Motorcycle Repair: CBR900 - wont run, loose bolt, electrical diagnosis

Question
Mark,
I was riding my 1997 CBR900 one day and it intermittently felt like I was hitting the rev limiter prematurely (7,000 rpm's or so).  The next time I went to ride, it would barely run.  It sounded like a lawnmower.  I assumed that there may have been a fouled plug.  I replaced all of the plugs and still nothing.  I am getting gas and spark.  I assume I'm getting compression because the starter didn't sound any different when cranking.  One other thing is that when it was running (like a lawn mower), it would stall after 10 seconds or so with a backfire (out the exhaust I think).  What do you think could be wrong?  I checked the carbs and they seem to functioning fine.  I had that infamous ping in the head that I assumed was detonation and a mechanic took it for a ride and told me I have nothing to worry about.  Then it got worse and I assumed it was the cam chain tensioner.  Do you think that my cam chain tensioner could have failed and it jumped time or do you think that I have an electrical problem?  I was thinking that if I did have detonation, maybe my ignition was somehow advancing (loose bolt?) and got worse and worse as time went on.  Any thoughts?  Any suggestions to try?  Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Pat,

I would need to perform a few checks to acccurately diagnose the problem.

I suspect the ECM (CDI) or other ignition component may be  defective. Electrical diagnosis would verify the integrity of the ignition system.

Check cylinder compression. Perform a leak-down test if necessary.

Sprak plugs should have a blue arc. Weak plugs (defective ignition) may not fire under compression, but arc may be visible when tested outside of cylinder.

Check the fuel system and carburetors for evidence of varnishing or other contamination.

Check online for websites dedicated to the CBR900. Visit the Message Boards and ask other CBR owners if they've experienced the same problem and the fix.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively