I admit, this sounds odd. This is my second running Recon, I had a 3rd for parts. I've had this one apart for over 4 years and decided to get it together for the snow last night.

I put a professionally rebuilt carb on (the old carb was still on), I put a good starter in it, a new plug, fresh oil, fresh gas into a clean tank, and a good battery.

I "primed" the carb with some starting fluid and hit the starter button, it turned over fast and strong. It was cold outside, so I had the choke on and tried starting no throttle, full throttle, and pumping the gas. Nothing.

I took out the plug and I had fire.

I kept making adjustments and trying until the battery was getting low. I decided to try pull starting and on the second pull it started. I gave it gas and kept it running for a few seconds, at this point I had tools and parts all over the quad and they were rattling off so I let it shut of and tool everything off of it. I hit the starter and it wouldn't start even though the starter was turning strong. I tried a few more times and then pulled the pull start and sure enough, it started again.

I think this is a 2000 Recon, my last one was a 1998, identical. Foot shift (not push button). I know I could start my other one with the starter with no other precautions other than being in neutral. Is there maybe another safety to this thing, like I have to have a hand on brake or something?

Just looking for the easy answer before I go testing wires and switches.

Thanks.

 

Not sure if its the same with Honda but my Polaris did the exact same thing.

Turned out the pulse /Trigger coil next to the fly wheel was dirty and needed to be re-gapped closer to the flywheel.
Fixed it right up.
Honda calls it a "
GENERATOR, PULSE Dirt Cheap Honda & Arctic Cat OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Outlet
Part #2

 

More stuff to check, I haven't messed with it again yet. Someone last night told me it could be the stator?

 

If it was your Stator it would not even run period.

 

Thank you.