SV 650 starting problems

[hammersfan]

My son has been having a continual problem with starting his 2002 SV 650. The bike has about 25000 KM on it. Sometimes when he tries to start it nothing happens but it will start with a boost, the battery has been replaced but the problem persists. The hardest time he had starting it was after it was dropped in a minor accident where there was absolutely no body damage to the bike, it took a few days of messing around to get it started, then it was okay for a week or so now it won't start again. I am thinking there may be a loose wire or connection somewhere but don't know where to begin. I was also wondering about the stator but to be honest my mechanical knowledge is very limited to say the least. ! Any tips would be appreciated.

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[Aussie Steve]

Check to see if there is any damage to any safety lockouts...clutch and the kill switch would be places I would be looking. Also the "accident" may have allowed certain liquids to go places they were never intended to go.....oil in the carbs???? etc...

Good luck

[Easy Rider]

Sometimes when he tries to start it nothing happens but it will start with a boost,

"nothing" means different things to different people. Please elaborate.

When it fails:
Do the lights come on? If so, are they dim?
When you push the starter button, are there ANY noises?
It does sound like maybe it's not charging.

You need a multi-meter and someone who knows how to operate it!

Or a trip to a mechanic. Diagnosis should cost little or nothing; repair cost, however, ...........??

[moyse]

Hi I have exactly the same problem and it seems to happen more if there is moisture in the air.

The kick stand is up and I flick the kill switch and the fuel pump will go, lights are stong, then press start and nothing at all. So I am assuming it is the start button or maybe the clutch switch. Does the clutch switch stop the fuel pump? If it does, that rules that out and I am down to the start button. Most problems I have read are from the clutch switch though. Any ideas?

[Easy Rider]

Most problems I have read are from the clutch switch though. Any ideas?

Yes, most problems like that are from one of the safety switches: clutch, side stand, neutral or kill.
BUT......
If the lights go really dim when you hit the switch, then we are back to battery or connections.

If all the safetys are good, then start button, start relay or solenoid.

[moyse]

If it was the solenoid, wouldn't you hear a little buzz when you press start?

I get nothing at all when I hit the start button.

[Easy Rider]

If it was the solenoid, wouldn't you hear a little buzz when you press start?

I get nothing at all when I hit the start button.

Sometimes. It depends on exactly HOW it fails.

Most likely your problem is with an intermittant safety switch.
Get a meter and check things one at a time.