8v non starter

I'm baffled. I've been using my 08 8v a lot recently, and suddenly it's a non starter. The first issue is the neutral switch. It's not working, and access is ..challenging. But it should start with clutch switch activated shouldn't it ? My clutch switch is also problematic - it doesn't operate bue to wear in lever pivot, but when I operate manually, it still doesn't respond to starter

I'm baffled, and don't know where to start

I’ve removed the orange and blue valve on mine so reaching in to the switch was a little better. Someone here suggested trying to give the connector a squeeze. I bought some long needle nose pliers and was able to wiggle it back on better and squeeze it. It’s been fine for probably 2 years now. So I didn’t have to take a bunch of stuff apart like the air box. Oh, and I went in from the right side but others have gone in from the left to the neutral switch. Left might actually be better…..
Your non starting couldn’t be Startus interruptus, could it?

Not sure what orange and blue valve is. I'm puzzled I am getting no action when clutch switch activated.

Where is the neutral switch relative to where linkage reaches g/box? I can see that. But not much else!

Found it thanks to helpful photos in another thread. It's the connection to the switch. Bingo. Can I get at it if I take the airbox out?

I believe that’s what others have done and some have changed the connector while in there. I bought a set of 11” needle nose pliers on Amazon that came with 30 & 45 degree bends in them as well as a straight one and operated without taking anything apart.

You can see the little round rubber switch cover in picture 1. I used one of these pliers to grab the connector and pull it back on the switch and then I squeezed it a little and it's been secure for quite a while now. Someone else did something similar form the other side of the bike. I first moved the hose with the clamps that you see here out of the way. This hose is the one that had the "tip over" valve (blue and orange) in it. I had removed it years ago. And, the Chinese pliers were cheap.

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Awesome. What's under the rubber boot? A jiggle restored neutral light, but I need a more permanent jiggle. Is it a spade connector that can just be given a squeeze!

Yes. I was able to slide the rubber boot back. Take the spade connector off, give it a squeeze, put it back on and slide the rubber boot back all with the long needle nose pliers. But maybe just a squeeze will be good enough.

FYI the orange & blue valve is only on North American models. Not that it matters with this issue.

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I've ordered the angled long nose pliers.

Also, I have worked out why it won't start in gear by operating the clutch switch. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit to being an idiot. But it's true. I am in fact an idiot. The side stand can't be down.

Trogladyte wrote:

Also, I have worked out why it won't start in gear by operating the clutch switch. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit to being an idiot. But it's true. I am in fact an idiot. The side stand can't be down.

Don't worry about it - you're in good company here!!

@Trogladyte, I’d say you’re a better man for sharing and admitting of your blunder, definitely makes you a non contender in the idiot race we all entered shortly after birth.
And look at it this way, you woke up this morning with enlightened knowledge and a new tool in the kit... Win-win.  

I was born bald, fat, and dumb. I've achieved that once more.