Can any one confirm 84"1100

[gages]

Just going through the bones of a 84 1100 I've acquired and I have a very long single wire running from the coils to meet with the earth lead on the battery, running down the left side of the bike ( as you sit on it ) seems a little strange to me but I'm not sure and I'm having trouble getting her to start ...anyone ?
Hope the photo helps , it's the green cable I'm holding

[Pat Conlon]

I suspect the previous owner (PO) had a problem with the grounding at the coils.
The additional ground wire is not stock, but can not hurt, might even help.
While you're at it, check the ground wire attached to the rear top area of the engine case (under the battery)

Your starting problems are elsewhere. The additional ground wire to the coils is not the culprit.

Follow the flow chart....1) Do you have spark? 2) Do you have fuel?........Etc, etc...

[Charlie-brm]

Coils are "hot" to the battery as soon as the key is ON. The ground sides are switched by the ignition. What color code is the wire at the coils where that green wire is connected? How many terminals/pins on the nearest plug to where it is connected?

[gages]

Hi Charlie , the cable just goes to the mounting bolt to the coil on the left ( as you sit ) and straight to negative cable where it bolts onto
Thanks

[Pat Conlon]

Don't confuse the coil primary ground with the ignition trigger ground.

If you download a 1984 Owners Handbook (it's free) in the back there is a color coded wiring diagram which will prove to be of great use to you...

....see my signature line.