GSX1400 Owners .org

Administration & Announcements => Forum Guides => Topic started by: Mr Gee on Thursday, 09 October 2025, 09:57 AM

Title: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Thursday, 09 October 2025, 09:57 AM
Don't you just, hate intermittent electrical faults.
Recently developed one and having a nightmare, trying o find it.
While out riding, it cuts out on me or simply won't start.
Get it back in the garage and get the multi-meter out and the damn thing, works every time, it won't go wrong.
 :deadhorse:  :bugga:  :frustrated:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Thursday, 09 October 2025, 11:16 AM
Check the micro-switch up at the clutch perch, this one will cause cut outs if the contacts are dirty or wet.  I had this happen after riding through a rain storm, bike just cut out.  A quick wiggle of the contacts and she fired right up.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: KiwiCol on Thursday, 09 October 2025, 01:42 PM
Take the multimeter with you on the next ride - plenty of room under the seat.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Thursday, 09 October 2025, 05:44 PM
Cuts out & won't start as in, the engine stops but the bike is on. Then spins over & doesn't fire or the bike totally dead?

I've seen batteries with internal faults cause the latter when they short internally & kill everything electrical on the bike.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Friday, 10 October 2025, 07:41 AM
Cuts out and everything is on but won't turn over.
Tried the clutch switch; the fuel relay, side stand switch and relay but as I said when I'm in the garage it all works fine and only plays up, while i'm out riding it.
 :frustrated:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: gsxbarmy on Friday, 10 October 2025, 08:02 AM
Check the loom coming out of the back of the headlamp and along the side of the headstock - not unknown for small splits / cuts / rubbing to occur causing the loom to earth out.

I'd also check your earth wire is clean both coming off the battery and where it earths to the bike itself, maybe add an additional earth wire https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=4828.0
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 10 October 2025, 11:06 AM
There's a tip over switch located next to the regulator that will also prevent a start if thats faulty, access is from the rhs after removing the side panel and rear brake resevoir out of the way.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Sunday, 12 October 2025, 08:12 PM
Quote from: Mr Gee on Friday, 10 October  2025, 07:41 AMCuts out and everything is on but won't turn over.
Tried the clutch switch; the fuel relay, side stand switch and relay but as I said when I'm in the garage it all works fine and only plays up, while i'm out riding it.
 :frustrated:

That sounds rather frustrating, I think the others have covered the places to start looking already.

Years ago on a RF600 I had the broken loom issue, they had a multiplug by the headstock & one wire had broke off cutting the ignition circuit so no spark etc. I found that one in the middle of nowhere when the wire finally fell out of the connector block. Lucky for me it was downhill to the next town & I managed to buy some scotchlocks to bodge it for the trip home.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Saturday, 18 October 2025, 07:19 AM
Thanks for all, the advice guys. Much appreciated. However, the fault remains elusive. Guess, I will just, have to keep on looking and riding until I get lucky or it finally, develops big time and packs up, all together so that I can trace it. :notworthy:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 11:36 AM
Does anyone out there, know if there is a way, to test the antenna for the immobiliser, short of replacing it ?  :confused1:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 01:03 PM
Is your bike a K5?   They had an issue with the antenna, but was fixed for K6 onward.   It'd be a very rare thing to have that go bad, never hear of it unless it's a K5, & there was a recall for those affected bikes, fixed FOC.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 04:47 PM
Mr Gee, have you tried your spare key? If no spare some locksmiths can check key signal. When i worked our local bloke did it for me free.That was my job, fixing broken down cars/ bikes. Prefer now, retired👍
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 08:55 PM
Yes, it is a K5, the first fitted with immobiliser.  :onya:

I have tried both keys with the exact same result.  :frustrated:

I have tried and tested everything else that I can think of.  :deadhorse:

Everything else works perfectly and the bike runs beautifully when it's running but then it will just, cut out.  :sad:

Everything electrical still works but the engine will not run or even turn over when it choses not, to work.  :thumbs_down:  :whatever:  :sad:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Andre on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 11:14 PM
Tried speaking softly to her yet? Usually works well with the ladies.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 11:41 PM
Can the immobiliser be removed (after speaking to her nicely), perhaps threatening to remove some parts may help?

Also, the key tumbler does get a lot of crud in there, it can be removed from underneath the head stem, bit of a fiddle and I think you have to drill out two rivets that can be easily replaced with bolts or screws, this allows you to clean out the key tumbler.  alternatively to pulling it apart, spray some contact cleaner into the key slot (cover your tank and front mudguard with a towel), let it sit for a minute then blow it out with compressed air, may dislodge and remove some of the crud and clean the contact ring ? just a thought.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Tally on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 01:09 AM
Mr Gee .
I have a question for you.
Are the battery cables firmly attached to the battery, especially the live (+)cable. I had a problem with an old car once and that was the cause, the cable no matter how tight you tightened it down it would work loose and cause the fault . The only other reason I can think of is you have a live wire shorting out somewhere on the frame. Good luck with your hunt for that elusive pimpernel   :onya:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: T250 on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 01:32 AM
When the bike cuts out do the needles still sweep if you try to restart?
I had a similar problem with mine and it turned out to be a faulty battery, when I went to check the voltage of the battery, put my meter on the terminal and terminal was broken inside the battery I could physically move it with the probe...strange but kept working for most of the time.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 03:43 AM
Right, it's a K5, the model that had issues with the antenna.  If I recall correctly, Suzuki did a recall on that part for the K5 & you could take it to the dealer & they'd check if the recall had been done using the VIN. If not, they still perform the recall FOC now.

My suggestion is to find out if it's had the recall done or not.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 07:19 AM
I rung a dealer over here & quoted the reg to find out if the recall had been done on one a couple of years ago. So no need to even drop in if they aren't local.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 09:45 AM
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 20 January  2026, 11:41 PMCan the immobiliser be removed (after speaking to her nicely), perhaps threatening to remove some parts may help?

Also, the key tumbler does get a lot of crud in there, it can be removed from underneath the head stem, bit of a fiddle and I think you have to drill out two rivets that can be easily replaced with bolts or screws, this allows you to clean out the key tumbler.  alternatively to pulling it apart, spray some contact cleaner into the key slot (cover your tank and front mudguard with a towel), let it sit for a minute then blow it out with compressed air, may dislodge and remove some of the crud and clean the contact ring ? just a thought.

Antenna has to be there, to connect with immobiliser and immobiliser has to be there, to connect with ECU.  :sad:

Have tried cleaning out key barrel but might get my mate, to try stripping it down and reassembling.

The guy is a genius. He has tuned bikes for Mike Rutter (second place at the TT, after leading all the way until the last lap) and other racers too.   :notworthy:  :onya:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Pommeroy on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 03:38 PM
Quote from: Mr Gee on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 09:45 AM
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 20 January  2026, 11:41 PMCan the immobiliser be removed (after speaking to her nicely), perhaps threatening to remove some parts may help?

Also, the key tumbler does get a lot of crud in there, it can be removed from underneath the head stem, bit of a fiddle and I think you have to drill out two rivets that can be easily replaced with bolts or screws, this allows you to clean out the key tumbler.  alternatively to pulling it apart, spray some contact cleaner into the key slot (cover your tank and front mudguard with a towel), let it sit for a minute then blow it out with compressed air, may dislodge and remove some of the crud and clean the contact ring ? just a thought.

Antenna has to be there, to connect with immobiliser and immobiliser has to be there, to connect with ECU.  :sad:

Have tried cleaning out key barrel but might get my mate, to try stripping it down and reassembling.

The guy is a genius. He has tuned bikes for Mike Rutter (second place at the TT, after leading all the way until the last lap) and other racers too.   :notworthy:  :onya:

I bet Rutter never asked him to clean out a key barrel...it may stretch him!  :lol:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 04:01 PM
Symptoms certainly point to immobiliser, especially been a known fault with K5 but no certainty 🤷.  Check out your recall, hopefully thats an option🤞🏻
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 06:50 PM
The key barrel & ignition switch aren't too bad to strip & clean, just small fiddly parts.

Barrel - https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=6266.0

Switch under the barrel - https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=6268.0

I'm kinda suspecting a broken wire in the loom where it goes around the headstock though, seen it on some other older bikes.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 07:58 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 06:50 PMThe key barrel & ignition switch aren't too bad to strip & clean, just small fiddly parts.

Barrel - https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=6266.0

Switch under the barrel - https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=6268.0

I'm kinda suspecting a broken wire in the loom where it goes around the headstock though, seen it on some other older bikes.

Thanks for the link that will come in handy.  :onya:  :cheers:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Jeykey on Friday, 23 January 2026, 01:11 AM
Does your model light up as soon as you turn the key ? My K5 EU one does, and I had an intermittent electrical issue. Turned out the starter button had a very minor oxidation on the contacts and I only saw it on the second go; was thinking only the start position would influence, but rest position was the problem.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Sunday, 15 February 2026, 01:38 PM
Quote from: Jeykey on Friday, 23 January  2026, 01:11 AMDoes your model light up as soon as you turn the key ? My K5 EU one does, and I had an intermittent electrical issue. Turned out the starter button had a very minor oxidation on the contacts and I only saw it on the second go; was thinking only the start position would influence, but rest position was the problem.

Sorry, missed your post somehow.

Mine lights everything up and the clocks sweep but it is no longer registering the key. The lights on the antenna aren't flashing now and the code reader says check but you can't, because the engine needs to start before the fault registers.  :confused1:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Sunday, 15 February 2026, 05:09 PM
Mate, did you check if recall had been done? Sounds like first action to me, if both keys ok, then receiver sounds faulty
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Monday, 16 February 2026, 12:33 PM
Quote from: grog on Sunday, 15 February  2026, 05:09 PMMate, did you check if recall had been done? Sounds like first action to me, if both keys ok, then receiver sounds faulty

Yes the recall was done just after, I first bought her early in 2006

Been running sweet for the last twenty years and still does when it runs.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Monday, 16 February 2026, 12:42 PM
Quote from: grog on Sunday, 15 February  2026, 05:09 PMMate, did you check if recall had been done? Sounds like first action to me, if both keys ok, then receiver sounds faulty

I suspect the receiver too but how do check it out.

At £256 plus, can't afford to simply fit one and it not, be the fault.  :whatever:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Monday, 16 February 2026, 04:04 PM
Can understand, lot of bucks to just hope.When I was working used to get lots of cars with faulty key readers. They could be diagnosed thru OBD2, pity our bikes cant. Just been searching, cord available to convert our 6 pin to OBD2,never heard it mentioned before. Anyone used it?
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Barbastro K6 on Monday, 16 February 2026, 11:24 PM
I modestly believe that the intermediate connection cable is on AliExpress
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 16 February 2026, 11:58 PM
It might be possible to connect that way, but I'd be amazed if the ECU on a 14 provided any OBDII connectivity or so forth. They're just not that advanced.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 03:41 PM
Quote from: Hooli on Monday, 16 February  2026, 11:58 PMIt might be possible to connect that way, but I'd be amazed if the ECU on a 14 provided any OBDII connectivity or so forth. They're just not that advanced.

When it comes to electrics, I'm a bit, like that too.  :whatever:  :confused1:  :rofl2:  :happy1:  :onya:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Saturday, 28 February 2026, 11:15 PM
After eight months of getting nowhere, I have bitten the bullet and called in an auto electrician.  :frustrated:   :sad: 
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Dwain Dibley on Sunday, 01 March 2026, 08:57 AM
Quote from: Mr Gee on Saturday, 28 February  2026, 11:15 PMAfter eight months of getting nowhere, I have bitten the bullet and called in an auto electrician.  :frustrated:   :sad: 

No shame in doing that Mr Gee, it's not worth the price of sanity to keep struggling, sometimes we all need help.
You will also have the opportunity to learn from him, so keep em peeled. 

