QuestionI have a 1984 Honda shadow 700 that was running fine now it runs at idle fine but when I put it into gear it wants to bog down and almost die when taking off till about 3000 rpm then it starts to run normal until I shift into the next gear then the same thing also when its in gear I can hear the exhaust pipe on the right side but not the left. all the cylinders are getting spark do you know what wrong with it or what it could be?
AnswerDavid, I would pull the spark plugs and do a compression test first. If you have a low cylinder, have the valves adjusted and check compression once again to see if it has improved or not.
Then look at the spark plugs to see if they are dry, wet, fouled with oil/gasoline, etc. Check the spark plug connectors and wires for excessive resistance... probably over 7k ohms may be too much, indicating a failed wire or plug cap.
This bike has two pulse generator coils, so one may be going south on you. Pull the connector and check each wire pair for a low resistance value... probably around 50 ohms. If both are about the same, then they should be okay. Check all your wiring connectors and grounds for good clean contacts.
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/model_years/287-honda-1984-shadow-vt700c/assembli
Test ignition coil primary windings for equal resistance values, around .5 to 1.0 ohm. I don't have exact specs handy for this new of a bike.
You may have sucked up something in the idle jet or have a choke cable/plunger come loose from the carburetor body. Drain the carb bowls and see if there is any signs of fuel contamination. Check fuel filter for signs of water contamination.
Check all of your vacuum hoses and the components that are connected to them, including evaporative control systems.
It sounds like more of an air leak or lean condition occurring, which can come from various sources. If the carbs have never been off and cleaned, it may be time for that service.
Bill Silver
