We went out for a ride Saturday. We stopped to take a break, when we were to go back to the trail, my son's 99 400 EX would not start from the start button. We push started it with no problem. The headlight works, so I'm assuming the battery is fine. When you hit the starter button there's no noise, Its as if its still in gear. I'm wondering if the neutral indicator has failed. I haven't dug into it yet, just looking for suggestions before I dig into it.

I hope its something simple. It usually is, after you spend hours searching for it...

 

If the neutral light isnt on, try pulling in the clutch lever.

 

Try the fuse its a 15 amp by the battery same thing happend to my 416 a couple weeks ago

 

I have the same problem with my 400ex and from what i have been told it is very common. The problem is in the button,the contacts wear out. What I have done at a temp fix is to take the actuall button out of the carrier. Then you can push the button in at an angle and it will start. I have just been too lazy to order a new one so I have been doing this for a couple months now and it fires everytime.

 

does the 400EX have a hot start button? The bike may be running a little hot and you are probably getting some excessive heat once the bike sits for a while after riding. Since there is no air and water flow allowing for cooling, the motor just radiates heat and continues to heat, possibly causing the need for a hot start.

 

I got some time to look at it last night. I'm happy to report it was a simple fix. Since the neutral light did not work, I assumed that was a clue. I traced the wiring and found the wire at the sensor next to the shifter, which sends the signal if the bike is in neutral was disconnected. A stick to something must have pulled the wire off. I replaced the wire, the neutral light came on, and with a touch of the start button, and she fired and purred like a kitten.

Sometimes its the simple things....


Thanks for everyone's suggestopns.