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  • #1

    Bike is dead, running out of ideas

    I have a 81 xs1100 standard with a 79 motor. While on the freeway on Tuesday the bike died - lost electrical power, no lights no nothin. I've checked the fuses, and they all test fine. Jumping the connections on the solenoid causes the bike to turn over but no spark. I bypassed the kill switch (The only suggestion I could find searching the forum) without any change.

    So, what should I be doing next? Thanks.
    I've been in more than one Hemisphere, and I wrote a book to help you do it too (or just prepare better for that week long road trip). Going Small, not just for the little guys.
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  • #2
    Do you still have the glass fuses? Could be a bad clip holding the glass fuse in.

    Doubt this one but you could try unplugging the tip over switch and see if that helps.
    Nathan
    KD9ARL

    μολὼν λαβέ

    1978 XS1100E
    K&N Filter
    #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
    OEM Exhaust
    ATK Fork Brace
    LED Dash lights
    Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters
    Green Monster Coils
    SS Brake Lines
    Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

    In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

    Theodore Roosevelt

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    • #3
      If you've got glass fuses, check them again by carefully removing them so you don't break the holders. Then pull on the end caps to be sure they haven't broken and corroded inside the cap.
      Ken Talbot

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      • #4
        If you have lost electrical to everything, it must be the main fuse (81 has fuse on the left side in a separate rubber housing) or the key switch or its wiring/connection.
        Skids (Sid Hansen)

        Down to one 1978 E. Stock air box with K&N filter, 81H pipes and carbs, 8500 feet elevation.

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        • #5
          Check behind the fuse block for bad connections.
          1980 XS1100LG Midnight
          1991 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane


          "The hand is almost valueless at one end of the arm if there be not a brain at the other"

          Here's to a long life and a happy one.
          A quick death and an easy one.
          A pretty girl and an honest one.
          A cold beer and another one!

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          • #6
            Get a circuit tester and finds out where the juice stops. That will help locate the problem. Right now it could be anything from a blown fuse to a wire that blew loose in the wind or a connection that finally built up enough resistance to stop carrying power. Start at the battery and follow your main power wire until you stop finding juice.

            Electrical work is tedious and a pain, but it is not difficult.

            Patrick
            The glorious rays of the rising sun exist only to create shadows in which doom may hide.

            XS11F (Incubus, daily rider)
            1969 Yamaha DT1B
            Five other bikes whose names do not begin with "Y"

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            • #7
              I have 1 glass fuse left, the Indicator fuse which I just haven't changed yet.

              It was the ignition switch connection, a little corroded and loose. Cleaned up and the bike is back alive.

              Thanks everyone
              I've been in more than one Hemisphere, and I wrote a book to help you do it too (or just prepare better for that week long road trip). Going Small, not just for the little guys.

              Comment

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