A sparky subject.....

[Bauer]

Well, I finally did it...

Since I bought the bike 2 years ago, ive had this "catch" at about 2k RPMs where the bike would seemingly lose spark and almost, if not, die completely. Letting of the gas completely, and trying it again would let me accelerate normally, most of the time. The night I bought the bike, I checked the pickup coils (my dad owns an 80g, so new of them being faulty) and they appeared to be fine. Guess not.

in the last week, ive noticed it getting worse, and even not sparking the plugs at all. after diagnosing it, and with the help of you guys on here (see thread "she coughed and she sputtered) I decided it was time to pop the cover off and see what I was up against. Both wires were broken, approxamately 2inches back from the brass clamp. by forcing them together the bike would fire, pulling apart would cause it to die. I repaired them via the tech tip and now the bike runs as it should. No more wondering if the bike is going to die when I let out the clutch (at least not at my error) or if im going to make it through an intersection.

I think this will be the last time that I buy a bike that is older than me (ill be 21 in June, bike is 27) But ill have to give it the credit that it has been one heck of a learning experience.

Thanks for the help.

[prometheus578]

"whippersnapper!"

I think this will be the last time that I buy a bike that is older than me

Yeah, but you can fix it yourself, anywhere...

"Help, my throttle position sensor isn't working!"
"Help, the stepper motor on throttle body #3 quit on me!"
"Help, I'm stuck in a rest area. Can someone bring out the diagnostic computer?"

No, Bauer... simple is the way to go.

[John]

Well ask yourself this question...Would I rather have a '67 Malibu, or an '07 Malibu? A 396 Rat motor that will pull tree stumps, or a 3.4L engine that will barely pull a string out of a cat's ass? Granted I know the 67 would be costly to operate, but it would be much easier to operate on.

[randy]

Hey, Bauer, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it!

[webbcraft2150]

Re: A sparky subject.....

Originally posted by Bauer


I think this will be the last time that I buy a bike that is older than me (ill be 21 in June, bike is 27) But ill have to give it the credit that it has been one heck of a learning experience.

Thanks for the help. [/B]

Ditto on the "you can fix it yourself". Ya buy a late model bike and you are "just like everyone else". I always have people migrate to my "prehistoric" XS at rallies to check it out. Sticks out, different, dosen't look like all the other bikes. You fixed it, only cost ya a little time. Now you have the peace of mind and confidence that it is gonna run right, and you did it. I have 4 cars, ranging from 1975 to 2002, Can you guess which one I would rather work on? Try not to get to discouraged, XS11's are cool.

[fredintoon]

- - - older than me

Hi Bauer,
when I was 21 that was my thought too.
"Oh for a bike that isn't older than I am"
Now that I am pushing 70 my thought is "Oh for my 1932 KSS Velocette that I sold for a pittance when I was young and took no thought for the future and that would now be worth a fortune."
I'd be the last to say that age brings wisdom but it certainly makes one recognise one's past mistakes.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[Bauer]

Prom, I wouldnt go so far as to say I could fix it anywhere, unless you know a magic trick to disguise my 100pound 4 drawer craftsman tool box as a saddle bag.

But I get your drift. I guess I never looked at it that way before.

[HobbyMan]

you would be surprised what you can accomplish with the oem tool kit in a pinch. I usually bring some tools along with me when on the road

[eroellig]

old bikes...

A good friend of mine has a 2 year old HD. Its a nice touring bike. he just added a VERY nice wide seat with an air bladder. He says it is like riding a lazyboy down the road Anyway, he had gotten an old rat bike with a pan head a few years ago with the idea of "tinkering", but the bike was in running condition so he never did anything.

We have lunch together at work most days and he is living somewhat vicariously via my stories of trial and triumph working on this old rice burner.

I would agree with most of the advice above, relish the fact that you CAN work on it yourself. AND, that there is almost NOTHING on that bike that you CAN'T work on yourself!!!

Eric

[prometheus578]

unless you know a magic trick to disguise my 100pound 4 drawer craftsman tool box as a saddle bag.

Socket set, wrenches, hex wrenches, screw sticks, wire, electrical tape, JBweld, and a pack of float needles... all in a nice, thin ammo can(7.62mm linked)
What else does one need?

[trbig]

"all in a nice, thin ammo can"

With room to spare for a troll or doll's head!

Tod