Only starts in neutral?

Hello, everyone. I'm new here. Bought a used 2006 GRiSO 1100. My second Guzzi. First was a V11 Sport Rosso Mandello. Loved it, but the "special" clutch was not something easy to upgrade …

My GRiSO only starts in Neutral. I have tried taking up the kick stand, dropping it into first, and hitting the button but … nada. I read the manual and it seems as though I should be able to start it with the kickstand up. I know some people prefer this — and I hear Suzuki actually works this way — but I don't like stalling in traffic and looking for neutral.

Any thoughts?

Warm wishes, and glad you're all here!

Hmm - my 2008 GRiSO 1100 will start in gear - with the clutch in.
Did a DPO (Dumb Previous Owner) fit an aftermarket lever by any chance ??
(there's a microswitch under the lever housing that needs to be pressed by a tab on the lever - I've seen that missed off el-cheapo levers)

Otherwise, Roper-san will probably be along with an answer....

Hi, JeremyB - thanks. It's already helpful to know this isn't normal.

I have a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS and a DPO (a helpful term … thanks) actually broke the button/tab under the lever, hence the same problem. I would seem to be mystically attracted to such used bikes; I don't know what possesses people.

Anyone know if this is an easy fix? I'm in Norway so think double the price for anything that is normally done (I'm from Boston … I know from whence I speak).

Best,

The switch is either a bit expensive ($25 USD) or hideously expensive (€85 Euro) depending on where you buy it. Shop around! Part # AP8113998

Before you buy, check the wiring for damage or disconnects. It's a normally open switch. + comes from the ECU and is switched to ground.

Beetle: I'm on it. That is extremely helpful. Thank you and warm wishes.

Yeah, most likely zee switch...

Welcome from another Bostonian! Born in "Doahchestah" (Dorchester before I lost my accent).

I live in DC now. Not as far Norway, but some times seems like a completely different country.

I assume the "kickstand down" light isn't always on, yes? Just thinking it might just be the kickstand switch, but then the warning light would always be on and you wouldn't have asked about neutral.

Figured it out! The last owner had somehow bent the clutch level — but not enough for me to notice. So a normal pull, that brought the tip of the lever into contact with the grip, was not enough to engage the switch. Bottom line is that if I pull it very hard it engages the switch and the bike acts normally. Obviously I now need to bend it back (easier said than done) or simply replace the levers, which I think is the plan as it's not worst problem.

Thanks, folks.

Can you wrap some tape around the leaver to build up area that makes contact with micro switch? Im not looking at the bike now to know if this is possible or not, just a thought!

I removed my damaged lever and put it in a vice. I then used a heat gun and a propane torch to get it good and hot until it was bendable with light pressure.

When I posted this technique in another forum someone opined that the lever was no longer usable and indeed dangerous! Just saying...

That same wanker probably uses condoms and gloves to masturbate! Just saying...