Tenere 700 starts, cranks, doesn't turn on oddity

[loneranger700]

So this is really strange, and just happened a few minutes ago.

 

My Tenere 700 wouldn't start the engine. It started cranking, but wouldn't turn on. I tried probably for about 5-6 minutes cranking but it just wouldn't do anything. Finally, I looked at the ignition and it seemed to almost be between the OFF sign and ON. So I moved the key fully to the ON position and it started turning over just fine. Really strange. It was almost as if there was a position between the OFF and ON positions...

 

Anyone els ever experience this issue?

 

EDIT: It's been many months since I posted this, but man what an interesting update I want to add. Never figured out this problem. But I have, in fact figured out ALL 2021 Tenere 700s can do this lol. Indeed, fascinating yet strange. I have this issue every so often when I'm not paying attention to turning my key. NOW, another issue I've noticed is that it stalls sometimes when cranking when left out in the heat. Supposedly is also a really common problem in the hotter states. In all instances, just waiting patiently for a couple more seconds, then turning it on again works just fine. Gotta be super calm when you crank this bike it seems.. 

Edited May 22, 2021 by loneranger700

[NickQc]

Wow, thank you for this post, I just had this happen to me yesterday and had no idea what was going on. Was sitting in a construction zone waiting for the escort, so I turned the bike off for 5 minutes or so and could not get it started again when traffic started moving. Had to push it to the shoulder. I noticed the key didn't look quite right and once I turned it off and on again, started right up. Really good to know in case it happens again.

[Janson]

Oh yes . Seems like the lock needs some " run in " . Force feed mine som good light greese and now after 4000 km it`s ok .

 

[johnnygolucky]

8 hours ago, loneranger700 said:

So this is really strange, and just happened a few minutes ago.

 

My Tenere 700 wouldn't start the engine. It started cranking, but wouldn't turn on. I tried probably for about 5-6 minutes cranking but it just wouldn't do anything. Finally, I looked at the ignition and it seemed to almost be between the OFF sign and ON. So I moved the key fully to the ON position and it started turning over just fine. Really strange. It was almost as if there was a position between the OFF and ON positions...

 

Anyone els ever experience this issue?

So you're saying the key needs to be in the ON position for the bike to run? 

 

Good tech tip. :<)

[loneranger700]

22 minutes ago, johnnygolucky said:

So you're saying the key needs to be in the ON position for the bike to run? 

 

Good tech tip. :<)

 

 

Gonna be honest. I've never had a bike I could run the lights, crank the ignition, but still have the keys in the OFF position..

Edited July 29, 2020 by loneranger700

[loneranger700]

Not really an update, but I realized I had my video camera recording the incident! Uploaded it to youtube for y'all to see. Turning off the ignition eventually solved the problem, but it was so strange.

 

 

[smurph]

I experienced the exact same issue on my 2021 T7 today. Twice. Then tested the battery and it's fine. 13.2V, 12.8 with key switched on. I'll pay more attention to making sure the key engages the ON position and hope that's the issue. It's only got 230 kms on the bike. Not cool. 

[Colddog]

I have run into the same thing, problem was me not fully turning the key on.  Kinda weird how it lights up and cranks but wont start until nudged fully to the on position.

[Hibobb]

On 7/29/2020 at 2:03 AM, loneranger700 said:

 

 

Anyone else ever experience this issue?

 

Yup.... but with a kick start dual-sport bike!! If the key is just off slightly from the detent position (easy to do with thicker gloves on) you can kick all day and not start it. I learned quickly that if it don't start after a few kicks to check the gas petcock, the choke position, the kill switch, and to turn the key off/on again. Oops, one more (yesterday), after washing take the plug out of the exhaust pipe.

Edited May 21, 2021 by Hibobb
Why? Because i can't spell!

[Yamman]

I just got my Tenere 700 three weeks ago.  On several occasions the bike wouldn't start.  I am happy to see that it is a common issue and that nothing is seriously wrong.  After reading what others have said, I paid close attention to what was happening when I started the bike.  If the kill switch is on and the ignition is turned on, if there is no sound of the fuel pump, then the bike won't start.  Making sure that the fuel pump builds up pressure once the key and kill switch are turned on will let you know that it will start.  Or at least it should.  If the fuel pump doesn't come on to build up pressure, turn the ignition off and then back on or just wiggle the key.