QuestionMy 1984 Honda Shadow 750 starts fine and runs well, but quits after about 15 minutes of driving. It sounds like it dies out on two cylinders before dying completely. After 15 minutes of rest, it starts again with a little persuasion, only to die again after the same length of time. I changed the battery. When started, the alternator charges the battery at 14.65 volts. The plugs have spark, but the bike won't start until after that 15 minute rest. The regulator/rectifier had wires that were shorted out. I fixed those wires. All the spark plugs were dry and the fuel filter was passing gas. I'm running out of ideas; do you know what could cause this problem? Help!
AnswerCurtis, we had the 700cc versions down here, so the reference will be close to yours.
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/honda-motorcycle-vt700c-shadow-1984...
I am a little confused, because a VT700 is only a 2 cylinder engine and you mention that the bike dies out on 2 cylinders, leaving me to think that you have a V-4? There are two different approaches to this problem, depending on whether it is a Shadow V-twin or Magna V-Four.
On the V-twin, from the above link choose BATTERY and you will see that there is a fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel cut solenoid in that area.
Ignition control module is mounted on the rear fender, beneath the seat.
Reg-Rectifiers don't usually tolerate shorted wires to their circuits, so recheck the voltage output and current output. How fresh is the battery?
When the bike dies, do you have spark and/or fuel?
Ensure that the fuel tank is properly venting so you don't get a vacuum inside.
There are pulse generator coils by the stator that could have a bad connection or are becoming faulty with heat.
V-4 Magnas also have spark unit issues, but some can be repaired with directions from one of the V-4 websites.
Take tools with you, so you can determine what element is missing when it stops... fuel or spark.
Bill Silver
