Motorcycle Repair: Starting Yamaha, xs series, tooth comb

Question
Chris,
I have a 1981 Yamaha XS650 Special II. My questions is: Why is it that when I have been out on the highway for a fairly long time, and I need to stop and shut down the bike to buy gas or use a restroom, it is not a given that I will be able to get it started again. It is usually a struggle. It won't respond to the kickstarter, and struggles itself on with the electric. Is this about overheating? I know it used to be a racing bike of sorts, so it seems it should be okay on long rides. Any suggestions?
Joe

Answer
Hi Joe.
To be honest, that one is a mystery to many people.  The XS series was plagued, from the begining with odd electrical problems like that.  Fuses popping without a short to cause it was a common one that I had run into.

You may want to get it into the shop and have them go over it with a fine tooth comb to see if there is anywhere that has developed a short or is arcing when under a heat load.

That would be common causes for any bike with problems like that.  Check the coils as well.  If they are original, then they could be on the way out and overdue for replacement.  Use the test proceedures in the manual and test them cold and hot.  See if there is a difference or if the turn out of spec when hot.

Let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON