New neutral switch, still won't start in gear.

[BobaluToo]

Decided to replace the neutral switch on the '93 R100RT I bought last fall. Put the new switch in - still won't start in gear. Wiring looked okay, but maybe it wasn't. Any one else experience such a thing. Thanks.

Bob

[bbelk]

My R90/6 did that when I got it. A new clutch handle switch fixed it. My R65 is starting to do it on occasion. I have not checked into it yet, but I will start with the clutch switch. Its a pretty easy swap that does not involve the rest of the switches.

Edit to add: The PO had drilled out the flat spot where the headlight switch goes on European bikes and put in a push button that was hooked to a wire that ran down to the headlight bucket and did not connect to anything. I am guessing that was a failed attempt at a free fix.

[BobaluToo]

Clutch handle switch I remember (now) a friend telling me of clutch handle switch problems some number of years back. I'll look into that. Thanks for the feedback. Of course I still am feeling pretty good about the new neutral switch too.

Bob

[SteveD]

Aren't there 2 neutral switches to choose from? Did you use the correct one I wonder?

[jjwithers]

I know that some neutral switches are faulty when new. They might require two crush rings or other odd modifications. I make sure I coat the plastic with JB Weld so they do not leak.

[Bamboo812]

If everything is working as it should, it has to be in neutral for the starter to work, not "in gear". That's why it's called the "neutral switch"... The clutch handle switch can be bypassed by disconnecting the two wires to it and connecting them together.

[George Ryals]

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/neutralswitch.htm every thing you need to know about neutral switches in BMW 5 speed transmissions.

[Crunch]

Bamboo812 has it correct. To engage the starter in gear the clutch lever must be pulled in. If the micro switch in the clutch perch is not wired correctly then the tranny must be in neutral. It's easy to overlook the switch as it is almost hidden inside the perch housing. Either repair the connections at the switch; or connect the two wires from the headlight shell leading to the switch together and it should work.

[BobaluToo]

Cleaned up the contact surface on the clutch lever switch, lubed it up with some "snake grease" I got at the auto parts store and it works fine now. Hopefully that's the last of it.

Bob