D.D.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, 06:16 AM
So, auto electrician has just, left.

Three hours and the damn, thing would not, play up.  :angry:  :sad:  :frustrated:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, 06:47 AM
It's shy
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, 03:02 PM
It's a f%^*&$%g b&5$£h, is what it is.  :furious:

However, it was only what I expected. Knew that it would work perfectly while he was there.  :laugh:

Sod's law, isn't it.  :happy1:  :rofl2:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, 04:06 PM
Put a cardboard cut out of your sparky next to the bike, she'll behave for you then
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Thursday, 14 May 2026, 09:06 AM
Following on from D.D's suggestion. I gave the fuse holder another clean and this time, swapped out all of the fuses.

Early days yet and I don't want to jink things but went out yesterday and she didn't cut out once.

Did thirty odd miles and she ran sweet, as a nut. Well, almost.

Pulling fine from a standing start through the gears. However, coughing and spluttering from low revs under load. Perfect once she passed three thousand.

Been a while, since she had fresh fuel, as I haven't been going far on her, so suspected, it could be stale fuel, a bit of moisture in the system or a mucky injector.

Fresh tank of petrol and injector cleaner in the tank and did another seventy odd, miles.

Hopefully, one enough of that gets pulled through, it will sort that problem out.

Meanwhile, it's fingers crossed on the electrical fault.


Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Thursday, 14 May 2026, 10:39 AM
Fingers crossed for you.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Dwain Dibley on Friday, 15 May 2026, 02:37 AM
Well done, Fingers crossed here too.   :popcorn:  :popcorn:

D.D.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 15 May 2026, 12:50 PM
Quote from: Mr Gee on Thursday, 14 May  2026, 09:06 AMFollowing on from D.D's suggestion. I gave the fuse holder another clean and this time, swapped out all of the fuses.

Early days yet and I don't want to jink things but went out yesterday and she didn't cut out once.

Did thirty odd miles and she ran sweet, as a nut. Well, almost.

Pulling fine from a standing start through the gears. However, coughing and spluttering from low revs under load. Perfect once she passed three thousand.

Been a while, since she had fresh fuel, as I haven't been going far on her, so suspected, it could be stale fuel, a bit of moisture in the system or a mucky injector.

Fresh tank of petrol and injector cleaner in the tank and did another seventy odd, miles.

Hopefully, one enough of that gets pulled through, it will sort that problem out.

Meanwhile, it's fingers crossed on the electrical fault.



I assume you've checked the usual stuff like throttle cable tensions, teabag and hp filter, vac lines and balanced the throttle bodies around the rough running? 
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Friday, 15 May 2026, 04:23 PM
Hope it's fixed Mate, would drive me crazy. Did you ever look at sidestand switch ?
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Saturday, 16 May 2026, 09:03 AM
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 15 May  2026, 12:50 PM
Quote from: Mr Gee on Thursday, 14 May  2026, 09:06 AMFollowing on from D.D's suggestion. I gave the fuse holder another clean and this time, swapped out all of the fuses.

Early days yet and I don't want to jink things but went out yesterday and she didn't cut out once.

Did thirty odd miles and she ran sweet, as a nut. Well, almost.

Pulling fine from a standing start through the gears. However, coughing and spluttering from low revs under load. Perfect once she passed three thousand.

Been a while, since she had fresh fuel, as I haven't been going far on her, so suspected, it could be stale fuel, a bit of moisture in the system or a mucky injector.

Fresh tank of petrol and injector cleaner in the tank and did another seventy odd, miles.

Hopefully, one enough of that gets pulled through, it will sort that problem out.

Meanwhile, it's fingers crossed on the electrical fault.



I assume you've checked the usual stuff like throttle cable tensions, teabag and hp filter, vac lines and balanced the throttle bodies around the rough running? 

Not as yet.

As I said, under the circumstances, I am hoping it's just stale fuel, etc.

Will try those things, if problem persists.  :onya:

Thanks for the pointers though.  :hat:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 08:49 AM
Well, swapping the fuses didn't work.  :bugga:  :sad:

Back to square one with the electrical fault. Failed again today.  :whatever:  :confused1:  :frustrated:

Can definitely rule out, the clutch switch, side stand switch, start button and kill switch.  :onya:  :clapping:

Have swapped them all out with my mates, which is running perfectly.

The hunt continues.  :salute:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 12:27 PM
Bugger, electrical gremlins are always a challenge.

Don't want to tell you how to suck eggs, but my check list would be:

Battery- try with a known good one, min 12.5V at rest, no less than 10v at cranking speed.

Generator- check for continuity across the windings, you could have a short in the windings that only appears when running

Timing plate, check the captive magnet and connector if thats split or broken, the timing signal gets wonky and she'll stall if broken.

Coil packs, check for resistance, should be about 6k Ohm from the connector to the end that touches the spark plugs, important is that all 4 are the same.

Spark plugs, also check for resistance  they should all be around 6k Ohm. Replace as a set if one reads significantly higher.

All other sensors, check for 5v at the connectors and the appropriate resistance values, however you've already ruled out  the main ones that will cause a stall.

Also, non electrical, but check for false air into the airbox (leans out the mixture too much and it will stall), grey or whitish spark plugs will be a tell tale that its running too lean.

Blocked crankcase breather, blocked or leaking pairs reed valves, vacuum lines or thr clamps connecting the airbox to the tb and to the intakes.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: KiwiCol on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 12:51 PM
Give a man something to do!!   Geez, Electric bikes don't need any of that . . .. :whistling:  :stir:  :happy1:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 01:30 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Sunday, 17 May  2026, 12:51 PMGive a man something to do!!   Geez, Electric bikes don't need any of that . . .. :whistling:  :stir:  :happy1:
except for a one way trip to landfill for all e bikes and scooters
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 01:36 PM
So when it stops MrGee, you turn key on, gauges sweep, pump primes?Push button but nothing happens.In that situation what happens if you run a lead to starter, does it turn over?
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 05:25 PM
My thoughts lean towards a rotten wire in a multi plug somewhere that moves and breaks a connection occasionally. Or a cracked wire in the loom around the headstock.

On the bright side it'll get worse until you can find it  :lol:

It would be nice to understand what happens though. When it stops, it's the still 'on' but not running or does everything switch off and no lights, warning lights etc etc
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 06:54 PM
Everything remains on but simply stops running.

Sometimes lasts seconds, sometime minutes.

Sometimes happens repeatedly, sometimes just once.

Does it while at a stand still, does it while going along.

Does it hot and does it cold.

Stationary, moving, wiggling bits deliberately. No one thing seems to any effect.

Guess I just have to wait until whatever it is breaks down completely.

P.S. Battery should have been on the list of things definitely ruled out.

However the rest of Eric's list should keep an electrical ignoramus like me busy for sometime.  :cheers:  :onya:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 09:36 PM
OK, so if it was a main electrical fault like an earth or battery positive cable,everything would shut down, I.e bike would go dark.

If only engine cutting out, this would mean to me it's spark related, so coils, plugs and leads.

Like Hooli suggested, trimming a few mm off the leads may help. I've done that to mine, just trim  5mm off and screw them back into the plug cap, theres a threaded spike in the top of the plug cap. A dab of silicone once re seated helps to keep moisture out.

I doubt now its pairs, tb balance or sensor related, as none of these will cause engine cut out, just rough running or poor idle.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 18 May 2026, 08:07 AM
Fuel pump relay? I've lost track of what you've tried tbh.

Does it show FI when it stops? Or just look like you've switched the bike on but not started it?
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Monday, 18 May 2026, 09:51 AM
No, no FI light just the ignition light and says check.

