Motorcycle Repair: Sudden Ignition Loss, suzuki katana 750, ninja 600r

Question
hey mark,

john again, ive got one thats got me talkin to myself, ok first the good news, i found a MINT 1988 ninja 600r, love it, runs great, i did have your email, like to send you some pics of her, shes gorgeous, but not the problem.  

its my 1998 suzuki Katana 750. i was riding her around all day, she ran like a top. i went to go look at this 600, and she was still fine. then when the guys delivered the 600 i legally moved my plate to the ninja, go to put the katana in the back yard and it wouldnt start, very wierd (jealous bike? LOL) but it has fuel, after some cranking you can smell gas, as its obviously not burning, i know this is way too vague, but both coils quiting at the same time? doesnt make sence to me, since you have to clutch it to crank in gear or not, i did this hillarious lil balancing act to feel the pipe, so it seems compression is ok, i just dont know what would have made it run great ALL day, then just refuse to restart, it was ran maybe 20 mins b4 the failed restart ...im only asking this vaguely because i was wondering if there was a common suzuki problem there...i dunno...im befuddled here, i did cover all the basics...yes i have gas...and all fuses are intact...everything works, and turns, just doesnt fire, so any general advice on what to check first would be appreciated, im going to check for spark when i have daylight. so any advice like...spark still wont run means check this next...or if no spark look here...i know im a pain LOL thanks,

john

Answer
Hey John!

Things to check are loose battery cable ends, loose electrical connectors, and safety switches; clutch/neutral/side stand. Was the Kat exposed to rain or other sources of water? If so, suspect water shorting within electrical connectors.

Apply dielectric grease to all the connectoors that you can reach/find. Helps prevent corrosion and water shorting.


It's possible the the CDI/TCI is defective. They can go any time.

Would enjoy viewing the images, but ya gotta put your addy in the reply. I put my email addy out here a couple of times resulting with about twenty additional MC repair questions coming in directly everyday.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively