QuestionMy 86' VHF Honda ran good before it sat for almost 2 yrs. I replaced the battery but can't get spark at the plugs. All electrical fuses look good. The bike has only 8200 original miles and has always been stored inside. Are there any common problems ? Can you help me trace the source of the problem?
AnswerMark, Depending on the humidity levels where your bike was stored, many of the electrical connections might be corroded causing some open circuits.
If you have no spark to both coil sets, I would start by checking the KILL switch contacts inside the switch. You might try to just cycle the KILL switch ON/OFF/ON/OFF about 5 or 10 times to see if that clears some corrosion from the internal contacts. If doesn't help then you may have to take the switch apart and clean them manually.
I would also remove all the fuses and clean the contacts. Test all fuses in place with a 12v test light to ensure that they are still actually working. Fuses have been known to crack and cause open circuits without "blowing" open from a short circuit. Getting a wiring diagram from your owner's manual or a shop manual will be helpful.
I imagine that once you get the sparks going (test with new spark plugs), then your next task is going to be tackling the fuel system for cleaning, including removal of the carburetors unless you drained them completely when it went into storage. 2 years of sitting idle is never a good thing for motorcycles. You should probably change the coolant, oil/filter, and have a close look at the condition of the tires now. I can't quite make out which model you have.. chain drive Interceptor or the shaft driven Magna/Sabre editions. If chain drive, make sure you lubricate the drive chain and check condition of the sprockets.
Once you get it going, you may experience fork seal leaks and perhaps some oil leaks from seals which have dried out from sitting.
I hope the solution is easy for you. There are forums for the various V-4 models on the web.
Bill Silver
