Engine died - ideas???

[vifferman]

Does the 700 have a sidestand switch and/or clutch switch? Common reasons for the ignition to cut out when everything else seems OK are the "idiot proofing" measures. On an older bike the switches can crap out and/or get gummed up with non-conductive crap.

[vagrant]

Does the 700 have a sidestand switch and/or clutch switch? Common reasons for the ignition to cut out when everything else seems OK are the "idiot proofing" measures. On an older bike the switches can crap out and/or get gummed up with non-conductive crap.

I was just going suggest this. My Fireblade did the same thing to me when I first got it, it would sometimes cut out after a sudden bump. If I was going slow, it would die, but if I was rolling fast enough, it would effectivly crash it self back to life.
Turned out to be a combination of a soft kick stand spring and a worn contactor on the anti-idiot micro switch.
She's all good now.

[Swoop]

Does the 700 have a sidestand switch and/or clutch switch? Common reasons for the ignition to cut out when everything else seems OK are the "idiot proofing" measures. On an older bike the switches can crap out and/or get gummed up with non-conductive crap.

Definately not fitted with a sidestand switch! I leave her warming up on that!!!

Clutch switch? You have me on that one.

I believe there were different types of idiots in the '80's compared to now... hence less "PC" influence. EFI back then was "Electronic Fuel Ignition" i.e, a sparkplug!!!

[vifferman]

Clutch switch? You have me on that one.

Most bikes now have a microswitch in the switch block where the clutch lever attaches to it. When you pull the clutch in, it activates this switch. It works in conjunction with the switch that activates the neutral light on the dash, so if the bike is NOT in neutral, the starter won't work.

The neutral switch also works with the sidestand switch, so if the bike is in gear, and the sidestand switch is activated, the engine won't run. On bikes like mine with no sidestand warning light, you get reminded the stand is down because as soon as you click it into gear, the engine stops.

[Swoop]

Part 2:

She has been starting up in the garage fine, so...
Off I tootle around the neighbourhood to "just see what will happen"...
All is fine, about 3-4kms into the ride I stop at an intersection (ominously close to the original point of failure). Pulling away from the stop, and death ensues - like stalling, just worserer. Restart? Not likely!!!
Strip gear off and begin the pushbike routine. Had a couple of nice comments from a lovely young lady stuffing letterboxes with crap, and a retired bloke who knows what a "nice bike" should look like...

It is amazing how busy all the bike shops are at the moment (even the one who refuses to work on bikes over 10 years old...).

[Swoop]

Talking to a fellow gentleman of the roads (Honda rider) who is a lecturer in things automotive...
He immediately thought it was the ignition module, due to the fact the engine was being turned over on the starter. Apparently this heats up and the contacts can part company. When allowed to cool down (presumably while the rider is heating up whilst pushing...) the contacts touch again and away you go. Not good for a long term solution.
Hopefully I will be finding out later in the week what has occurred...

[MikeL]

I had a similar problem with the CB-1 a few years ago. Narrowed it down to a wire fault at the steering head - ignition would cut out when the bars were turned one way. Replaced the wire and solved the problem. But as others have said, it's just as likely the fault is in one of the safety micro-switches...

[Swoop]

An update on the issues.
Have finally got the bike back after the mechanic tried all sorts to rectify the problem.
Took her to an auto electrician who traced the fault!
Pulse generators.

There are two of these on the crankshaft and one had decided to go on strike.

So. She is in pieces, at home, having some TLC on the fairings.

Glad to get her back.