Can the bike start up without the exhaust on?

[pronator]

Hey all,

I pulled the exhaust to paint the header. It's currently sitting on the ground next to the bike.

I tried starting the bike up yesterday (for an unrelated issue) but nothing. The battery is charged and all the lights come on but there's absolutely NO reaction when I try to start it.

Does removing the exhaust cut off the ability to start up the bike?

Any help would be appreciated! 

[reajcox]

I wouldnt think so but I cant imagine it would run real well or would you be able to tolerate the noise.

[pronator]

Yeah, I'm hoping that's the only reason the bike isn't able to start up. Otherwise, that means something else is wrong... 

[ragecage23]

Do you hear anything when you hit the starter button?

[Unsane]

Yes the bike can definitely be started with the headers off - make sure the wiring for the kickstand, neutral switch etc is all OK

[jeffdodge]

While the bike should be able to run without the headers on, I dont recommend doing it, not only for the sake of your ears, but for your valves, especially if it is cold out. That could very well cause some damage.

[pronator]

Do you hear anything when you hit the starter button?

Nope, nothing at all. No clicking. No sign that it's trying to start. I originally thought my battery was dead so I hooked it up to the tender and it charged up. Still wouldn't start.

Yes the bike can definitely be started with the headers off - make sure the wiring for the kickstand, neutral switch etc is all OK

Yeah, I was definitely in N and I can't imagine my kickstand wiring got jacked when I took the exhaust off.

While the bike should be able to run without the headers on, I dont recommend doing it, not only for the sake of your ears, but for your valves, especially if it is cold out. That could very well cause some damage.

Ok, good to know. I'll wait to get the header and pipe back on before trying again.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

[saxman]

Removal of the exhaust shouldn't do anything to prevent the bike from starting.

[adidasguy]

Remember the clutch lever switch.

[Toogoofy317]

You know Pronator I used to be able to start Flick while in N without pulling in the clutch lever then one day he decided that is not how he wanted to start. Ever since then I gotta pull the clutch to get him started. 

Mary

[TCARZ]

You know... That happened to my 96 1100 Virago, too. I wonder if that means that something's out of adjustment??? 

[bill14224]

Pulling the headers won't stop the bike from starting, but you don't want to keep it running without pipes.  It will overheat the exhaust valves.  The fact your bike won't start has nothing to do with your exhaust system.  Make sure the bike is in neutral, check the side stand switch, and the kill switch!  All will prevent starting.

[pronator]

Yeah, I tried again. Pulled the clutch, definitely in N, switch is on. I hit the ignition and nothing. There's absolutely no response. No short-lived attempt to start. No indicator lights flickering. Nothing.

It's like having the bike off and hitting the starter button.

I'm wondering if there's a disconnect somewhere from the kill switch or ignition.

[sledge]

When you took the pipe of did you accidentally disturb the side-stand switch or its wiring?

Find it under the bike next to the side stand, pull the green and the black/white wires off and short them together....then hit the starter and see what happens,

[JAY W]

Its poss` with the headers off it`s to lean to start.

[saxman]

Its poss` with the headers off it`s to lean to start.

Possibly, I suppose, but the bike would still try to start. The problem here is purely electrical.

[pronator]

Possibly, I suppose, but the bike would still try to start. The problem here is purely electrical.

This is my thought, too. My parking garage is underneath the apartment building and lighting is crappy. I've been down there with a flashlight, but I'm waiting for a good day out so I can bring the bike and look it over in daylight.

In terms of electrical, I've heard

• sidestand switch
• neutral switch

Anything else I should double check when I'm able?

• kill switch?
• starter switch?

[ragecage23]

you should also check the clutch switch.

[pronator]

Okay, I figured it out. Sorry I didn't respond sooner!

It turned out that when I changed out the clutch lever, I installed it when the clutch kill switch actuating pin was on the wrong side. Doh! 

This meant that every time I pulled the clutch in, I was breaking the electrical connection. If I had just tried starting the bike WITHOUT pulling in the clutch, I could've figure that out much sooner. But who tries to start the bike without pulling in the clutch? 

Anyhow, all is good. I pulled the exhaust so I could give it a good rubdown with some black fire grate polish. As everyone said, it had nothing to do with why the bike didn't start. Thanks for everyone's ideas and support!