EDIT: Sorry for the non-descriptive title of the post - I hit enter a second too soon, and I cannot appearantly edit the title of the post itself. Will NOT happen again. Erm. I think... anyway.

I have a slight issue with my 07 zzr1400.

I have to start it with the kickstand up. The thing that happens is that the neutral light flickers or sometimes does not come on at all even if the bike is in neutral. That means I cannot start it standing on the sidestand, as it will die on me the instant the neutral light comes off.... annoying!

I assume it is either a bad connection or the neutral switch itself.

I was thinking I will first try to clean the switch or test it using a multimeter tool.

The thing is.... I don\t know where the darned switch is.

Anyone know where to locate it - or, even better, anyone have had a smimilar problem and know how to fix it?.

Thaaaanx,

Dag-Heine (recent convertee from a Honda CBR1100XX, and not looking back)
Bergen, Norway (land of vikings and zzr-riders)

* Last updated by: coolhand on 4/5/2012 @ 2:34 PM *

The switch is right down where the pivot bolt is....just right in there.It can be removed...and cleaned or whatever.Maybe put your bike on a rear stand...makes getting that pivot and switch out a lot simpler.

He has an intermittent gear position sw--not kickstand switch.
It's located behind the front sprocket cover on the left side.
Get a copy of the service manual--it has detailed checking and replacement instructions.

Nat

* Last updated by: natlancaster on 4/5/2012 @ 3:37 PM *

Thanx,

I have the PDF service manual, but it was kinda hard to leaf through it to find the darn switch. When I get round to finding it and dixing (or replacing it), Ill let you know,

Thaaaanx!

Removed the cover, tested switch as per manual. Faulty switch.

New will be ordered right after easter.

Problem solved (I think).

Thanx for the help in locating the switch in the first place.

Sat down yesterday evening to order the new part... problem is, I cannot find the parts number. I do have the parts number catalouge (downloaded from this page), but darned if I can find the switch and the part number. Which I need to order the.... part.

Anyone know the part number for the switch controlling the neutral light (appearntly located behind the clutch cover, lefthand side of bike)?

13151 SWITCH-COMP,NEUTRAL 13151-0031.......... $88.10(CheapCycleParts)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/3/2012 @ 10:27 AM *

My '07 will only start in Neutral regardless of the sidestand position, but if you put it in gear with the stand down, the motor dies. Kind of a PITA if you kill it leaving a stoplight because you have to snick it out of gear instead of just pulling in the clutch lever and punching the start button.

Hiya Danno!...she should start with the clutch pulled in in 1st....mine has stalled a couple of times(using the clutch wrong)...and I pulled it in,hit the start button...off she went.
"but if you put it in gear with the stand down, the motor dies"...yes...normal.Some guys use that to park their bikes...pull in clutch in first while stopping to park...leave in gear...put stand down.(to avoid the 1st gear clunk on takeoff).
"regardless of the sidestand position"...something isn't right there.It should start with that clutch pulled in 1st,kickstand UP.

IF that stand is down as you say...it will only fire in N,regardless of clutch action.1st gear..clutch in...stand up...start.1st gear...stand down...clutch in...no go.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/7/2012 @ 8:07 PM *

coolhand, have you ordered part yet? if not then try to clean it first.
I had the same symptoms on my '08, took out the switch and cleaned the contact surfaces with sandpaper. The contacts were corroded, especially in neutral position.
Works perfectly afterwards!

NB! The contact point for neutral is very small, almost invisible on mine due to corrosion.

Hi,

Neh, didn't get around to order it yet. And I did test the contact surface like you said, cleaned it, and tested again. Voila! Works as a charm.

Thanx for the tip! :-)

Hi,

Neh, didn't get around to order it yet. And I did test the contact surface like you said, cleaned it, and tested again. Voila! Works as a charm.

Thanx for the tip! :-)

she should start with the clutch pulled in in 1st....mine has stalled a couple of times(using the clutch wrong)...and I pulled it in,hit the start button...off she went.

Mine won't do that. Only starts in Neutral. No idea why, unless one of the p.o.s jury-rigged something or screwed something up. (Not out of the realm of possibility considering all the jury rigs I have found and corrected)

Danno, inspect the starter lockout switch under the clutch handlebar (see pic) and the sidestand switch according to the repair manual.

The sidestand switch seems to function as intended-when you put it in gear with the stand down, the engine dies. I will check the clutch switch to see if it's been hot-wired. Normally when it fails, the starter won't turn without a jumper.