Tried it with dealer mode switched on too but no code given.  :whatever:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 18 May 2026, 10:56 AM
I dare say that once the issue occurs, and the ignition 'cycles', any recorded fault codes would be lost.  Almost need to have dealer plug permanently connected and the fault to happen for you to see what (if any) code is generated.  Fuel pump relay sounds plausible suspect.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Monday, 18 May 2026, 04:34 PM
CHEC means a safety lockout signal not received by ECU.No fault code will be registered   Bad Wiring,or dirty connecter from switches. ECU plug dirty. Clutch switch, kill switch, sidestand & gear position sensor are the inputs.Have heard of gear position switch having dirty contact, can be cleaned. You have tried different kill switch.All others can be measured, readings in manual.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 18 May 2026, 05:01 PM
Good point Grog, from that the only ones not checked by Mr. Gee is the ecu plug and gear position sensor I think, all the others he said checked out.  The ecu plug can be a right pain, all tabs need to click in. I zip tied mine just in case.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 18 May 2026, 05:27 PM
Aye that makes sense chaps, so it cuts out like you'd put the stand down when in gear.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Monday, 18 May 2026, 06:12 PM
Correct Hooli. Fuel stuff, low pressure, blocked filter etc wont throw a code, ECU not that smart. CHEC is for sensors i mentioned, a major clue MrGee. Just like playing cluedo :)
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Monday, 18 May 2026, 11:10 PM
Might be getting somewhere guys but not, being the best electrician I would like to check things out with you.

Following on from Eric's suggestion, have tested the gear position sensor and with my multi-meter on 12v DC I am only, getting a reading of 0.01 fluctuating to 0.03 and the book says minimum 0.6

So, the question is, am I using the right settings.

If so, this might just, be the fault.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 18 May 2026, 11:19 PM
If your neutral light works then the gear position sensor is probably ok.

I'd be tempted to throw in a cheap flasher relay. As it also does the starter and all the safety interlock stuff goes through it for that. If that's playing up it could be acting like the side stand is down and cut out when your riding, as one example of how it could malfunction.

At least that's how I recall it working without checking the wiring diagrams.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, 08:41 AM
It does seem that with those low readings (if correctly in Volts) that the GPS is non-functional. The low values would be stray currents.  Neutral light, does it flicker or seem dull? Sensor might just be hanging on to give the light, but not enough to give the ecu the correct signal to tell it what gear its in.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, 10:13 AM
Agree on new relay, it has lots of jobs. Never heard of crook gps on a 14 but quite a few on Busa, same or similar. They just clean its contacts, looks fiddly job, springs, plungers etc.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 02:59 AM
So, cleaned the gear position sensor and now, getting correct readings.

However, this has not, cured the fault.

Rechecked the side stand switch, while I had it all, apart.

Reading of 0.5 when up but not getting a reading (should be 1.5) when it's down but it's working.  :confused1:

There was however, a reading on the clock FI but the red FI light didn't come on. No idea what that means. Thought, it should come on if there was a problem.  :whatever:  :confused1:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 08:42 AM
Bugger, so when you say its working, you mean the engine cuts out if you put the side stand down with the bike in gear?  It should also cut out if you've got the clutch pulled in, both these switches working together.

Just had a thought, the tip-over switch also kills the engine. This switch sits up behind the rectifier and could also be faulty or sticky.  I've never pulled one apart, but should not be difficult. Plus the manual shows how to test it.  If faulty, it might explain the intermittent, irregular cutting out.  Just an idea
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 09:12 AM
Good thought tip over switch. It's a pendulum, contacts either side, dead spot in bottom middle. Racers, gixxers etc can have them contact if they get a bad head shake,v strom on rough tracks. They fix by placing switch vertical and filling with silicone.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Friday, 26 June 2026, 05:04 AM
Hallelujah and a huge  :thankyou: to all of you that made suggestions.

However, it would appear that we have a winner.  :winner:

Hooli, has hit the nail, on the head, as it was he, who suggested that he'd had a faulty indicator relay, despite it testing good and to try, replacing it.  :grin:

All hail, the Hooli,  :notworthy:  :worshippy:  Because and I don't want to jinx it. However, that is what I have done and touch wood, she hasn't played up, since.  :onya:  :clapping:

Took her to Lake Bala, along with my mate, on his 14 Wednesday.  :smitten:

Today, we went up, to the Peak District.  :smitten: 

So good, having her back on the road and working well, averaging 53mpg, despite not hanging around.  :smitten:
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 26 June 2026, 07:55 AM
Indicator relay ? Who would have thought it.  Glad you've got it sorted mate.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Friday, 26 June 2026, 09:49 AM
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 26 June  2026, 07:55 AMIndicator relay ? Who would have thought it.  Glad you've got it sorted mate.

It also controls the starter via all the side stand & clutch interlocks, that's why I said have a look. So it'd be that relay that switches the bike off if it thinks the side stand is down.

Glad it's sorted, I was definitely running out of suggestions on this one!

I see you were at Flash, if you go into the village just down the road (after 5pm) you can go in the highest village pub in England. Tan Hill is higher but there's no village there now. I went once with the local MAG group & some local walked in, dumped half a carrier bag of viagra on the bar & said help yourself before walking out :lol:
One of our lot took them & apparently make a several hundred quid as there were hundreds of tablets in there.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Dwain Dibley on Friday, 26 June 2026, 09:57 AM
I bet that was a great relief Mr Gee.    :cheers:

D.D.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Friday, 26 June 2026, 04:36 PM
Persistence MrGee, you got there👍👏
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Monday, 13 July 2026, 09:44 AM
Quote from: Mr Gee on Friday, 26 June  2026, 05:04 AMHallelujah and a huge  :thankyou: to all of you that made suggestions.

However, it would appear that we have a winner.  :winner:

Hooli, has hit the nail, on the head, as it was he, who suggested that he'd had a faulty indicator relay, despite it testing good and to try, replacing it.  :grin:

All hail, the Hooli,  :notworthy:  :worshippy:  Because and I don't want to jinx it. However, that is what I have done and touch wood, she hasn't played up, since.  :onya:  :clapping:

Took her to Lake Bala, along with my mate, on his 14 Wednesday.  :smitten:

Today, we went up, to the Peak District.  :smitten: 

So good, having her back on the road and working well, averaging 53mpg, despite not hanging around.  :smitten:

Major Bumper.  :sad:
 
My mate, of nearly, fifty years, who I did these rides with just a few days ago was found dead this morning.  Bugger.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 13 July 2026, 10:31 AM
Bugger, sorry to hear that re your mate Mr. Gee, condolences.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: GSXKING on Monday, 13 July 2026, 11:28 AM
Bugger indeed  :confused1: my condolences for your loss Mr. Gee 🙏🙏🙏
Life is to be cherished, I hope your friend had lived a good life. 🧐
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Monday, 13 July 2026, 01:41 PM
Condolences MrGee, never easy losing a Mate.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Blubber on Monday, 13 July 2026, 02:08 PM
Crap  :cry2:

Sorry to hear that.

May his memory bring you peace and comfort
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Monday, 13 July 2026, 02:10 PM
Quote from: GSXKING on Monday, 13 July  2026, 11:28 AMBugger indeed  :confused1: my condolences for your loss Mr. Gee 🙏🙏🙏
Life is to be cherished, I hope your friend had lived a good life. 🧐

He had suffered with depression for many years but I'm glad to say that he was good place mentally of late.  :)
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Pommeroy on Monday, 13 July 2026, 03:58 PM
Sorry to hear that Mr Gee. The loss of such a good mate is a tough one.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 13 July 2026, 06:31 PM
Damn, that's never good news.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 04:50 AM
Went out the 14 today. First ride since learning that Phil had died.

Did a little tour of all, our favourite stops and cafe's. Just to sort of say goodbye.  :hat:  :cheers:

Damn weird not seeing him in my mirrors. He's been a virtually, permanent fixture in them, for the last twenty, years.  :sad:  :cry2:

Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Pommeroy on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 05:24 AM
A nice tribute to your friendship.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Dwain Dibley on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 06:52 AM
So sorry to hear this Mr Gee.

Has been said already, but nice tribute to a good mate.

D.D.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: gsxbarmy on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 08:01 AM
Never good losing a mate especially one you've ridden with for many years. I'm sure he will have much appreciated your ride around your favourite haunts today in his memory - nice tribute
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: GSXKING on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 07:37 PM
What 1400 did he have ?
You'll always have the memories. 🙏🙏🙏
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mr Gee on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 02:17 PM
Phil had a k5, on an 06 plate, which was almost, the identical twin of mine.

1st pic. On the way to Lake Bala (24/6/26)

2nd pic. Outside the Flash bar'cafe (25/6/26)

3rd pic. You might remember that a few weeks ago, another friend had a heart attach. So, we went to visit him and these were outside his house in Borth (26/6/26)

Spoke to him last, on Sunday the 28th and then nothing. A few of us were worried, because nobody could get hold of him, so we broke into his house and found him dead on the sofa, the following Sunday.



Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 02:46 PM
Sorry again Mr Gee, found it a bit weird to "like" a post like that, but thanks for sharing, reminds us all of our mortality and that you only get one shot at life, so aim well.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Dwain Dibley on Thursday, 16 July 2026, 04:06 AM
I think that when something like this happens suddenly, I mean the geezer was riding his bike just days before, it is harder to deal with isn't it. Harder to come to terms with, if posting pics helps Mr Gee, post away. We all love pics.

I've hardly got any mates left now, and before anyone says it, not because they hate me..... :coffeescreen:

Thoughts are with you Mr Gee.

D.D.

My Black and Red bike from today, nearly as fast as yours.. :P

20260715_143253.jpg
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mick_J on Thursday, 16 July 2026, 11:21 PM
Getting back on track, my bike ran perfectly a couple of weeks ago then last week it coughed, farted and ran like a pig so I took the tank off and checked all the usual things, swapped the plugs while I was there and it ran perfectly again, went out for a decent ride and it was fine.  Yesterday I tried it and it would not even start, spins up well, the battery is good but the bugger just wont run.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 17 July 2026, 05:41 AM
My pick is fuel delivery Mick.
Those symptoms can be attributed to the pressure release valve coming adrift off the pump. Have you got the ss wire mod done?
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 17 July 2026, 09:04 AM
Yep, check the in tank furl pump, especially the teabag pre filter.

You can reverse flush the hp filter with brake cleaner too, or do the hp filter bypass mod
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Friday, 17 July 2026, 10:11 AM
Mick, a spray of brake or carb cleaner in air box, will tell you if it's fuel problem.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Boa on Friday, 17 July 2026, 11:22 AM
Quote from: grog on Friday, 17 July  2026, 10:11 AMMick, a spray of brake or carb cleaner in air box, will tell you if it's fuel problem.

I didn't realise until fairly recently that brake cleaner in the air box worked so well. My mate (Nigel, for those that remember him from MCR) stores his 1982 GS750T in my garage and, when it didn't fire, borrowed my BC. Worked a treat.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mick_J on Friday, 17 July 2026, 07:38 PM
Thanks lads, I suspected fuel as well so this morning I took the tank off and removed the pump.  It was clean as a whistle but I stripped it anyway and cleaned it with brake cleaner.  I have done the pressure relieve valve wire wrap mod so the valve was still in position.  Put it all back together and the bike started no problem.  I'll check it again tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Irish in Oz on Friday, 17 July 2026, 07:49 PM
Quote from: grog on Friday, 17 July  2026, 10:11 AMMick, a spray of brake or carb cleaner in air box, will tell you if it's fuel problem.
Grog so it's similar to "Start You Bastard"
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: grog on Saturday, 18 July 2026, 11:11 AM
Yeah Mate, don't know the ingredients but all do same job, easy way to tell if a lack of fuel fault in a no start situation.
Title: Re: intermittent faults
Post by: Mick_J on Saturday, 18 July 2026, 09:51 PM
Went out early this morning for a test run, bike ran perfectly so I don't know what was wrong with it but it's gone now.