Hello all.

I just purchased an '05 S2R 800 that had sat for about a year+  I replaced the dead battery but now having a problem getting it running. When I turn the key on the bike does not go through the self check and the gauge cluster has been intermittent on what it displays i.e. odometer, immobilizer, neutral light, backlight etc. I can hear the fuel pump run but nothing happens when I hit the start button.

Here is what I have looked at.
- checked the starter (manually) and it works and turns the engine over, but I am not getting any spark.
- looked and the fuses and everything looks good.
- no apparent damage to the wiring.
- all fluids look good.

From the intermittent gauge cluster I lean to some type of electrical problem. Could it be the CDI?

Anyway, any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Seems like an electrical problem.  If it is I would just take it down to a shop because electrical problems are very tricky.  Probably not what you wanted to hear but JMTC.

I'm sure this is a stupid comment, but just to be sure make sure the kick stand is up or at least the bike is in neutral.  Maybe there's a short in the kickstand kill switch as well??  Also, try pulling the plugs and then reattaching the wires and manually hitting the starter to make sure you're getting a spark.  You can always push the bike and clutch out.

Thanks for the comments so far.

Checked the kickstand switch. Good there.

Still no spark.

Still not starting.

Any suggestions? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

I assume your checking for spark the correct way? Not only do you have to connect a spark plug to the wire, you have to ground the threaded end to the engine case.

No gage sweep indicates an immobilizer problem.  What is the immobilizer light doing?  Have you checked the connection at the antenna?

With the spark I did have the spark plug connected and it grounded to the engine case.

The immobilizer light is intermittent. Sometimes it blinks with the ignition off, sometimes it doesn't (when I am working on it, not just after the 24 hr period when it stops blinking). Sometimes it comes on when the ignition is first turned on.

I didn't know about the connection to an antenna. Can you give some more explanation on that?

Again, thanks for the comments. Keep them coming!

You issue will be completely resolved if you buy a new cluster. But in the meantime, disconnect the gauge cluster shoot some dielectric grease on the pins and reconnect make sure the plug is secured. I assume you have the red key..

Thanks EEL!

It is definitely the the instrument cluster. After about a half hour of attaching and detaching the cluster it started up. The needles do not work and some lights still don't light so I will be getting a new one.

Now, if I get a new one, will the odometer read the correct mileage? Is that info stored in the cluster or the computer?

Thanks for everybody's suggestions!!!!!!

Quote from: juddster on July 31, 2008, 05:23:53 AM
Thanks EEL!

It is definitely the the instrument cluster. After about a half hour of attaching and detaching the cluster it started up. The needles do not work and some lights still don't light so I will be getting a new one.

Now, if I get a new one, will the odometer read the correct mileage? Is that info stored in the cluster or the computer?

Thanks for everybody's suggestions!!!!!!

To my understanding, it will read ZERO.  Also dont buy a used cluster.  It has to be virgin to work with the immobilizer system as a whole.

I heard the same information about using another cluster from another member on the forum, so I won't be going down that path. Thank goodness for communication.

Working on getting mine repaired before trying to get a new one.

Again thanks for the comments. You all have saved me some good time and money.

I hope to return the favor!