Xs750 mistic problem

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  • Gacas
    New
    • Jul 2025
    • 8

    #1

    Xs750 mistic problem

    Hello, I'm new here. Some time ago I got XS750 and I realy like it, but it has one problem and I don't know how to solve it..
    The problem is that it wont start often than start.
    When engine starts, than it works good (no misfire, engine runs good, without any problem), but often it just wouldn't start because of no spark in any spark plug. Tryed to change ignition unit (used/checked/working), but result is the same...
    Maybe somebody can help my with some ideas?
    Thank you in advance
  • DEEBS11
    XS-XJ Guru
    • Feb 2023
    • 1649
    • Connecticut

    #2
    Due to the broad description these are the possible areas: Loose fuse, burnt or loose connector, loose battery terminals, faulty key switch, bad contacts in right hand kill switch.

    Also, spark plugs, spark plug wires, coils, & old battery that fools you by showing 12+ volts after a charge but has reduced amperage because of sulfation (long periods of neglect/winter lay-up).

    In the case of the weak battery the engine turns over but does not have enough amperage to also light the ignition. This is a very common problem.

    Comment

    • Gacas
      New
      • Jul 2025
      • 8

      #3
      Thanks for answer.
      Some of posibble areas can be dismissed(I think):
      * If loose fuse - engine wouldn't start at all (now sometimes it starts) and all fuses are checked and changed
      *Battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires are new.
      If there would be problem in coils than maybe when engine starts it wouldn't work good. Isn't it?
      *Bad Kill swich contacts will stop engine in "not conecting" moment, but if engine start it wouldn't stop till I stop it. I can ride for an ours without problem.

      Correct me if I wrong in any of these points.
      Allso I ordered other pulse sensor, so I will check if it will solve my problem.

      Comment

      • DiverRay
        Moderator
        • Nov 2004
        • 7696
        • Star, IDAHO

        #4
        If you still have the original round glass fuses, that is probably the problem!
        Replace the fuse box with the newer blade style fuse block.
        The kill switch may cause a no start, but bad connections are usually the problem. Clean EVERY ground connection on the bike.
        Look at all the connections and verify that there is NO oxidation on them. If you find one that does show signs of oxidation, clean with very fine sand paper or crocus cloth, and squeeze the tabs on the female connectors just a little.
        Ray Matteis
        KE6NHG
        XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
        XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!

        Comment

        • LAB3
          XSive Maximus
          • May 2022
          • 723
          • Traveling the U.S. with no permanent address

          #5
          Sounds like a bad connection at the pickup coils, mine does the same thing when the wires need attention. It's a well documented problem with the XS, a search on pickup coil problems should tell you all you need to know.
          1980 XS1100G

          Intelligent people discuss ideas, average people discuss events, petty people discuss other people.

          Comment

          • Socer4m
            XStremely XSive
            • Sep 2020
            • 254
            • san diego

            #6
            when you mean not starting,,,does it flood the engine? If so, check the plugs to see if wet,,,if they are not wet, then its a carb problem,,,maybe turn the petcock to prime and try to start,,,if it does then there is a problem with the petcock or fuel filter could be plugged,,,also check the vacuum line to the petcock from the engine to see if they are tight on both ends and not cracked or loose which causes a vacuum problem to the petcocks.....all this is simple to check and keep us informed, its usually something simple, and not throw money at parts...........Mike in S.Diego and Pa

            Comment

            • Gacas
              New
              • Jul 2025
              • 8

              #7
              Originally posted by Socer4m
              when you mean not starting,,,does it flood the engine? If so, check the plugs to see if wet,,,if they are not wet, then its a carb problem,,,maybe turn the petcock to prime and try to start,,,if it does then there is a problem with the petcock or fuel filter could be plugged,,,also check the vacuum line to the petcock from the engine to see if they are tight on both ends and not cracked or loose which causes a vacuum problem to the petcocks.....all this is simple to check and keep us informed, its usually something simple, and not throw money at parts...........Mike in S.Diego and Pa
              As I mentioned earlier, when it not starting there is no spark on all spark plugs. I allready ordered another pickup coil and will see if it will solve my problem. But till I get it (it will take about a week) I wil check some posible solutions mentioned by DEEBS11 to be sure that everything is ok there

              Comment

              • LAB3
                XSive Maximus
                • May 2022
                • 723
                • Traveling the U.S. with no permanent address

                #8
                Originally posted by Gacas

                I allready ordered another pickup coil
                I'm quite sure the majority of the users here would like to know where you ordered that from.

                1980 XS1100G

                Intelligent people discuss ideas, average people discuss events, petty people discuss other people.

                Comment

                • DEEBS11
                  XS-XJ Guru
                  • Feb 2023
                  • 1649
                  • Connecticut

                  #9
                  Ya LAB3 is correct, new pick-ups are a bit of a unicorn. I saw these a while back and I kick myself for not "picking them up".


                  Click image for larger version

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                  Comment

                  • Gacas
                    New
                    • Jul 2025
                    • 8

                    #10
                    I was not telling, that I ordered it new (it's probably not possible), but used in working condition is better than non working...
                    I understand, that it's some kind of lottery, but I have no choise if I want to ride my bike, but not to look at it on the garage...

                    Comment

                    • DEEBS11
                      XS-XJ Guru
                      • Feb 2023
                      • 1649
                      • Connecticut

                      #11
                      The sensors are not just a "bolt-in" installation. You could make a bad situation worse.

                      Comment

                      • Gacas
                        New
                        • Jul 2025
                        • 8

                        #12
                        You mean Ignition angle? I know that...
                        But now I can't ride my bike, so what can be worse? I wouldn't be able to ride it more?
                        To do something by trying to make it better ir better than to do nothing...

                        Comment

                        • Radioguylogs
                          XS-XJ Guru
                          • Nov 2012
                          • 2021
                          • Presque Isle, MI

                          #13
                          The XS750 pick-up coils are much different than the XS1100. They are much more robust. They are potted in a single assembly. They rarely fail.

                          Click image for larger version

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                          My XS750 had been hard to start, and I just went through and cleaned all the connections in the wire harness, and now it starts easily. I don't know which connection was weak. I used DeOxit with a set paint gun cleaning brushes from Harbor Fright.

                          Click image for larger version

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                          As a bonus, the turn signal canceller is working again!

                          -Mike
                          _________
                          '79 XS1100SF 20k miles
                          '80 XS1100SG 44k miles
                          '81 XS1100H Venturer 35k miles
                          '79 XS750SF 17k miles
                          '85 Honda V65 Magna ~7k miles
                          '84 Honda V65 Magna 48k miles (parts bike)
                          '86 Yamaha VMAX 9k miles

                          Previous: '68 Motoguzzi 600cc + '79 XS750SF 22k miles +'84 Honda V65

                          Comment

                          • Gacas
                            New
                            • Jul 2025
                            • 8

                            #14
                            There is one more problem with xs750... I find info that this problem is not only for me, but I couldn't find info how to fix it... Maybe somebody know the answer... When engine is cold than starter works perfect, but when engine is hot (lets say after stop for minute or two) it just not working... I need to wait in about 10 minutes to be able to start engine with starter... Is there any solution fot that?

                            Comment

                            • Radioguylogs
                              XS-XJ Guru
                              • Nov 2012
                              • 2021
                              • Presque Isle, MI

                              #15
                              Something is wrong if you have to wait to operate the starter. The solenoid is lazy,... the RUN/STOP kill switch is dirty,.. the fuse box is corroded,... the IGN switch is dirty....the starter brushed are worn

                              I would start by wiggling the kill switch when it won't start.

                              I would also touch each fuse and see if any of then are hot from abnormal resistance.

                              I would touch the starter solenoid and wiggle the wires and tap on it. Is it hot from resistance?

                              What happens if you use a car jumper cable to connect directly from the battery to the starter? Does the starter operate?

                              If these easy actions don't help, then a more methodical approach may be necessary.
                              -Mike
                              _________
                              '79 XS1100SF 20k miles
                              '80 XS1100SG 44k miles
                              '81 XS1100H Venturer 35k miles
                              '79 XS750SF 17k miles
                              '85 Honda V65 Magna ~7k miles
                              '84 Honda V65 Magna 48k miles (parts bike)
                              '86 Yamaha VMAX 9k miles

                              Previous: '68 Motoguzzi 600cc + '79 XS750SF 22k miles +'84 Honda V65

                              Comment

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