Motorcycle Repair: engine shutoff, honda cbr, affected systems

Question
Hey chris,
You have helped me before and I wonder if you can do it again. the problem seems to be bigger this time. I have a 1996 Honda Cbr F3. I just changed the sperk plugs and cleaned the carburetor. That got the bike running. Now when I am riding in any gear, usually second or third on main streets and fourth and fifth on the freeway, my throttle just stops giving gas and if i gear down or release the throttle the bike just cuts off. This happens pretty much everyday. usually I wait about ten minutes and start it back up, but this is very unsafe. Last night I was stuck on the freeway for four hours because it cut out on me when i switched to fourth gear and would not start back up. Eventually the battery died from trying to start it so long. someone stopped, luckily and helped me tow it home. I thought it was done and definetly needed a mechanic, but then it started right up this morning with barely an problem.

Another problem is sometimes when i start it and let it idle for a second, it just cuts off after a minute. these are some serious problems that I hope you can help me with by giving good advice as you did last time.  

Answer
Hi Anthony.
 I am glad that I am able to help you again.  The way I see it, you could have one or more of the following problems which I will list in order of liklihood.

1)  Bad sidestand or clutch cutoff switch.

2)  Bad fuse or fuse connection to the ignition system. Since you did not mention losing all power, I would think that the main fuse is not suspect.

3)  Bad or dirty connections in the ignition system.

4)  Bad ignition switch.

5)  Short (intermittent, possibly brought on by relative heat) in the wiring for the affected systems.

Start by checking those and see what you find.  If it turns out to be one of the cutoff switches, then either replace or bypass them.

Good luck.
FALCON