GS500 engine does not start, ignition cable thingmajig the cause

[mullan]

I actually signed up to this because my engine did not start.  But I since figured it out myself.  However, I will share it...

Suddenly, one morning, he didn't start.  Pressed the ignition and only one electrical "tick" sound, and nothing else.  I charged the battery fully at home, but still only one tick sound.  I turned to the internet, and most posts I found go really very deep, in the sense of suggesting things were so wrong with the bike that either I may have to buy a new battery, would have to waste my weekend repairing/replacing significant parts, or resort to taking it to a garage.  But I never saw any post about giving the wires a bit of a wiggle 'n' giggle here or there.

I wiggled and giggled the cable whatsitmacalled going into the ignition switch doda and it worked.  Apparently, over time, it vibrated and there is a weak connection there.  I'll tighten it up when I have a chance, but add that one to your check before you engage in something catastrophic or money wasting.

(tip: try holding the ignition cable thingy steady in different angles when testing my suggestion, right where it inserts into the handlbar plastic thing on the right handle bar where the ignition switch is.   This is just so you either a) find a good point of contact so the engine starts; b) lose the good point of contact so the engine doesn't start, or; c) it never starts no matter what angle (so you can rule this problem out)).

[The Buddha]

There is a set of contacts in the thumb switch, like 1/4 inch form your thumb when you hit the start button and it can wear itself and not make contact. Its common and presently I suspect average's bike having that.
Cool.
Buddha.

[mullan]

Thanks Buddha.  Do you think I might need to replace something?  Or just some lose wires inside the plastic housing where the ignition switch is?