ER-6F Neutral Light staying on

[Steven8294]

Hi All,

Looking for some help with my 09' ER-6F, when I first turn the bike on (intermittent, doesn’t always happen), and switch from neutral into any gear, the neutral light stays on, but it is slightly dimmer. I was wondering if anyone has had this issue in the past or knows what the issue is? Around 20 minutes into my ride, the light goes off, however I am unsure if it goes off when going back into first, (engaging neutral in between 2nd and 1st) or whether this is just at a random point.
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| Passed; 14th November 2012 | 1st Bike: Yamaha YBR125 2009 Model |
| 2nd Bike: 09 Kawasaki ER-6F (Stolen) | Current Bike: 08 Kawasaki ER-6N

[stinkwheel]

The neutral switch on a bike usually works by allowing the power to the bulb to earth through the neutral switch. So the bulb is always live but the earth wire from the bulb runs down to the neutral switch. When the switch plunger hits a projection on the gear selector drum, it allows the switch to earth.

So. If the wire between the bulb and the neutral switch is damaged and makes contact with a metal part of the bike, the light will come on. It's quite common for people to trap the wire under an engine cover. It's also quite common for the neutral switch to be located under the gearbox sprocket cover leaving it succeptable to damage from any bits of muck or stones thrown up by the chain (or from the chain itself). I'm not sure where the neutral switch is on an ER6 but Kawasaki usually use a light green wire for this application.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Steven8294]

Thanks Stink,

I'll attempt to find a wiring diagram, if not then I might have to pull the instrument panel off and trace the wire looking for any breakages, my main concern, was if Kawasaki had a bright idea to make this a warning light for something, as it staying on but going dimmer was worrying me.. But as you say, it could just be a wiring fault, I have heard this before so will take a look.
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| Passed; 14th November 2012 | 1st Bike: Yamaha YBR125 2009 Model |
| 2nd Bike: 09 Kawasaki ER-6F (Stolen) | Current Bike: 08 Kawasaki ER-6N

[P.]

More than likely down near the neutral switch.

mine stayed on and flickered on the GSXR. Was quite fun having a speedo that registered 0 and a neutral light on.

[stinkwheel]

[Casper]

Steven do what stinkwheel is saying first. 99% of problems are down at the switch due to sticky switch or road/oil crud. If you feel you need to take the switch out double check as you tend to have to drain the oil first. I was lucky as a good clean sorted mine out.

[RhynoCZ]

Put a sticker over the light
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[truslack]

[Casper]

[RhynoCZ]

[Casper]

[Alpha-9]

Mine doesn't come on at all, any takers?
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Fzr-600 1999

[stinkwheel]