Motorcycle Repair: 1985 YAMAHA MAXIM 700 ( NO SPARK ), old bikes, repair manual


Question
I have replaced the CDI Unit twice, and the pickups for this bike and I still can't get a spark to start my motorcycle. I have checked fuses and tested some wires that lead to the cdi unit and they were ok. however I still can not get a spark. can you please tell me what other troubleshooting I could do to get my bike started.
my carbs, were redone and the bike started after the work but it cut off and it has not started since. PLEASE contact me A.S.A.P. If you know what I could do to start it.

Answer
Hi Kevin.

 You may have spent a bunch of money that you didn't need to.  There are a lot of things that could be the problem.

1) CDI unit.  Rarely is that the problem.

2) Wiring short.  Often a problem in old bikes.

3) Pick up coils.  Sometimes the problem, but as likely as the CDI usually.

4) Ignition coils.  Often the problem with older bikes over 15 years old.

Test the entire system for shorts (yes, again), check the components as per the instructions in the repair manual and make sure that you bench test the ignition coils as per the instructions in the repair manual.

 My bet is on those components or a short that you haven't found yet.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON