I just purchased a used '98 Foreman 450. The engine had just been rebuilt just before buying. I am having trouble starting it. I beleive it has something to do with the neutral light not coming on when it is in neutral. After i fiddle around with the gear shifter it will crank like a champ. When I say it wont start, I mean zero power is getting to the starter. All other electical works fine. This happens about 1 out of 4 times I try to start it.

Also, I am looking for a shop manual. I dont have squat for a owners manual or shop manual. I found a Honda service manual for $48. What do most of you use for a manual?

 

I don't know what to tell you about your neutral light however I do have some advice for an owner's /service manual. I purchased both for mine at (www. helminc.com). They have all kinds of manuals for all kinds of bikes. I bought mine for around $60.00 (including shipping). Just something for you to check out.

 

There wont be any spark, if the motor doesnt see a nuetral light, (and thats why they cant be bump started either.) Sounds like a faulty ground or gear position switch. Check to see the wire connector at the switch isnt full of dirt or rust, or loose or a pin pushed over. The nuetral light is the light green wire with red tracer, and if you manually ground it, the nuetral light will come on.

 

That sounds like that might be it. Now if I can find the wire connector. I just bought it, and I dont have any sort of shop manual on it. I do remember seeing a wire connector with 3 wires. It connected to the top area above the tranny. It seems like it would start after I jiggled it, but the light never came on. Can you confirm the location of the connector?

Thanks for the info.

 

Send yummytaco911@yahoo.com an email about what year/model manual you are looking for. I bought one for my 450R for a little less than$40. He'sa got a ton of different one's.. Ask for the list an he'll email them to you. He ships his merchandise right away, and is very curteous. Good luck. Red

 

right behind the handle for the rope pull, are about 4 wire connectors. its the one just forward of the biggest one, and i believe itll have 5 wires. Itll also have that light green with red tracer wire.
If you do a search, youll find a how to on doing a start in gear switch, for honda utes. It involves grounding that wire, with a switch, which will allow starting in gear.

 

Thanks Coontis, Hondabuster, and Redrider03. This was my first post to this site (also my first ATV), and yall have been a big help.

First I will find the wire connector and see if it is fouled. I think it is. If a fouled connector is not it, then I will research the "start in gear mod" and get a quote from yummytaco and then decide.



Stay tuned, update at 11.

 

Hondabuster,

I found the old thread that you wrote on "start in gear".

1. Mine will start without the green light coming on. MOF, the green light has yet to come on. Sometimes it will not start until I jiggle connectors and fiddle with the shifter.

2. What was this guy refering to in his reply (see below) about a shift drum? I do have a 2000 Rancher, not a 98 as I mentioned in earlier post.

It is not your switch but the Shift Drum. I have a 2000 rancher and am in the process of going through the same issues. If you jump the switch you have to worry about the broken piece in your case. this could cause severe damage in your gears if it goes through them. I was on the same track as you, but came to my senses when explained and shown exactly what happened.

As of now, I am planning on buying a new part, buying the Clymer manual and replacing it.

 

Hey, good catch. Lets us know what you find.

 

i have the same bike and i would say it has to be in the wiring b/c my nuetural light hasnt worked for over 6 months now and it still starts everytime. its just a pain that you cant turn the key and tell if its neutural.