Need help quick

[SanDiegoMike]

On the way to work this morning, my bike just died without any warning whatsoever. I discovered that the only way the engine will stay running is if I hold the starter button in, but I sure can't ride it that way. Can someone please tell me what the problem is so I can get it back to my house to work on it? Your help is greatly appreciated.

[bikerphil]

If the bike will only run holding in the starter button, the ballast resistor (if an 80 has one) probably took a sh it. You should be able to bypass it just to ride a short distance without damaging the TCI.

[randy]

Yep. Ballast resistor for sure. I wouldn't bypass it for riding, though, only for a quick test. Just an opinion. If you're in a pinch, some large auto parts outlets have them in the "HELP" section, most have spade connectors so you'll have to rig one up till you get the OEM version.

[SanDiegoMike]

HGow close to 1.5 ohms does it need to be? I can get one from an auto parts store, but they have 1.3 and 1.7.

[bikerphil]

ballast

Mike, I just checked 2 of 'em that I have layin' around the garage. One says 1.9 ohms, the other, 2.1 ohms. So I'd guess the higher one is what you need. The ones I tested came off running bikes. HTH

[Pat Kelly]

I wish I would have seen this in time. I have one I could have brought you. I was in San D yesterday.

[SanDiegoMike]

Thanks for the help, gents. I ended up getting one from NAPA for $20 that measured 1.6 ohms. Thankfully, there was a guy working there that day that knew WHAT a ballast resistor was...the first kid I was talking to had no idea. It ain't pretty, but it's out of sight, and the bike is running. It would have been nice to meet you, Pat. Thanks for the offer to help.