Hi guys, it’s been a few years since I last posted on this forum, mainly because my 2014 Fireblade has been behaving admirably, but I have just encountered a confusing issue….. Took bike to the local garage for its MOT and it started at home no problem. It passed the MOT but on collection it wouldn’t start. The engine was turning over but no ignition. Also no sound of the fuel pump priming, however the headlights and dash come on and the battery shows 13.2 volts. The LCD display of my HM Quickshifter remains blank with ignition turned on. The mechanic had the kill switch activated initially but with that turned off the problem remains. I’ve left the bike with him to investigate but I have no idea where to start looking. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you all. Martin
I spoke to Honda and they suggested checking all fuses and looking to see if there’s an immobiliser fault, but not sure if that would stop the fuel pump priming?
Kill switch isn't making I'd guess. Best thing to do is put the kill switch "on" and turn the ignition on, then switch the kill switch "off" and make sure you hear the fuel pump. If you don't then give it a good flicking back and forth until the pump primes. I had this when I'd used the kill switch at traffic lights, I make sure not to use the kill switch anymore.
Strangest thing…..I’m away with work in Exeter and the mechanic called me saying that he decided to try the bike again this morning and it fired up immediately on the first attempt. He tried a few times and each time it was fine! I offered him your suggestion about the kill switch and he said it was a really good thought and probably correct because that would explain the lack of fuel pump priming too, and it’s the only thing he touched that I never do! He sprayed some silicon spray in there to drive out any water and hopefully it stays working! I think I’ll put a note next to it next time saying ‘do not touch’! thanks for your suggestion and it seems as if you were correct. The bike only has 10,000 miles but it’s 9 years old now so electrical connections might be developing some gremlins!
After my kill switch went temperamental I looked at replacements both OE and aftermarket but never got round to buying one. Glad I didn't aswell because after I stopped using it it's been perfect ever since. Glad it was something simple for you.
I know a few bikers who use the kill switch to turn the bike off. I’ve never really understood why though, you still need to turn the ignition off and put the kill switch back on before restarting. Seems far easier to me just to turn the ignition off. Is there a benefit/reason for using the kill switch?
I turned mine off by accident while filling the tank and didn't notice. I'd called the rescue service before I realised. When you never bother to ever use it you just don't think about it as a cause for a dead engine.
