2005 S4R Electrical and Exhaust Question

[HPatternHero]

All,

I recently bought a 2005 Monster S4R. The bike is great and I am loving every minute I have spent so far on it. However, I have noticed a couple things that I'd like some advice from the more knowledgeable members on:

1) Occasionally when I turn my key from 'Off' to 'On' to start the bike it is like the dash does not register that the key has been turned; none of the lights on the dash (oil pressure, neutral indicator, etc.) come on and the gauges don't cycle and I am unable to start the bike. However, I hear the radiator fans activate, so it is not as if nothing happens. This has been remedied by repeatedly cycling the key on and off until the dash registers the key and I can start the bike. This seems to occur when the bike is cold, though I am guessing this is more of a random occurrence and not related to ambient temperature/bike temperature.

Does anyone know the cause of this?

2) The bike came with a full Arrow race exhaust. It is awesome and sounds brilliant, but I noticed that the first sections of pipe that join with the header pipe off the cylinder head has no spring or weld sealing it and exhaust gas can be felt coming out. I have referenced photos of the system on the web, but can't seem to determine if this is supposed to be like this. In my opinion, this goes against all I've seen in my life for exhaust systems and I think there should be springs there to pull the two pieces together seal the joint. However, I could not find the notches on the pieces of the exhaust where these springs would anchor, which makes me second guess that they should be there. Any input on this would be appreciated.

TL;DR: I sometimes have to cycle the key multiple times for the bike to register it and so I can start it. What is wrong? Also, There are no springs attaching parts of the Arrow exhaust system. Should there be?

[Derekv]

I have a 2005 S4R as well.

1) Remove the key switch cover and check the anti-theft key sensor.  Mine slipped down one day and I had the same issue.  Are the radiator fans or fuel pump coming on with the key?  Does the yellow anti-theftLED light come on?

2) I removed my full Arrow exhaust to have it ceramic coated.  There are not springs holding those sections together, but there is an exhaust seal internally where they come together.  It is possible that the seal was installed backwards or not installed at all.  Mine does not leak.

Derek V

[HPatternHero]

Thanks for the response and sorry for the delayed reply. With regards to both topics others on other sites had similar comments.

I will be replacing the gaskets in the exhaust system.

For the key, yes the fans and fuel pump come on. I don't remember about the LED and will have to check that. It seems that everything registers the key except for the dash, almost like it isn't accepting the chip in the key.

[Derekv]

"For the key, yes the fans and fuel pump come on. I don't remember about the LED and will have to check that. It seems that everything registers the key except for the dash, almost like it isn't accepting the chip in the key."

Pop the cover off the lock and check the key sensor.

The fans coming on with the key could be your fan relay is bad.

Derek V