QuestionChris:
I have been unable to start my temperamental bike this spring. I have added new gas, STP gas treatment, refilled the battery and charged it repeatedly. Still, the bike won't catch a spark. I wonder if the spark plugs might be fouled, but don't really know how to get to them. This bike has a history of electrical problems. I have to re-charge the battery every few nights. I haven't driven the bike since December. What do you recommend?
Brian Hill
AnswerHi Brian.
Start with getting yourself the repair manual for the bike.
Normally, the plugs should be accessible for regular replacement, as per the maintainence schedule.
As far as the bike needing to recharge the battery every few nights, you want to see if the bike charges at 14-16 VDC while running. If it doesn't then the stator has failed and needs replacement.
Check the battery with a motorcycle battery hygrometer. It will tell you the state of the battery in each cel. If so much as one cel is bad, then the battery is bad and needs replacement.
Check the ignition circuit for shorts as well as a blown ignition fuse. Since the bike has a history of electrical problems, that should be the first place to start. The repair manual will also have testing specs for the ignition coils as well, to see if they are bad (if there are no shorts and the fuse is ok.)
Since the bike hasn't been ridden since the beginning of winter, you may also need to clean the carbs properly in order to insure proper fuel flow.
Start with all of those and see what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON
