Motorcycle Repair: yamaha 650 special, electrical issues, wiring harness

Question
hey chris i am having a problem with my 650 not getting any spark. (i bought it this way) it does crank over just no spark the fuses have been bypassed on the bike. do you have any suggestions thanks brian

Answer
Hi Brian.

Note that the XS650 Special was notorious for having electrical problems.  Part of the reason that the model was short-lived.

First of all, un-bypass the fuses.
 Fuses are there for a reason, and that could be part of why you have no spark.
 It could mean that the ignition circuit needs a rebuild; there are probably multiple shorts in the wiring harness.  If that is the case, you may need to order a whole new wiring harness. Unless, of course, you are very good with electrical issues, which most people are not.

Test the ignition coils as per the repair manual's test proceedures.  You could have bad coils or a short in the ignition wiring.

let me know what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON