Motorcycle Repair: Honda Nighthawk S, 1984 honda nighthawk, honda nighthawk s

Question
Hi there.  I have a 1984 Honda Nighthawk S and have been having problems getting the bike started.  After going through a checklist I realize that I'm not getting a spark in three plugs and only a weak spark in one.  The problem i believe became worse over the summer and finally I can't start the bike at all which is when I discovered the lack of spark.  I have the shop manual for the bike and tested some connections with a multimeter.  Some of the diagrams are a bit difficult to see and I'm not sure if I'm not getting a reading from the ignition coil, for example, because I'm doing it wrong or because the coil is dead.  My question is, how do I correctly test the ignition coil with a multimeter, where do I place the negative and positive prongs of the meter and do I do this with the ignition turned to on or off?  I'd apppreciate any help you could offer.

Answer
Hi Rob,

Engine must be off for testing coils or the meter may be damaged.

Follow testing instructions in the service manual. How to connect test leads and perform tests are in there. If readings are not within specs, the part being tested or multimeter is defective.

Send me an email address and I'll return test information files that may assist you.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively