Motorcycle Repair: 1989 Yamaha fzr400, safety switches, fuel line

Question
Hi, I bought an fzr400 a few months ago. The previous owner had raced it, had the engine rebuilt and then never put it back together.  I got it for pretty cheap and as an average mechanic put in the engine and hooked all of the wires up.  We are trying to get it started with a bottle connected to the fuel line but it's not working.  The starter is turning but the engine does not sound like it's kicking. We are not getting any spark when we look at the plugs so we thought that the ignition coils might be bad, but we had those bench tested and they appear to be fine.  I'm now looking for something else to check as I work towards getting the bike running again.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Ryan,

Check the CDI with a know good working unit.

Check ignition pick-up coil for proper resistance and continuity. If not within service limits, replace.

Check continuity through tether kill or engine kill switches and safety switches; side stand, clutch, neutral. It's possible that one of the jumper/by-pass leads is loose or disocnnected.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively