Electrical problem 97 M900 - Ideas?

[swilly]

Sometimes when I switch on the key, the oil light will glow VERY faintly, and nothing else indicates any electrical function.

Often under those conditions, if I turn off or turn on the headlight switch (whatever the opposite is), then turn the key off and back on, power will come on normally.

Hot/cold - no difference.  SOMEtimes the bike will die shortly after takeoff, and I must repeat the procedure.

Any suspicions come to mind?

-tom

[greenmonster]

Any suspicions come to mind?

Yup.
Semi-bad yellow ignition relay under saddle, next to flasher relay.
Try w a fresh one or open it and fix.
Quite common problem.

[Howie]

Add battery and ground connections to your check list.  Don't just look.  Remove, clean, replace.

[swilly]

Semi-bad yellow ignition relay under saddle, next to flasher relay.

Thanks.  I took it apart for inspection.  Looks clean and the spring seems fine.  But I'll replace when I can find a new one.  Is it a generic part?

-tom

[greenmonster]

Looks clean and the spring seems fine.

Leave the hood off and test it.
If not, a lttle wetsanding, very small drop of good el contact spray & a little bend
will fix it. Just be gentle.

+1 on Howie, always a good idea when troubleshooting electrics.