QuestionJust bought a used Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, two weeks ago from a Harley Dealer in Gladstone, Oregon. It's a 1997, w/9000 miles, got a decent buy, now I know why. Perfect looking bike, but having some ongoing electrical problems. Mechanically, it is completely sound, it purrs, there is no argument on this from the multitude of service guys who have worked on this bike. Can't take it back to the dealer, they only service Harleys. I took it in to my local Yamaha Dealer the day after I bought it to make sure it was up to date on routine maintenance, threw on some new fat white walls, filled the tank w/premium gas at a premium price and unfortunately I've been having probs since day one. Yamaha service center seems to be throwing up their arms. As I'm riding along, the power shuts down, just out of the blue, in no particular gear and at no particular speed. Sometimes it happens when it's warm outside and the bike has been running for a while, sometimes when the bike hasn't run in a day. Sometimes it happens after I've ridden 15 miles, sometimes after I've gone 20 yards, sometimes right when I'm ready to take off. 1st gear, second, third, fourth, it happens in any gear, and it all seems completely random, (although usually when some big rig is tailgating me and nearly runs me over when I suddenly lose power). First the service guys thought it was the sidestand switch, the diagnostic seemed to indicate that, but they checked the service record on the VIN and found that the sidestand switch had been changed about 7-8 months ago along with the CDI. (Sounds like the previous owner never figured out the problem). Still the Yamaha Dealer here ordered a new sidestand switch (which they haven't installed yet). After disengaging the sidestand switch so I could ride until the new part came in, I continued to experience the same problem. The guy who worked on it came out to the roadside where I was having trouble just after leaving the service center and he messed around with another contact point he said was connected to the sidestand switch. He said he had already disconnected the other contact point at the sidestand, and said that he now thought that the point where he had not disconnected (more forward on the bike - under the front most part of the frame, where he showed me a black wire)was actually the problem. So we got the bike going, and he said it should shut off when he fiddled with that wire. It did not shut off at all, despite it apparently having a short/exposed wire, but rather it sent an electrical shock through him. Hmmm. So then he started thinking maybe it was the CDI. Then the coils, maybe the battery, (which they replaced although the old battery was still showing good on a diagnostic). Then they thought maybe it could be a vapor lock on warm/hot days. Now they think it's something in the ignition switch. Problem not solved in two weeks, sometimes I can go for miles with no troubles, other days I can't go a single mile without losing power six to seven times. So I'm still having to drive around in my four wheel rig. At least it's a Chevy Truck. Can this possibly be the sidestand switch even when it's been disengaged? Could there be something he missed in disengaging it completely? Or does it sound like something else?Sorry so wordy, hope I gave you enough info to maybe help me out. Any ideas that might get me back on 2 wheels before I spend a fortune replacing the entire electrical system and before the summer is over would be appreciated to say the least.
AnswerHi Mason,
Great narrative. Wish more were as such.
Diagnosing electrical problems like this is difficult. Like a traffic controller landing a plane piloted by a passenger, respectfully. Need to be present and perform process of elimination, and trace circuitry.
If the problem is not a safety switch, and its a sudden loss of power, I suspect a loose battery terminal connection, fuse connection, or connector. Use dielectric grease on all accessible connectors to prevent water shorting which is caused by high pressure washing. Check tightness of battery terminals and chasis ground fasteners. Check connectors for corrosion or other contamination.
Keep me advised by email: mshively1@woh.rr.com
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
Dayton, Ohio
