wirebrush(or scotch-brite pad)clean the contacts. atleast that's what fixed my bike.

 

You might also check the Stop/Run switch above the Start button. I occasionally toggle it back and forth a few times to wipe the contacts clean. On some bikes, if it gets flaky and thinks that it is in the Stop position, it will disable the starter circuit.

 

Sometimes it helps to pull the clutch lever in when starting....make sure the green neutral light is ON or wiggle the shift lever until the light stays ON

 

The problem is not with the neutral switch/ indicator SquirrelMan.
The switch is clean and indicator comes on everytime the key is turned.
Thanks though.

I'll check all suggestions as I go. Trying to remember to listen for the click sound from under the seat, though I cant recall hearing it.

Thanks

 

If you hear the "click", switch is good, and (good chance) solonoid bad. If no click, problem would be switch or wiring to/from it.

 

FIRST check your battery voltage because a weak battery can give those symptoms.

use your multimeter tester to confirm that you have 12V at solenoid when you press starter button.....if you have voltage then replace the solenoid, a common failure.

IN an emergency ( you're out riding, etc.) you can ALWAYS JUMP the 2 large terminals on the solenoid with a screwdriver to activate the starter .,.,..don't worry about the sparks, and don't use a quarter because it gets really hot......

 

Squirrel-
Not sure I follow?

Test voltage...done that a few times already. 12.6 - 12.8 at rest.

Heres the part I dont follow...
"use your multimeter tester to confirm that you have 12V at solenoid when you press starter button.....if you have voltage then replace the solenoid, a common failure".

Test the soleniod. Should have 12v at start when pushing button then ok?
OR
If solenoid registers voltage then replace?

Is there another test to check if solenoid is actually bad?

Thanks