1999 TXT270 kill switch

[SpeedyManiac]

Hey guys,
Just picked up a 1999 TXT270 to start learning the wonderful world of trials on. Unfortunately, I'm having issues with the bike. I dropped it (well, my friend did) and now the kill switch isn't working. Tried replacing the kill switch - still doesn't work. In fact, if I unplug the kill switch the bike still runs. I'm no electrical expert, but my understanding is if you unplug the kill switch, the bike should die. This thinking makes me think there's probably a bare wire or something in the system that's short circuiting the thing so the kill switch isn't working. The kill switch is getting power though, I tested it. Any ideas where to start?

Jeff, I posted this in electrical since it would get more views here and the electrical on trials bikes isn't much different than the enduro bikes, but feel free to move it if you want.

Thanks guys,

Steve

 

[blitz11]

The kill switch works by grounding the ignition.

You need to check continuity to ground from the ignition side of the switch. Mount the switch on the bars, depress the kill switch, and you should have continuity between the bars and the terminal on the switch. if not, look to the switch to make sure that the ground element is touching the bars. If it isn't, you will have to rig something to make it contact.

If you have that, and the switch still doesn't work, make sure that the handlebar has continuity to the engine. if the bars are rubber mounted, continuity might be an issue. if so, you might have to run a ground wire from the bars to the frame.

good luck.

blitz

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Thanks Blitz, sounds easy enough. With the bike running, I would get zapped if I touched the handlebar, so the kill switch is definitely connected to the bar, not sure if the bar is grounded though...

 

[jostby]

most kill switch issues are from the switch not grounding to the handlebar or bar to triple clamps. Coated bars (protaper) have to be cleaned where the switch is mounted and also where the bar clamps make contact. And yes, they (most) are a 1 wire ground-to-kill switch. I run a seperate wire with my protapers and ground it to the frame.

 

[MattR]

Steve,

If you are not aware yet, there is a wealth of information in this tech area. Jim Snell and Jon Stoodley are the GasGas trial gurus.
http://www.gasgas.com/tech.htm

Here is the wiring diagram applicable for 1999 TXT280:
http://www.gasgas.com/Pages/Technical/Electrics/wiring-kokusan-96-2000.html

I used to own a 2001 TXT280. They are great bikes and you will learn a lot about bike control.

EDIT: It helps to mount the kill switch button between the handlebar mounts (above the steering nut). A kill switch from the KX or YZ works well. With the kill switch mounted here, it is out of harms way and during trials events it is easy from anyone to kill the bike if it gets away from you.