Motorcycle Repair: wont start, 1978 honda cx500, power fuses

Question
Chris,
I have a 1978 Honda CX500 with aprox. 3500 miles on it.  It had been sitting in a man's backyard with a tarp over it for a few years when I bought it.  I now have it running and licensed.  The other day I was out for a drive and drove about 18 miles round trip.  I was almost home sitting at a traffic light waiting for it to turn green.  The bike died and woulnd't start.  I had to get a friend my pickup truck and a trailer to get it home.  After about 2 - 3 hours I got curious and tried to start it.  It fired right off and it still starts,like nothing happened.  Do you have any ideas of where I could look or where to start.  I don't know if this will happen again or not.
Thank you,
Ed

Answer
Hi Ed.

Since the bike was sitting for a long time, there could be a couple of things wrong.

1) Varnish in the fuel system.  That means that the carbs need cleaning as well as the fuel lines need replacing and the tank needs to be resealed.

2) Minor electrical short.  This could be in the main power or just in the ignition system.  Since you did not mention if the power went off or just the engine, I cannot tell.  Check botht the main power, fuses and ignition circuit for shorts.

Those are the most likely problems, so check them out and see what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON