Topic: 2002 Nighthawk 250 starting issue

[brbullard]

I'm new to the motorcycle world, so please bear with me!
I've got a 2002 nighthawk 250 that I rode everyday for about a year.  During that time, I would have to hold down the ignition switch for 10-30 seconds before it would start. No clicking or anything during those 10-30 seconds, but as soon as the starter motor turned over, the engine would start.
Since then, I have ridden it maybe 3 times in the last 5 months and now it seems the ignition switch is doing nothing. The neutral and kickstand lights come on, though the headlight does not (potentially unrelated). I tried replacing the starter solenoid per a local mechanic but alas, nothing.
I would love any and all advice on things I could try at home before getting it towed to a mechanic.
Thanks,
Brian

[scottly]

now it seems the ignition switch is doing nothing. The neutral and kickstand lights come on, though the headlight does not (potentially unrelated).

Do you mean the starter button does nothing now? (the ignition switch is the key) If you do mean the button, then the headlight not working is a clue. The 12v supply to the headlight is through the starter button switch. When the button is pressed, it switches the 12v from the headlight to the solenoid. My guess is that the switch itself is at fault.

[brbullard]

Yes, sorry, the button, not the key.
So would you then suggest I replace the starter button?

[scottly]

You might want to talk to your mechanic again, and tell him the starter button switch was intermittent before, and now not only doesn't operate the starter, now doesn't turn the headlight on when the button is released. It might be poor connections, or the switch itself may have failed. Replacing the whole switch assembly can be a bit involved, especially for a noob...

[brbullard]

Roger that, thanks for the info!

[Alan F.]

Brian you may want to join up over at
www.hondatwins.net

This is a great forum but you're stuck in the Other Bikes section for your Nighthawk, over there they have a section for bikes like yours. You'll notice lots of SOHC4 members over there too.

Good Luck.

[brbullard]

So new development: I bought a used starter switch, plugged it in and the bike started right up! THEN I turned the the ignition off. The engine stopped but the starter motor was still going. I took the key out of the ignition but the starter motor just kept going for about a minute I even unplugged the starter thinking that maybe the starter switch was stuck, but nothing. It continued until it finally slowed to a stop. After a bit, I put the key back in, turned it on, pressed the starter button for about one second and the starter motor just took off again. The second time the motor only lasted for about 30 seconds before it slowed to a stop.
Thoughts?