Wont start with rear brake lever

Discussion of the Genuine Buddy, Hooligan, Black Jack and other topics, both scooter related and not

Moderator: Modern Buddy Staff

Post Reply
BoulderBud
Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:19 am
Location: Boulder, Colorado

Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by BoulderBud »

Hello all y’all! My battery is a few years old though it starts pretty well with my front brake lever engaged. However, the rear brake lever doesn’t engage the starting mechanism. I remember reading years ago about how to fix this but can’t find the thread.

Thanks so much!
User avatar
DeeDee
Member
Posts: 1100
Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2014 5:07 pm
Location: Denver

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by DeeDee »

Does it light up your brake light? There is a little switch in there. Sometimes (not very often) it can go bad.
Less chit chat, more riding, Buddy 50, 125, 170i, RH50, Yamaha C3
User avatar
tenders
Member
Posts: 415
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2018 1:08 am
Location: NYC area

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by tenders »

Or, it just sticks. Start by spraying some Teflon lubricant into the switch mechanism and working the switch a few times to see what happens.
Mike1nw
Member
Posts: 139
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2018 12:07 am
Location: Lower Alabama

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by Mike1nw »

Or WD40. Same thing happens on my Burgman every couple of years.
On the Burgman, you CAN disassemble the switch, with lots of care and patience, and clean it.
User avatar
JettaKnight
Member
Posts: 671
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:19 am
Location: Fort Wayne

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by JettaKnight »

This thread may me realize that in seven years not once did I hold the rear level when starting.


The starter is on the right side... so you squeeze the left lever, but not the lever right there with the starter button?
User avatar
skully93
Member
Posts: 2597
Joined: Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:54 pm
Location: Denver CO

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by skully93 »

if its not sticking, the little sensor in there might have gone bad.

I lost both mine and the damn thing wouldn't start at all. $20 in parts but eternal anguish.
Image
User avatar
JettaKnight
Member
Posts: 671
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:19 am
Location: Fort Wayne

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by JettaKnight »

The wiring is pretty simple, so it wouldn't be hard to bypass that switch.... might require a diode.
BoulderBud
Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:19 am
Location: Boulder, Colorado

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by BoulderBud »

Thanks to all of you for the advice. The brake light comes on when the left lever is 1/2 pulled down and then goes off when I pull it down any further. Weird. The right lever works fine.

So, I’ll get back here in a few days when my new battery arrives from Amazon. Old one was original(six years old) and now my buddy doesn’t even kick over using the right brake lever.

I love this forum. People are so nice! And care about helping others(I do what little I can too). So, thank you so much!
BoulderBud
Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:19 am
Location: Boulder, Colorado

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by BoulderBud »

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! Yesterday I installed a new battery and it appears my problem is solved. Starts super quickly on both brake levers. Electronics are a mystery to me but I guess the old battery was causing the symptoms. So, back in the saddle and out of my cage(1996 Jimmy). FYI- I bought the same battery that last six years for me, a Bike Master-TruGel MG7A-BS. $60 Amazon. The instructions say to keep it as fully charged as possible, to recharge it if I don’t ride sufficient distances to self charge it. I presume that means with my trickle charger every 3 months or so.
User avatar
buzzvert
Member
Posts: 150
Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2019 11:44 pm
Location: Longmont, CO

Re: Wont start with rear brake lever

Post by buzzvert »

It's amazing how many issues like this are solved by installing a fresh battery. The reason is pretty simple when you think about it- switches and contacts get a little dirty over time, and more voltage and amperage (wattage, power, whatever you want to call it) can create a circuit where a weaker battery wouldn't. This is really common on starters which are about to fail as well.

I'd definitely address your brake switch, it's likely to not get any better. They're really cheap and integrated into your brake handle. Or, conversely, just use the other brake and chalk it up to a level of anti-theft :-) Happy scooting in Boulder! Try not to die- I don't find the town particularly scooter-friendly.
Post Reply