New to me '03...no attempt to start when button pushed/stuck gas cap

Wakko · 2025-09-19T16:55:23-0400

I picked up a one owner '03 1100 last week with unknown miles (owner estimated 30k, but the original tires were like new, so I was skeptical) for a good price. Garage kept most of it's life, so it's very clean. I bought a new battery, hooked it up, and was thrilled to see that the odometer reads 4700, so the owner was way off. This matches the wear on the tires. Owner parked it two years ago (I suspect more) due to health, and it supposedly ran when parked. It has a 1 into 2 Mikuni setup and aftermarket pipes (original carbs included, along with original pipes).

Anyway, upon hitting the starter button, I get zero response. Everything on the bike works, but she doesn't even pretend to try to start. Kickstand up, clutch in, makes no difference. I jumped the clutch switch and that didn't do anything. Also, the old gas has stuck the fuel cap. I can turn the key, but it has minimal resistance, so I don't think it's retracting the cams. Either way, the cap won't come off.

Suggestions on either? I won't have time to hit a test light or continuity tester until Wednesday, and I have to find where the fuses are to check those, but I wanted to know if there was a typical smoking gun. Thanks for the help, in advance.

AlanRides · 2025-09-19T17:48:28-0400

Make sure the kill switch is in the "RUN" position.

Others may have better approaches, but lots of spray lubricant around the cap, in the key hole, take small bites, don't force things. Gas is certainly turned to ethanol goo and it will all have to be drained out and a tank and carb clean will almost certainly be necessary.

Thumper · 2025-09-19T18:02:48-0400

I;d pick up a cheap scope camera for your phone and scope the tank once the cap is open and agree with other post , silicone spray , wd40 , any of them that aren't hard on the paint and let it sit overnight , for the starting , may be the cut off on the handle bars , try to flick it back forth many times , but Id scope the tank before I put fuel to the carb or you may buy yourself a clean the carb project

Wakko · 2025-09-19T18:19:33-0400

Oh, I'm already figuring on a carb rebuild, so I bought the kit. The petcock was left on, and when I forced it to off, it leaked badly, and the fuel was orange and smelled like varnish. Needless to say I ordered a new petcock. Good idea on the scope, I already have one of those. Good suggestions, so far, thank you.

Wakko · 2025-09-21T16:16:29-0400

Huck · 2025-09-21T20:15:05-0400

After you clean the carbs and completely clean the tank check if the starter is getting 12 volts when you hit the start button. Then refer to the manual. Sorry, I don't have the link.

Huck · 2025-09-21T20:17:13-0400

Don't forget to clean out or replace the fuel lines and fuel filter

New to me '03...no attempt to start when button pushed/stuck gas cap

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