Embarrassing question

[joeshmoe_13]

For kickstarting, which position does my key need to be in on my 78 xs650? I've tried to look online and in manuals for a couple of days and I feel like I'm chasing my tail on it. The reason I ask is I'm diagnosing a no spark right now.

 

[Jan_P]

Chose a position where the lights and horns and other electrics comes on ( If battery )
I believe it is in the 12 o clock position
Please check the kill switch also

 

[member43148]

“Run position”
Top pic

 

[joeshmoe_13]

Chose a position where the lights and horns and other electrics comes on ( If battery )
I believe it is in the 12 o clock position
Please check the kill switch also

Thanks!

“Run position”
Top pic

Thanks!

 

[joeshmoe_13]

“Run position”
Top pic

So what in the world is the other position for?

 

[member43148]

Further past run is actually a “parking” position which leaves the tail light on , silly huh..
Also can’t you push the key down harder and turn to lock the steering lock ?

 

[joeshmoe_13]

Further past run is actually a “parking” position which leaves the tail light on , silly huh..
Also can’t you push the key down harder and turn to lock the steering lock ?

I haven't tried that, but I will!

 

[Wingedwheel]

Parking. I believe it’s a function designed to kill your battery.

 

[Wingedwheel]

 

[5twins]

On the Standard models, the fork lock is in the left side of the steering neck, not built into the ignition switch. That was only a feature on the Special models.

 

[member43148]

Thanks 5twins , forgot that
(Like I’d ever use “parking” or a steering lock)
Nope

 

[650Skull]

make up an ignition loom and bypass the factory one. Unless your going to use the factory harness, (cant see that if your going to hard-tail the bike), the fault could be anywhere.

 

[lakeview]

Is that a '79?

 

[member43148]

78 XS650E

 

[WideAWAKE]

It would appear, based on that pic, you have a dead battery.

Kick it till the cows come home- it ain’t gonna start.

Need a good battery for it to fire.

 

[joeshmoe_13]

It would appear, based on that pic, you have a dead battery.

Kick it till the cows come home- it ain’t gonna start.

Need a good battery for it to fire.

I have a new battery that works, I just have it disconnected for now. I only took the pics for reference for when I'm actually checking for the spark

 

[WideAWAKE]

I have a new battery that works, I just have it disconnected for now. I only took the pics for reference for when I'm actually checking for the spark

Just makin sure you weren’t throwing out your back for nothing haha.

 

[Melnic]

Not sure it has to be complicated, if it will start with the electric starter hitting the button, it is all set up to start with the kick stand.
Does your bike have the electric starter deleted?

 

[joeshmoe_13]

Just makin sure you weren’t throwing out your back for nothing haha.

Much appreciated!

 

[joeshmoe_13]

Not sure it has to be complicated, if it will start with the electric starter hitting the button, it is all set up to start with the kick stand.
Does your bike have the electric starter deleted?

It either does or I don't know where to find it