Motorcycle Repair: ignition, 30 amp fuse, regulator rectifier

Question
I recently bought a 1983 V45 Magna(100%stock), I've put about 1500 miles on, and it has about 13800 on right now. I'm experience a problem with loss of power and at the same time the tach will go wild – just bouncing all over the rpm range, then it will settle down but the power loss is still there and I have to stay on the throttle so the bike won't cut out. I'm going through each electrical system and hopefully I will come across the problem. I've run the electrical tests as specified in the shop manual for the regulator/rectifier; pulse generator; ignition wires and coils. I've replaced spark plugs with new ones, ignition and coil wires with ones I got at a salvage yard also tried regulator/rectifier from the salvage yard, all these tests/changes where done separately so not to confuse or create new problems. I also disconnected the fuel pump and ran the bike off an aux tank.  A couple of other things I replaced as I was checking the wiring – the fuse link for the main 30 amp fuse broke and the three prong wiring harness that went from the alternator to the regulator/rectifier was fried so I replaced those three connectors. All the other fuses look and seem to work fine. Maybe there is a sensor gone bad? Any help would be much appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Tony,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I usually reply in a couple of hours. Working alot of OT lately.

I suspect the CDI is the cause of the problem. Honda CDI's are tested by replacing the suspect CDI with a known good unit.

Visit: "www.electrexusa.com" and follow their Troubleshooting Chart. <-- Quality electrical parts.

Visit: "www.dansmc.com/indexindex.htm" <--- a cool resource.

Visit: "www.bikebandit.com" <--- to see microfiche parts and prices.

Send me an email address. I'll return several tech information files on testing to assist you.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively