temperature sensitive startus interuptus

[redrider]

The Café Sport came to me two years ago with an intermittent no start that was non-existent above 75F or so. As fall became winter, I discovered that by turning the bars full lock to the right while holding the start button, it would energize the starter. On warmish days, the sweet spot moved. I replaced the ignition switch and checked the connections under the tank and happy days until recently. The plan is to use a blow dryer on the right switch cluster, clutch switch and relays in that order for troubleshooting. Unless some-one knows a short cut/fix. thanks for listening.

[PJPR01]

I discovered that by turning the bars full lock to the right while holding the start button, it would energize the starter.

  Wouldn't this be indicative then of a pinched wire somewhere along the line? 

[Kiwi_Roy]

On www.VIIlemans.com they talk about a pair of bullet connectors under the tank.
The symptoms are quite common for a spine framed Guzzi, mine did it for a while but it fixed itself before I had to call for high priced help.

[redrider]

Thanks for the suggestions. I originally went for the bullet connectors but no help after cleaning and tightening the female end. The ignition switch looked suspect where the wires were soldered on so I replaced it. Everything good until the temps started dropping a month ago. Sometimes a hard bump of the bars against the right stop makes things happen and sometimes a very careful movement of the bars towards the right finds a sweet spot. During the initial troubleshoot, a voltage check at various points along the wiring all checked good. The starter fuse would sometimes blow and that seems to be remedied with a Valeo starter from the Mille. I do think it is temp related as summer never causes a problem. Annoying.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I assume it's only a starter issue and the bike runs fine once started

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzi007/schematics/1999_V11_sport.gif
Look at this schematic, it shows a Black/white wire from the starter button thru connector 35, thru a bullet connector to the clutch switch, thru another bullet connector to the start relay, Somewhere in between button and relay you are loosing voltage.
Perhaps you have a wire where the conductors have snapped under the insulation, they will do that if they flex at one spot.
With the key off using your multi-meter you should read about 100 Ohms on one side of the clutch switch to chassis (this is the start relay coil). Move the bars back and forth, if it's ok there then move the meter probe to the start button and chassis, with the clutch pulled in it should read ~100 Ohms as well, again move the bars sooner or later you will find the open circuit.
If all else fails just run a new wire.

You can also trace it the other way, with the key on you should see 12 Volts at the clutch switch to chassis when you push the Start button.
Electrical troubleshooting is just a matter of guess-work and elimination.