Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Electrics nightmare Electrics nightmare
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Mar 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Milton Keynes, UK
Posts: 42
Electrics nightmare


Hi all, i need som ehelp please#
I have a 97 XTZ660 tenere. I know this is a an XT600 forum but thought someone may know from here as they are pretty similar.

I was out all weekend in the rain in Wales. Main fuse went, so changed that but now the bike wont start, none of the electrics apart from the neutral light wont work unless the stand is up. If i start the bike with the stand up and put it down, the whole electrics go haywire, it tries to stall, and is a complete pig.

I have traced wiring back from the stand to the neutral light to the clutch without finding any problems, have pulled the rest of the wiring out on the bike and can find nothing.

Any body experianced anything similar. I'm supposed to be going on a trip within the month and this happens. Please help

thanks for any replies.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Well, certainly seems to be the infamous sidestand switch. Remove it, connect the two wires going to it from the harness (make sure that you make a solid connection and tape it off!), take the switch out into the woods and have it shot.
Second, strip all tanks, fairing etc from your bike. Pull all connectors apart, spay them with contact spray. Let dry. Then spray with 'spray petroleum jelly' and reassemble. This is a good point of yearly maintenance.

If problem persists, come back to us with more specifics on the problem.

Auke
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Mar 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
hey knobbly.

yes the sidestand switch ...

I had the same problem before my journey, apart from maybe ten other bigger problems with the bike that I had primerly chosen for my RTW trip - a TT600E. In 1999 this forum did not exisit, so I sold the TT600E again and bought a XT600Z Tenere for my journey. Just six weeks before I left. The first thing I did was to remove the sidestand switch ...

... now, after the journey the Tenere got 271.000km on the clock. Also thanks to this forum and the help I got thru people like Klaus Mechelke (the moderator) and others here.

One more advise for your journey. Service the bike regularly and service it yourself.

Enjoy riding.

mika

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Apr 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Milton Keynes, UK
Posts: 42
well this site has done it again.

First thing after work i went out into the garage, snipped the sidestand switch and tied off and hey presto, turn the ignition on and everything is back to normal....

I had taken it off yesterday night and thought to myself 'i wonder what would happen if i.....' but didn't really want to go snipping left right and centre if i didn't know the exact fault. But all is well now, only after i have stripped down the whole wiring loom but i know it intimatley now so wasn't a bad excercise overall.

I presume these are a common fault with XT's?

Anyway thanks to all.

Knobbly
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2006
Laromonster's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Stavanger,Norway
Posts: 112
I presume these are a common fault with XT's?

Not really, but its a common fault on all bikes that have it equipped and are exposed to moisture and dust.. pretty much all bikes i guess.
Heard people even disable the clutch cut out switch to prevent the same problem there

------------------
Laromo '04 TT600RE
__________________
Laromo \ '02 KTM 300 EXC "Jake"
'05 KTM 640 ADV "Fatman"
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Apr 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Milton Keynes, UK
Posts: 42
Only me again.

I thought i had the prolem sorted but when i got the bike back toigether again and tried her out as soon as i popped it in to 1st it tries to stall again and doesn't want to know.

The electrics are all good now so everything comes on when it is in start on the ignition and starts fine, but still wants to stall when i knock it into 1st?????????????/

I am supposed to be leaving the country in a weweek or so on her so need to get this sorted once and for all.

Hope someone can help.

Thanks

Knobbly
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Well, now it get a bit more complicated. The 3AJ also has a switch on the clutch lever. The original protection against pulling off with extended side stand is that you can only engage a gear when the sidestand is extended with the clutch disengaged (=pulled the handle towards you). This switch can also be eliminated. Cut the wires leading to this switch and, as far as I remember, connect them. If that does not work, disconnect them again.
If this does not solve the problem, check out the relay under the seat, it is next to the CDI. In this relay the 'signals' from the sidestand and clutch switch are processed giving a signal to the CDI to produce sparks or not. You can remove this relay but to explain what connections to make to be able to do without this item I do not remember anymore.

Succes!
Auke
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Apr 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Milton Keynes, UK
Posts: 42
Ok have tried the clutch switch and it makes no difference.

the CDI is under the tail panel, and no relay is evident near it, or anywhere else on the bike for that matter. No sign of it in the wiring diagram.

What next???
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Apr 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
A S U M E
We are all asumeing that the fault is electrical - primary.

Your description is not good .. does the engine die only when under load ... or just by engaging first gear? Choke? Engine warm or cold?

There are a number of possiblities -

The spark plug lead or spark plug cap could have moisture in them ... How old are they? Spray them with WD40 and see if the problem goes away.

Water in carby?
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Apr 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Powys, Cymru, U.K.
Posts: 94
When you snipped the 2 wires to the sidestand switch, you did connect them together? The circuit must be complete and goes to earth (the black wire from the switch).
If you left the 2 wires separate, there lies your problem.
Twist them together and fasten with a blob of solder, then insulate them and tuck them out of the way. Job done.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Apr 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Milton Keynes, UK
Posts: 42
The bike can be ticking over without a problem and on or off choke, warm or cold, and as soon as you engage 1st, it tries to stall, without quite making it.

I have propperly connected the two wires that i took from the side stand switch, and the bike starts without any effort, but when i disconnect those two wires from the saidestand switch it tries to cut out exactly the same as when i engage 1st.

Definatley not the plug, have changed it with a brand new one, and back again so no moisture in it.

knobbly
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Apr 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CapeBreton ,Canada
Posts: 73
I don't know anything about the wiring on a 660, just wanted to mention this. When I first put my 600 into gear it lunges foward and somtimes stalls, now this happens because the clutch plates are sticking together, this only happens when oil is cold and bike is first started, I think it is normal for most bikes. Is it possible this is what causing your trouble? just want to rule this out, from what I've heard the electrics are a know problem with 660.
__________________
Winston
85 xt600Z
02 YZ250
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Well
Sorry for confusing you, I was referring to the electrical system of the 600 Tenere, which is similar to the 660's, but with a few differences.
Let's do the following check: you have the neutra switch, it is screwed into the gearbox, there's a wire going there. Disconnect the wire from the switch and connect it to earth somewhere. Switch on ignition? -> neutral light comes on -> proceed. Start engine (in neutral). Engine ticks over -> now disconnect neutral switch wire from earth -> engine stalls? -> your problem is somewhere there. Engin does not stall -> your problem is somewhere else.

Let us know!
Auke
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:49.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top