Faulty ignition switch (start button)

[500Magnum]

Hello everyone. I have been having an issue with my R18B involving a hard start for the last 4 months. It normally starts on the 3rd or 4th try but today however, not only would it not start, but the start button is doing absolutely nothing now. I tested my battery, and everything was great. I believe the switch is bad and wanted to know if it could be taken apart a repaired or will I have to buy a new one? Thanks everyone for any help and Happy New Year!

 

[Rufus]

You don’t say how old your bike is, if it’s under warranty get it booked in.

 

[Cu Dubh]

Hello everyone. I have been having an issue with my R18B involving a hard start for the last 4 months. It normally starts on the 3rd or 4th try but today however, not only would it not start, but the start button is doing absolutely nothing now. I tested my battery, and everything was great. I believe the switch is bad and wanted to know if it could be taken apart a repaired or will I have to buy a new one? Thanks everyone for any help and Happy New Year!

Sorry, haven't heard of anyone doing this particular operation.
Is the kickstand safety switch okay? That can create a non-start situation. Also the neutral safety switch. Let us know what you learn!

Here is a thread that discusses starting issues, etc.

U

Post in thread 'Hard starting'

Oct 31, 2025

Just a thought as the failure to start up first time has been discussed previously on other topics. All the points flagged here are valid but I believe that if the above were the root cause, then it would affect all R18 engines. Now, for those having issues starting the bike either hot or cold, can you remember if you switched off the bike by using the big red kill switch or the small black power button?
I believe it has been established that switching off the bike using the red kill switch can cause issues when you next start the bike.
I use the bike minimum 3 days a week all year...

• u20251009