Motorcycle Repair: 2002 Honda Shadow starting problems, stator coil, honda shadow

Question
I have replaced the battery in my 2002 Honda Shadow.  I have also freshened the fuel (sta-bil).  I still constantly have problems starting it without a jump start or quick battery charger.  I have it on a slow charge and it says charged.  It just won't turn over.  Any suggestions?  Would a tune-up help?

Answer
Hi Karen.

First of all, a tune-up cannot hurt.  Is it due for a tune-up?  That could be an issue as well.

Is the bike not turning over or is it not firing up?

If it is not turning over, then the problem is electrical.  Doing anything with the fuel will not help then.

If it is turning, but not firing up, then your fuel is a possibility as well as potential electrical problems.

If the fuel is old (more than a couple of weeks), then "Sta-Bil" is just a way to seperate you from your money with no real use.  Remove the old gas and replace it.  Drain the fuel from the carbs as well.  I have found that some spray carb cleaner is reasonably effective in cleaning the carbs enough to get the bike going.  once it is firing up and running, dump a container of fuel treatment (the kind with jet fuel in it) into the tank and ride it for a while.

If the problem is not enough juice to turn the bike, then get it running and see what the bike is charging at.  If it is not charging at 14amps, then you need to have the charging system looked at.  Most likely, in that case, it would be the stator coil failing.

Start by checking those things and let me know what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON