Motorcycle Stalls when Clutch Released - how to fix

This is a detailed description of a classic motorcycle problem, characterized by an engine stall when the transmission is in gear and the clutch handle released. The ignition wiring diagram is shown for a Kawasaki VN800 motorcycle, but many bikes with sidestands will have similar variations. The easy diagnosis and repair are carefully described.
DIY motorcycle repair is inherently dangerous, so do not attempt home repair without consideration of risks to your person and your bike. The information contained here is offered for free in good faith, but with no guarantees as to safety or accuracy. Never rely on one source for critical information, be sure to read widely. Any misadventure you encounter if you decide to repair your own bike is your responsibility.
Music clip at the end is Deeper Love (g3n3ratorX Remix) by Ben Clock, licensed under Creative Commons (CCBY). www.BenClock.com

[@popsxbox]

Thank you! I have a 2005 Vulcan VN 800 A all original stock bike. Just started having this problem. Followed your video process and boom there lied the problem. I have a Jack so I used it to hold the bike up and cleaned the part, it was stuck as well, so after all that and reinstall the bike works as it should. Thanks again! Safe rides to all from Texas!

[@ryanbowman8708]

vulcan guy here as well, i bought the piece of junk for $3k and it looks straight out of mad max the guy built it in his garage pretty much. things fun as all hell when its working but not when stupid shit like this is happening to it!😂😂

[@RobertNicholas-k6e]

@@popsxbox ok on the kickstand switch were does the two wires hook up to from the kickstand to get power up top were do they get hooked up to

[@mikedanco7862]

Oh man, thank you so much! I was checking oil, checking clutch plates..scratching my head...and the darn stand just wasn't all the way up..my friend, i appreciate your knowledge and that you shared it with the public..thank you

[@postedinthecut1565]

same thing just happened to me , glad I found this video lol

[@aragotoblythe]

This was the exact problem with my bike. Cleaned my switch off with some alcohol, threw some oil on it, problem gone. Thanks Spelunkerd!

[@fromthebackseat4865]

Great video man, I'm ashamed to admit I spent the last two days scratching my head at this problem. Ended up completely rebuilding my carbs before I found your video and solved the problem. Thanks a lot!

[@Crouton_6]

I ordered a whole new carb because of it.. 😪

[@MarcHeimbigner]

Think you just saved me a trip to the dealership for a costly repair. Thanks for the insight!

[@MrFunster125]

Thank-you! Adding in the ground wiring diagram really made a difference for me to help understand what's going on

[@wyattoneable]

That was a great visual on the electrical paths. It made the diagnosis pretty straight forward (as you mentioned). :)

[@john.k8787]

Thank you Sir, had the same problem today. I couldnt figure out the what happned. After wacthing this, i realised that my enfield dashed on the side where side-stand is. Problem solved after watching this. Thank You again . from India.

[@spelunkerd]

When you put a timing belt on an engine, some manufacturers provide a little key to hold the belt tensioner closed until the device is mounted. Once the belt tensioner is bolted into place with the belt in line, it's easy to pull the key (or drill bit, allen wrench) and the tensioner springs into action. Those tensioners can be quite tricky to bolt into place after the spring is deployed. Similarly, at the end I was trying to put the spring loaded switch into place while the bike was up on the stand. So I wrapped the switch with tape to temporarily close the switch, which allowed me to more easily bolt it into place. Then I cut the tape away to allow the spring to release, after which I torqued the screws down. In retrospect It might have been easier to do that with the bike on my lift, so I could fully extend the switch while mounting it. In the end the repair worked out fine.

[@senorcheeto3411]

Stalling last 2 weeks. Thought it was the gas tank, carb... everything but this! Got it working!

[@jeffhunter646]

Wasted Hrs reading the manual. Watched your vid problem solved.thank you

[@gerryhodgkins9272]

Great video. I appreciated the short, quick, to the point video. Also the showing of the diagram helping to deduce the probable cause. Thank you for this helpful video.

[@GreatGameGawd]

Woooow! Something so simple & I thought these people sold me a lemon cause outta nowhere this bs... You really did save the day bro. Im going to apologize to those people. 🤪 Most of all thank you for caring enough to share this info. You are my go-to-guy! I was finna go snatch the back tire off and see if the brakes had locked up. I was baffled. Thank u again!

[@politicalprisoner6632]

Thank you, you helped me fix my problem. No skills or experience here, but lots of motivation. Thanks again.

[@btominthewind]

thanks for your helpful video because after watching your video I removed my kickstand switch with has a sticky plunger and lubed it then reinstalled it, now it works great

[@guttagutta420]

Great vid man! I'm new to bikes and just bought a used cbr 1000f. I know where my "friction zone" is so when I'm at a light and I know it's about to change, I'll find the friction zone and sure enough...if I go past it without throttle, it stalls. When I took the MSF, the bikes they gave us were nothing like that. Once you found the friction zone and got some speed, you could completely release the clutch and be fine. My bike puts and stutters and eventually stalls 😪 I thought it was maybe the chain since it was loose so I bought another one. Still having the problem. Thanks to your vid, imma try in first thing in the a.m. Wish me luck man. Let's hope this solves it.

[@guttagutta420]

So I checked and my kickstand is different. I didn't see the push plate nor the plunger. I did however see the wire connecting to the module. Any help would be appreciated. I sprayed wd-40 all over the thing tho (not the wire) so we'll see what happens.

[@spelunkerd]

One of the things that really helps is to have a dealers repair manual. For cars, there are aftermarket providers who sell access to dealer manuals for about $50/5 years. Unfortunately neither Alldata nor Mitchell seem to be interested in bikes. I bought my manual from the dealer at the time I got the bike, but a cheaper way to get one is to do a search, you may be able to find a pdf file or DVD that isn't too expensive. All that said, if your bike is similar to mine then the switch is a simple access to ground, in which case tying the two wires together cuts the kickstand switch out of the equation entirely. Your story is suspicious for something other than the kickstand switch, in which case you may notice no change in the problem when you do that. Don't forget to put it back the way you found it before moving on to look for other causes. Carb problems and vacuum leaks are really common in old bikes, that's where I'd be looking.

[@chaplainneiltaylor2044]

Fantastic video. Well shot and narrated. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@royhegarty6331]

Thank you so much for your video. I got it sorted out in ten minutes. Absolutely fantastic.

[@sharonchristensen54]

Thank you so much. I was ready to pull my hair out when I took your advice and bingo it worked. Thank again

[@HarlemFingerboards]

Having a similar problem but mine might be more of a gas issue. Bike hates getting into first gear if it does at all, and I need the choke up half way to all the way for it to idle. Did an entire carburetor rebuild and cleaning and still can’t get it to idle properly. Still assuming it must be a jet issue but your video gave me some knowledge nonetheless!

[@user-sh3ro7vg8w]

Can't wait to try this when I get off work

[@billys2416]

Great video. Well done. Not that you've asked for suggestions, but a soft box or two would be all I would add to make this video even better. My 1976 DT175 does not have a side stand switch. I'll pull the clutch basket and probably get new friction plates. I think the cable is a bit stretched too. I had to stick a bolt at the bottom stay to get more play at the perch so I'll replace it with one from e-bay.

[@spelunkerd]

My thoughts exactly, the lighting was poor for some clips, and a soft box would have offered better detail. I always find audio errors, too, in almost every video I do. It's been a work in progress, partially redeemed by content. Thanks for watching!

[@RavinderSingh-vc4xk]

Very nice explanation. Helped me in fixing exactly the same problem with my Kawasaki.

[@austingreen5330]

Thank you so much for your input! This was what was wrong with my bike! Thank you!!!!!! I’m back riding

[@josemallabo9772]

That was great. Now I have to fix my bike.

[@karlkelley8353]

This video presentation was terrific. Well done!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks.

[@PlatinumG]

Wow this was my issue! You saved me!

[@RedPill.Action]

Good afternoon sir. Just stopping by i thought I'd let you know that i got my 95 KLX 650 to run just fine. A new carn rebuild kit has it purring like new and i figured out what the stall problem was on mine. The previous owner could never get it to run.. -said the problem was something electrical but didn't know what to look for. I am guessing the owner before him hacked the kickstand switch out. The leads for the wlswitch are there and i never thought to disconnect them (yes the kickstand switch leads were neatly connected with banana plugs) to see if that would do any difference. So today i did after the carb rebuild i went ahead and disconnected the switch leads and threw her in gear -crossed my fingers and let go of cluth *VOILA!! No more stalling problem and she pulls like a mule

[@bobkost5731]

Great explanation. Thanks

[@mikew.inversegravitycraft]

Great advise thanks

[@Buddycoop1]

My '81 400 almost stalls when shifting into 1st gear. RPM's go from 1200 to 800?

[@martinbattaliou7138]

Nice one Dave, I was wondering what to do with a similar problem on a BMW 1200GS, and I simply sprayed the foot stand switch with WD-40 and now it is all good.

[@spelunkerd]

Good point! a little silicone spray works great, too. These things get constant dirt so I guess we shouldn't be surprised its a common problem. I took it apart to try and reduce the time to next failure.

[@nickwilson1476]

Those little testing connectors are great! Much better than alligator clips :)

[@spelunkerd]

Yeah, those are from a little kit made by Lisle, though they would be easy to make with a couple of female connectors, shrink wrap, solder and a bit of wire. They have covered male banana connectors that fit my multimeter leads perfectly. Thanks for watching, Nick.

[@stevenwalsh314]

Thanks for your help on this, I really did think it was the switch and is my number 1 choice to look at. But your video has helped. Thinks...

[@stephenjankowski7672]

Yoo! Thank you this helped soo much! Bike is on the road again thanks!

[@BobbyBrim-rd1rn]

Cool man u shulde be a teacher iam one of those kids that fell through the cracks of the sistum but man I had teacher but ur The only person that when ur teachein i vote under srand u. Thanks man hopefully u have more. Serus ur. Eze to understand

[@gcanaday1]

A previous owner of my vulcan got around the bad side stand switch by.. ...dun dun dun! Bending the crap out of the metal tab on the stand rather than replace the switch. I'll be fixing that as the rebuild gets to that point, once the frame is back from powdercoat.

[@gregschweitzer8478]

Thanks!!! Fixed in 8 minutes

[@spelunkerd]

Today I received a question posed through Google plus about the adapter I used to tie into the circuit in this video. I'll record my response here in case anybody else is wondering. Hi, Joshua. I don't often use Google plus, I hope this reply gets to you. The leads you were talking about were part of the Lisle 69200 kit, a bare bones adapter kit for a common terminal. You can find it on Amazon if you want that one. Lisle sell others that are more complete, Lisle 69600 is a little better. The one I'd really like to have, one used by Scannerdanner and Eric O is made by AES Wave, titled uTest Advanced Terminal Test Kit, AES Wave part number 16-200. However I don't have the cash to buy that one, it is far more complete with a few hundred male and female connectors of various sizes. All of them try to meet the goal of attaching to a disconnected connector, and you want a pretty good match if you are probing the female end of those connectors because if you spread the female connector it may not give good contact after that. You noticed that I attached to the male end of the connector piece, which is at lower risk for damaging the connector. The other way to do this is to backprobe with a needle or pin into the rear of the connector, and the two advantages of that are you are less likely to damage it and also you can leave the connector hooked up. PICO make a universal breakout lead kit that has a female end, a male end, and a third end to attach a scope so you can bridge the whole connector while it is in use and measure current, voltage, waveforms, etc. However all of those are pretty expensive and there is usually a work around using a simple back probe T-pin for what you want. Thanks for visiting!

[@aaronchadwick2682]

Friend has a motorcycle that seems to match this description and I'm hoping this works for him :)

[@BuFFMotO]

When you faced this issue, were you able to ride off by giving extra throttle? Im having the same issue but I can still ride off with extra gas. Also, when my kickstand is actually down, the bike shuts off as soon as it shifts into gear. Doesn't your kickstand switch work tge same way?

[@spelunkerd]

Fuel won't help a kickstand switch problem, since the mechanism is lack of ignition. The bike with a bad kickstand switch shuts off because there is no spark, regardless of fuel delivery. You're the second person to describe your bike shutting off immediately when being put into gear with kickstand already down, even with clutch pulled in. I wonder if your bikes (newer?) are wired differently, or perhaps the clutch switch isn't working the way it should. My old Vulcan will definitely continue to idle after being put into gear while the kickstand is down, as long as the clutch is being pulled in. I would start by getting a wiring diagram for your bike. I'd be looking at other issues regarding your response to throttle. Most likely it is a carb or fuel delivery issue.

[@leonarddavis9298]

Good video. I had this issue several years ago on my 2001 Vulcan Classic FI. I now have a new issue that you may have seen. My 1500 fi was having after firing "backfire". I replaced the plugs and it solved the problem. It cruises well until I pull the clutch in and throttle down to down shift and the motor quits. I have Cobra pipes and one of those fuel command modules which I have adjusted into multiple configurations. I have to pull the idle knob out about half way to keep the bike running when sitting. The bike sit for about 2 years without any extensive running. Ran it at times while sitting in the garage but very little riding. I've cleaned the throttle body openings and flaps well. Any ideas?

[@spelunkerd]

Water in stale fuel accounts for the vast majority of problems like that, so I'd start there. If that doesn't work, I'd remove and clean the carb.

[@BigDraco__1]

Thank you

[@glengerdes4158]

How about vn 800 carburetor overhaul?

[@ryan.maccallum8213]

Just came across this video , my 2001 800a with start fine idle perfectly, nut as soon as I give it throttle, in neutral or in gear it dies , could the kickstand switch do that?

[@spelunkerd]

If it is fine with clutch in, but as soon as you release the clutch it dies, check that kickstand switch. If the engine dies with clutch in as you turn the throttle, it may be dirty jets in your carb, dirty fuel or water in fuel.

[@cesarmartinez8982]

My man thanks a bunch !!

[@treadwaycustoms1419]

What could be the problem if a dirt bike stalls out when you put it into gear? The bike is a 96 rm125 2 stroke.

[@spelunkerd]

If you've ruled out the kickstand switch I'd start from first principles, look for what's missing, spark, fuel, timing, etc. If spark drops out it might point again to the kickstand issue, I'd be looking for a wiring diagram. On the other hand if the engine chokes up under any load I'd be looking more generally at compression and fuel/air delivery, etc.

[@treadwaycustoms1419]

@@spelunkerd alright. I'm unsure if it has a kickstand. The previous kid said he did a top end rebuild. How would I check for spark? With a spark tester.

[@owensmith1258]

Good video👏🏽

[@danielrudd7661]

Good explanation 👍

[@AyPapi69]

What could be the problem when: the bike is on the side stand, in neutral (the neutral light is also on), it starts, but idles rough. When I put the kickstand up, it idles better. When I pull to a stop, put it in neutral, put the side stand down and then release the clutch, the engine dies.

[@spelunkerd]

I'll throw out a big fat guess that your engine ground strap or the ground strap for the neutral safety switch is a high resistance connection. It could even be a bad neutral safety switch (too much resistance when switch is closed). To prove you're on the right track, you could temporarily jump the ground connection and see if the problem goes away, but remember, you can't leave it that way because those switches are safety devices. You'll have to go over your owners manual to find out where those wires are and how they are routed. Then start a search for green crusty corrosion or loose connections around wires and connectors. Try to verify the diagnosis first by drop testing before you fix it. You can prove a bad ground with a test light or by voltage drop testing at various points of the circuit. There are many good videos showing how to do voltage drop testing here on KZbin. Good luck!

[@supersonic3588]

Currently having an issue with my ZX-7R, the bike idles and starts fine, I put it in gear and put the kick stand up, when trying to pull off it cuts out exactly the same as your video. I bypassed the clutch switch and the bike runs and pulls off fine. Replaced the clutch switch and same issue. Now I’ve bought a new kick stand switch to see if that’s the issue but I’m running out of ideas. Are there any other switches that could be causing this issue? The neutral switch for example? Great quality video by the way 👍🏼

[@spelunkerd]

As tempting as it is to throw parts at the problem, a couple of minutes with a multimeter and a dealers repair manual will help verify the diagnosis before you play the swaptronics game. You can get inexpensive (~$40) PDF copies of Kawasaki bikes on their website, and in fact parts manuals are available for free download. I'd be focused on the kickstand switch, but if the switch is good then I'd look carefully at the wires and connectors for corrosion or rodent damage of wires. Trace those wires all the way back to the igniter, it wouldn't be uncommon for a lead to be broken or accidentally removed. If the problem happens when in gear, it is not the neutral switch, which should cut out when shifted into gear. The reason bypassing the clutch switch worked was because it bypasses the whole ground circuit all the time. A good clutch switch cuts out when the clutch handle is released. Looking at the wiring diagram, you can see the only pathway to ground in my bike while driving is through the kickstand switch, so I think you're on the right path to look there. Good luck!

[@supersonic3588]

spelunkerd thanks, yeah I bought a new clutch and stand switch and it didn’t work in the beginning. I must have dirty electrical connectors or something because I was wiggling a few things around and now it works fine 🤔 problem is when you are riding the bike is bouncing around so the problem will likely come round again. Thanks for the response anyway! Top man 🤙🏻

[@토종닭-j3j]

감사합니다.......

[@JoseAlvarado-tq5de]

Well I hope this mechanism my 99 kawasaki Vulcan VN750 has .see what happens today

[@alopandur]

Hello Spelunkerd - Fellow BC rider here, think you gave me a right direction to look at my bike's problem... Thanks for the video. I ride BMW k1300S and it started giving me troubles when it is a really hot day, or if I catch heavy rain. As soon as the clutch is pulled the engine dies, especially in riding when I downshift from third to second, or second to first... It is not all the time but starting to do more often now... Pulling the clutch while the bike is rolling and starting the bike works, or if I am stopped starting the bike works too, but I have to be alerted all the time. Debating is it a clutch switch or the kick-stand switch... Do you mind sharing your opinion? Thanks a lot!

[@spelunkerd]

I'd be looking at other issues, especially vacuum leaks and idle control factors. Newer bikes have more complicated control and even some ability to read diagnostic codes (and maybe even get live data on a scan tool). I don't know anything about the BMWs. It would be fairly easy to test both the kick stand switch and the clutch switch by backprobing the wiring, then measure voltage drop across the switch with engine running. However given the symptoms I'd be looking elsewhere. All motorcycles are prone to vacuum leaks, which mostly cause idle issues, improved when throttle is applied. To look for a vacuum leak, I would inspect the intake manifold between the throttle buterfly and the cylinders, and spray water onto suspicious areas while the engine is running. If the engine stutters you've found a vacuum leak. A dirty carb can present with the same symptoms, so that too is worth considering.

[@alopandur]

@@spelunkerd That's awesome man, thanks a lot, that could be the next step to check. Went to my bike and checked both the clutch and the the kickstand switches and found the entire kickstand assembly, held by two bolts, was loose and freely moving shaking 5mm back/forth... And that is attached right to the stand switch !!! Of course, the stand is not moving when the bike's weight is on stand, but when the bike held up and stand retracted it was pretty obvious... I tighten it and will ride her tomorrow to see if that was the fix (if it is not raining again... 😀) THANKS A LOT!!!

[@davidrespect6471]

What do you think is wrong when it happens to a bike with a hydraulic clutch?

[@spelunkerd]

Principles should be similar, i’d Try to find a wiring diagram

[@brianperez379]

I don't know if this goes for my bike because my kickstand can stay down and still move on my bike so that's not the problem

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

So I just bought a 2006 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. So in neutral with the clutch press in will start but will die if I release the clutch OR if I put it on gear . Even with the kick stand in or out . I was thinking was the kick stand switch or the clutch switch now I don’t know. If I try to start it on 1st gear with the clutch press in won’t start only on neutral with the clutch in if I release the clutch will die . Any advices ? Thank you so much

[@spelunkerd]

I'd approach it the same way I did here. If you jump the kickstand switch with a short jumper wire the problem should go away. If it does, then fix it correctly. You'll want to get a dealers repair manual for your exact bike. Start with a search for a pdf version, try ebay, and if that doesn't work go to the Yamaha site. Hopefully it works out for your, good luck!

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

@@spelunkerd thank you so much that’s what I’m going to do

[@mj2935]

Great job! What if the motorcycle does not have a kickstand? I am having the same problem with my can am. Every time I press the clutch it cuts out on me. Any suggestion?

[@spelunkerd]

Oh, you mean those 4X4 quads? My garden tractor has a sensor in the seat that will kill ignition if the weight of the rider is gone, as might happen if the rider falls off. Same principle. It also has is a kill circuit if the power takeoff or mower is engaged when trying to start. I'd be searching out a wiring diagram for your vehicle, and look for that. The other way to approach this would be to look for loss of spark when you release the clutch. Use a spark tester to demonstrate spark, slowly release clutch and see if the spark disappears. Then look closely at the ignition circuit and see where ground comes from, looking for alternate grounds. When the pathway through the clutch switch disappears, it needs to find another route. For diagnostic purposes you can bypass those switches and see if the problem resolves. However I wouldn't do that permanently, those safety mechanisms are there for a reason. Good luck!

[@jaredstottler1813]

I know this is a far shot. But I rebuilt my motorcycle the kickstand is not the problem I can kick it up in neutral and it still runs but when I put my hand on the clutch to change gears I can change my gears on my motorcycle without even using or releasing the clutch why is this? How can I fix properly and when I try to release the clutch it automatically stalls or jerks the bike and turns off

[@spelunkerd]

My clutch cable operates a rod that has a funky connection inside the clutch cover. If that connection is put together incorrectly the clutch may not work properly. Lift the rear wheel off the ground, put it in gear with engine off, and pull in the clutch cable. Then ask a friend to spin the rear wheel with his hand. If it won't spin, your clutch is put together wrong.

[@jaredstottler1813]

@@spelunkerd thank u so much

[@dwoodog]

If only all fix's were that easy.

[@zpirangi7282]

Great job,....I think that is my problem.

[@BuckNakedProject]

So my bike does the same thing but never when going into first. It’s usually going into 2 or third. When I release the clutch it just dies. I can fire her back up and keep on rolling but this has happened to me in an intersection before when down shifting and made me pretty nervous.

[@spelunkerd]

Hmm, I'm not sure. If the stand is up, you shouldn't have any issue with the engine cutting out because of loss of ignition ground, even if the neutral safety switch is bad (because when the stand is up you already have a pathway to ground for the ignition. I'd be considering other issues, maybe a carb issue when low end torque is needed after an up shift. All kinds of problems can happen at low rpm, including vacuum leaks, air intake compromise, bad gas, compression, ignition, etc. The last time I had that problem it was a dirty carb....

[@RedPill.Action]

Good evening. My bike is a 95 KLX650 and i am having issue with getting it moving. It idles fine in neutral with kickstand down. Manual says this bike has a side stand switch to keep (stall out) the bike from rolling in gear while the kickstand is down but i dont see a switch anywhere near the side stand. Makes me wonder if the previous owner hacked the switch. My bike has the clutch switch as well under the clutch lever. When the bike is running and i put in in gear and begin to let go of the clutch it stalls. I can start it right back up if i hold the clutch back in; but then dies when i start to release the clutch. Any help will be greatly appreciated

[@spelunkerd]

Good question! If you can get a wiring diagram for your bike, maybe off Ebay or elsewhere, it will make this job and future tasks easier. A quick way to see if you're on the right track is to use an ignition spark tester to see if spark drops out as the vehicle fails. If spark continues as the engine dies, it is not the kickstand switch! The kickstand switch provides ground for the ignition module, so if you provide the ignition module a bypass test ground then the problem should disappear. I wouldn't use that to fix the problem because it is unsafe, but you'll build more evidence that you are on the right track. Other things, like the neutral safety switch, or maybe even an aftermarket DIY antitheft device, could do the same thing. Check connections, maybe start at the ignition module looking for loose wires or corrosion, then trace back. Good luck!

[@RedPill.Action]

@@spelunkerd thank you very much for fast response and sharing your knowledge. I have a spark tester i will look at spark. How is a bypass test done to the ignition module? You mentioned a neutral safety switch. Could this be a problem if the bike starts fine in neutral without need for clutch? And starts fine when it's in gear with clutch pulled in

[@natesmith3762]

Good vid

[@StrainedWolf]

hi. my kawasaki vn800 dies when i kick the the 1 gear what is the problem? how i can fix it

[@spelunkerd]

You might check your clutch adjustment and oil level. Lift the rear wheel off the ground with a motorcycle jack, start in neutral, then shift to first with clutch pulled all the way in, and see if the rear wheel moves. If the clutch isn't pulling in far enough, the extra load on the engine when the rear wheel is on the ground may be enough to stall.

[@StrainedWolf]

@@spelunkerd this problem show up when i replace the charger in the gear side you know it. i will check what you told me to, and i will see what going on, thank you for your response🖤

[@mullaway5746]

When im riding my vstar and i slow down and pull the clutch lever in it dies, can someone give me a diagnosis please

[@spelunkerd]

When you coast to a stop your throttle plate is shut, so the only fuel that is getting to the engine comes through an idle bypass channel inside the carb. In cars the flow down that bypass channel is controlled by the idle air control valve, a little stepper motor. In most older bikes it's just a mechanical pathway that is not adjustable, so it can get blocked. Often it means either the carb is getting dirty or there is bad fuel in the equation. As a temporary work around, most bikes have a thumbscrew called the idle control screw. In the VN800 it's a plastic screw (on the right side just in front of the air filter) that you can adjust open or closed to get a correct idle speed. Adjustment of that screw may allow you to get your bike back to the shop and allow time to work the problem up. That screw is sometimes called the 'ticker', which can be little more than a hard stop to the throttle cable where it attaches to the throttle butterfly valve. If the butterfly valve is propped open a little more at idle, your idle speed will be faster and you're less likely to stall out. The first thing I would do would be to put in fresh fuel, remove and check the air filter, and expose the throttle butterfly under the air filter to allow you to clean it with something like brake clean. If that fails I'd replace the fuel filter and evaluate fuel delivery through the fuel petcock.

[@mullaway5746]

@@spelunkerd ok thanks

[@josepheirman4987]

my motorcycle does this and has no kick stand switch or clutch switch

[@spelunkerd]

I would start with a wiring diagram for your bike, often available through ebay or even the dealer. Mechanical or carburetor problems could give a similar presentation, although most will show clues when the bike is in neutral.

[@madmarv5246]

Your the man. Thanks for the video!

[@jeremycharlton9831]

I have a 09crf450 do this still apply?

[@spelunkerd]

I believe this is a general safety feature of most bikes. Check your dealer service manual.

[@postedinthecut1565]

Thank you sir

[@Bok2022st]

Top job 👍

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@morganknox6642]

Trying it on 06 katana right now

[@hystloko2890]

I release my clutch and it doesn’t stall out or die , it just stays in place

[@spelunkerd]

If the bike doesn't move when you release the clutch with engine running, either you're transmission is in neutral or your clutch is not engaging. The sidestand switch will not kill the engine if the transmission is in neutral, since an alternate path to ground is offered by the neutral switch. Recently I did a video of how to remove the clutch cable while working up a coolant leak, and I remove the right cover plate and show how the clutch cable controls the clutch plates. It could be a simple as a broken or poorly adjusted cable, or as complicated as a transmission problem or failing clutch.

[@roadsterman]

What if the clutch switch is ok? Then what?

[@spelunkerd]

In complicated cases it makes sense to start from basic principles, and there is no better place to start than the wiring diagram for your own bike. Here the problem was the sidestand swtich, but you can see that both the neutral safety switch and the clutch switch can provide a ground to the ignition system. For my bike, at least one of those three needs to come through with a route to ground. So, if I wasn't sure what was happening I would use a multimeter to decide whether the ground for the ignition was missing, then if it is missing I would test each of the three arms to decide which is bad. You may get clues from just observing the situation when it fails, and thinking though which connection has failed. Good luck!

[@BaptistJoshua]

My 1980 Honda CM400 E is experiencing similiar problems, but I have not kickstand switch. When I shift to 1st and try to take off, it keeps dying. I am giving it gas and slowly releasing the clutch, but it cuts off, unless I give it a lot of gas. It is almost like when your motorcycle dies when you first learn, and keep killing it. I have not ridden in about a year, but I don't think the issue is me, because I am having to give it much more gas than before. Sometimes it dies, and other times it does not. Any ideas? "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10

[@spelunkerd]

I'd start with a wiring diagram, if you can find one for such an old bike. The first question I'd ask is whether there was a kickstand switch that was bypassed by a previous owner. If so, the bypass might have corroded. If not, then I'd go back to first principles. To exclude the absence of ground as a cause, you could add a temporary bypass ground wire to the igniter and see if the problem is solved. That would not be an appropriate permanent fix but it would verify that you are on the right diagnostic pathway. Another option would be to prove the diagnosis with a scope on the igniter, showing how the spark and igniter drops out when you release the clutch. There are many other causes for low torque at idle, the list is long, including vacuum leaks, poor compression, mechanical problems, fuel restriction, etc.

[@BaptistJoshua]

@@spelunkerd Thank you for the advice. I have a book which shows the wiring diagram. There was no kickstand switch for this motorcycle design. Another person suggested the fuel restriction as well. He also suggested the spark plugs. I bought, today, new NGK Iridiums. Over $18 for two plugs! 😬🔫 Sadly, I lack knowledge on mechanics, though I wish to learn. That is why I subscribed and clicked the alert bell, on your channel! Thanks again! "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10

[@askcitizenfitz]

Thanks! Rec'd and new subscriber.

[@RobertNicholas-k6e]

My bike shuts down soon as i put it in gear dont even let the clutch out and it stalls out

[@spelunkerd]

That's unusual. You might have a look at your clutch adjustment cable. If the clutch cable is too loose your engine may be under mechanical strain when you put it into gear. Alternatively if the ground switch at the clutch handle is bad, you may not have a functional ground connection through the clutch handle switch. That's easy enough to test. Check your wiring diagram, it may be different in your bike.

[@RobertNicholas-k6e]

Traced out the kickstand switch wires to a connector up under tank to a wiring harness were do they get hooked on to after the connector

[@alienkumar484]

Ya its the same problem in my V15...

[@zx8401ztv]

As the clutch lever killed the engine with a sharp action i mentally jumped to the switch, but i admit that i didn't think any firther, i was enjoying your diagnostics and repair :-D. I am one of those people that would have bypassed the whole safety system at root, if you learn how to drive a machine then safety circuits become a point of failure, like yours did. In the worse case, it leaves you stranded as the machine won't start, "less is better". Car seatbelt reminders are just annoying, putting a seatbelt on is so much of an automatic habit that having a stupid buzzer just pisses me off, we have far too much "nanny knows best" systems. Just my moaning opinion lol.

[@spelunkerd]

Me too, I've see this before so there wasn't much effort put into the puzzle, though I bet many of my four wheel friends didn't know about the switch. I suppose if one didn't know about it he would start with a look for spark, then discover it was missing when the clutch is released. That would prompt a wiring diagram and discovery of the complicated ground circuit for the igniter. After a little head scratching about why it is so complex, there would be an 'aha moment' and exploration of that switch circuit. Many wise words there. I thought about bypassing it, though once I got it working it was no problem to put it back on. I don't think I would have searched very far for a replacement. Cheers!

[@zx8401ztv]

I don't think i have much wizdom lol. I appreciate the clarity of your discriptions, and the fact that you don't take my comments in a negative/attacking way. I'm a bit black and white at times, it can sound like i'm attacking someone, i'm not lol. Thankyou for your videos :-D, hope you have a smashing 2018

[@lincolnfagundes1045]

Man if had seeing this video a year ago, it would save me $600

[@mrfish-so9fm]

please let this be it lol

[@christsrevenge8030]

Don't hit the kill switch as shifting problem solved.

[@spelunkerd]

Ha ha! Yeah, for those unfamiliar with their bike, keep it simple.

[@christsrevenge8030]

@@spelunkerd think that grease will help collect more dirt. Bad spot for a relay switch.

[@chillycheeze2207]

Only helpful if your bike runs on electrical wires lol

[@dileepsubscribers4412]

Such a good information

[@joshua_irving93]

Thank you

[@andrewgirsh3483]

Super great video, I wouldn’t even find out the issue without your video, thank you a lot for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@RobertNicholas-k6e]

I traced out the kickstand switch up under the gas tank there's a connection there I'm going to spray that with electrical contact spray see if that might be the problem .if not look into what u suggested. If that's not it I'm putting it in the shop wensday let them deal with it thanks for the info on ground on the clutch handle I adjusted the clutch cable down below to.And bypassed the kickstand switch to..so I put what I already did back to were it was thanks appreciate the info.

[@mcdonaldmaluza]

Good video

[@coachrubenluna2729]

Great Video, very thorough explanation!

[@Ttrost153]

Your great OG I like that how you present yourself and how clear you are talking about the situation and I really did help me I you're clear everything is good you tell about the situation clearly it's awesome man I give you a hundred percent sure could you help me out my situation thank you

[@mecanicaestrada6290]

Man, thanks very mutch. I solved the same problem from here (brazil).

[@stevetanksley1960]

It's something I'm gonna try tomorrow, I thought it had something to do wilh the kill switch. Fix tomorrow and maybe take a short brisk ride

[@justonovak8216]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@squirrel3244]

i will go for a drive and ill be coming to a stop after driving for a bit then when i shift into 1st or neutral coming to the stop my engine dies. i am getting a new carb soon it is having issues. ill check back in with ya after it comes in and gets installed. thanks for you time and videos !

[@darkshadowsx5949]

I dont think my 1977 Honda has a kickstand switch... but I'll look tomorrow. pretty dang sure i had the stand up.

[@elcheapo5302]

Always a great vid. This procedure applies to many similar switches...door jamb, parking brake, brake light, etc. Thanks for sharing!

[@spelunkerd]

Yeah, absolutely. The best technicians make these kind of diagnostic tasks look very simple, which they often are. However I don't envy how those guys have to constantly work against the clock. Probably a seasoned tech would have just sprayed down the switch with lubricant, although it might have taken a while to get it moving in that awkward position. It takes longer to do the diagnostics accurately although I find the real reward is the insight from learning how that ignition ground system works. Insight like that makes future problem solving so much easier.

[@sumansengupta9280]

Thanks for the video, I'm facing similar issue with my interceptor 650

[@austinhedstrom9532]

I will try this today

[@carlfritz9496]

Great video. I just had this issue with my Kawasaki Vulcan 800 when the engine dies when I let out the clutch. I was baffled about why this was happening. Can't wait to try out this fix. I didn't even know that there was a side stand safety switch but it does make sense to have one.

[@OzonoOzono]

I can’t thank you enough for this video, I’m a beginner biker so I had this stalling problem, I thought it was just the lack of practice but then when a friend tried to help and explain me how to do it he notice that the bike died if no gas was pumped while releasing the clutch and told me that was a problem, (he’s not a mechanic though) we ‘been checking the internet for two or three days searching for tutorials and after we saw this and try it on the bike everything works like a charm, I can finally ride in a way I fell safe and confident, no more drag race starts nor stalling

[@guttagutta420]

Drag race starts 😂😂😂😂😂 Same here brother, same here. New rider and having this exact same issue. If I don't give it at least a 1/8 inch turn on the throttle it stalls as clutch is being release. Can't wait to try this in the morning.