Motorcycle Repair: 83 honda magna v45, honda magna, vt series

Question
The problem I'm having is intermitent. when i start my bike and the tach works it runs great, but sometimes i start it and the tach stays at zero, when this happens it will start but will not idle. when i try to ride it when it's like this it has no power, i have to clutch it a lot to get it to go anywhere. also, while this is happening it back fires like crazy and when it back fires the tach jumps all over the place. i was hoping that you may have an idea of what the problem could be.
Thanks,
Lee F.

Answer
Hi Lee,

I'm noit exactly sure of the source of the problem.

Other similar problems have been broken solder joints on circuit boards within the tacho unit.

This was common with 83-85 VT series. The magna's likely used the same internal components.


The ignition system may be defective at times.


Visit the following website. It's a very good Magna Sabre resource.

http://users.metro2000.net/~cdc/magna/mcpage.htm

Respectfully,
Mark Shively