04 Ridgeback w/3,400 miles on it. It wouldn't start a few months ago (no spark)

[Ezbiker]

I own a '04 Ridgeback w/3,400 miles on it. It wouldn't start a few months ago (no spark), so I had it hauled to a local custom m/c shop. He called me a week later saying that the bike started everyday for him, so he could not diagnose the issue. I drove it some. Now, it is doing the same thing. Sometimes, when I turn the ignition on, the headlight is not on and sometimes it is. I noticed in the post above about recalls, that the '04's were recalled for an issue between the wiring and the EHC connector. I'm wondering if the tow ride to the shop made the connection bounce around and not show an issue at the shop, but resurfaced in my garage. When it runs, it runs strong...even though I ride very little, I'm 65 and it's just a toy for me. I did buy an LED headlight recently but have not installed it. Any thoughts?

 

[Mr. Wright]

I own a '04 Ridgeback w/3,400 miles on it. It wouldn't start a few months ago (no spark), so I had it hauled to a local custom m/c shop. He called me a week later saying that the bike started everyday for him, so he could not diagnose the issue. I drove it some. Now, it is doing the same thing. Sometimes, when I turn the ignition on, the headlight is not on and sometimes it is. I noticed in the post above about recalls, that the '04's were recalled for an issue between the wiring and the EHC connector. I'm wondering if the tow ride to the shop made the connection bounce around and not show an issue at the shop, but resurfaced in my garage. When it runs, it runs strong...even though I ride very little, I'm 65 and it's just a toy for me. I did buy an LED headlight recently but have not installed it. Any thoughts?

I'd start with the key switch. The vibration tears the insides apart. Start it up and wiggle it. Next check Ehc wire connections at the battery. If the wire is starting to break it will loose connection. This one drove me crazy once. And of course check the plugs on the Ehc. Make sure their greased and tight.

 

[Ezbiker]

I'd start with the key switch. The vibration tears the insides apart. Start it up and wiggle it. Next check Ehc wire connections at the battery. If the wire is starting to break it will loose connection. This one drove me crazy once. And of course check the plugs on the Ehc. Make sure their greased and tight.

Thx, good place for me to start.

 

[Rottweiler]

Thx, good place for me to start.

Yes sounds like a loose connection or key switch. If you don't care if it's stock, you can get a key switch for Tractor Supply

Ignition switch issues

I have a 2000 Bulldog .... I put in a HD switch... fits perfectly and has a round key. http://www.ebay.com/itm/172064004087?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT How has it held up?

www.bigdogbiker.com

 

[Ezbiker]

I turned the key on, low beam off but high beam works. Done this before. I wiggled key switch and nothing happened. I reached in front of battery, un plugged the connector (looks like a old printer cable parallel connector) a couple of times and made sure it was making good connection double checked cables on battery terminals nothing happened. I’ll attempt to start bike tomorrow, but don’t expect any spark.


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[Mr. Wright]

I turned the key on, low beam off but high beam works. Done this before. I wiggled key switch and nothing happened. I reached in front of battery, un plugged the connector (looks like a old printer cable parallel connector) a couple of times and made sure it was making good connection double checked cables on battery terminals nothing happened. I’ll attempt to start bike tomorrow, but don’t expect any spark.


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Ok, there is your problem. Take the head light apart and see if the plug is melted. This will cause a short if the wires are touching together. Common problem, replace with a ceramic plug. A lot of guys are getting on Amazon and getting Daymaker headlight, to help with this problem and brighter head light too.

 

[Ezbiker]

I actually bought a sunpie led headlight a couple weeks ago after reading about it on this forum. I’ll install it this week and see if that fixes it. Thx for the tip!


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[Mr. Wright]

I actually bought a sunpie led headlight a couple weeks ago after reading about it on this forum. I’ll install it this week and see if that fixes it. Thx for the tip!


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We'll get it figured out soon.

 

[knothead]

I turned the key on, low beam off but high beam works. Done this before. I wiggled key switch and nothing happened. I reached in front of battery, un plugged the connector (looks like a old printer cable parallel connector) a couple of times and made sure it was making good connection double checked cables on battery terminals nothing happened. I’ll attempt to start bike tomorrow, but don’t expect any spark.


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Mr.Wright is exactly right ur headlight plug is melted but that a easy fix...

Bike not starting, since its a 04 ridgeback, im 99% sure cam sensor is acting up is why it starts when it wants too....ive had that problem more than once...exhaust pipes run so close to the nose cone gets the sensor overheated and thru time they break down and start this...but with that said get the headlight fixed first like @Mr. Wright said and we can go from there to the next issue