Need help finding and servicing electrical system inconsistancies...

[CatTomb]

Made it back from the rally Tuesday afternoon after stopping at Randy's place on Monday.

Thanks to Randy and Doug for all of their help in changing a speedo cable and installing the RPM fork valve and springs. WOW, what a difference!

I rode from Randy's to Redding and spent the night. Woke up early and rode to Mt. Shasta where I stopped for breakfast.

Bike didn't want to start 15 minutes later.  I thought I had solved the "I don't want to start problem" by changing the petcock, vacuum hose, flapectomy and re-routing the fuel lines. 

I let it sit and tried it every few minutes for half an hour. Then I turned it around and rolled it down the hill and tried unsuccessfully to bump start it. After a few more "try it and let it sit" intervals it started right up and off I went. 

I rode it to LaPine, OR about an hour from home and stopped to warm my hands and get something to drink. Again, it didn't want to start. This time, after an hour and a half  I called Randy and he suggested checking the float bowls (they had gas) and then disconnecting and reconnecting electrical plugs, jiggling wires and cycling the run/off switch. This worked, I reloaded all of my gear and off I went. 

I made it home without issue, parked in the driveway, went in said hello to the dog, opened the garage and when I went to ride the bike into said garage it didn't start.  I unloaded it in the driveway, pushed it into the garage and unpacked. After unpacking, I checked it. It started right up, instantly without sputter or hesitation.

My question, finally, is  what next?

I'd like to start by cleaning the connectors and am looking for tips and tricks.

After cleaning the connectors are there any other typical things I could check?

Thanks, Jeff

p.s. If you have been considering fork valves and springs, pull the trigger, they are fantastic! 

[movenon]

Hey Jeff! Glad you made it home. Sorry about the no start problem...... Frustrating.... Think you should sell me your bike....
As a suggestion send Mark, FJmonkey a PM , you might collaborate on a fix... If its a  fuel problem.
Wish I was there to help.......
It might not be fuel problem as you indicated. Cleaning all the switches and interlocks is probably in order. Take a close look at the kick stand switch wiring. When the oil filter is replaced it is easy to pinch that wire..... Just one thing to look at.
George

[jscgdunn]

Might want to check the wire loom for "rub-through" where it is against the frame and double check connections at coils and ignitor. It turns over but does not fire, right?

[CatTomb]

Might want to check the wire loom for "rub-through" where it is against the frame and double check connections at coils and ignitor. It turns over but does not fire, right?

Yep, It turns over strong. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check all of those. 

George, I'd be happy to have your help. I'll check the wiring you suggested. BTW, I saw your bike at Randy's. The neighborhood kids are bringing it flowers everyday and a local church has started a prayer group to hasten its full recovery. I rubbed its bellypan for good luck. It said it misses you. I cried, but only a few tears as Baldy was watching and I was afraid of the verbal Aussie lashing I would get if he saw me sputtering.

[jscgdunn]

One other thing....I assume you have good (ie fairly new) spark plugs.  If they have been fuel fouled badly they can act like this.  My nephew's VFR did exactly the same.  Changed plugs: started right up, it now has "enormous power"!

[movenon]

Thanks for petting it..... I think that I must have pissed it off   I have been  lightly sourcing some parts. I am hoping to run down there by the end of the month.
If your starter cranks then it's probably not the side stand switch. I think if it was foul you wouldn't be able to even crank it ??
Maybe someone  can chip in on how to test your ignitor ? Just throwing out stuff.
George

[FJmonkey]

BTW, I saw your bike at Randy's. The neighborhood kids are bringing it flowers everyday and a local church has started a prayer group to hasten its full recovery. I rubbed its bellypan for good luck. It said it misses you. I cried, but only a few tears as Baldy was watching and I was afraid of the verbal Aussie lashing I would get if he saw me sputtering.

Damn funny dude, damn funny..

George, you seem to be in good hands... The people love you....

[RichBaker]

Did you try cracking the throttle slightly? It usually works, many of us have had to do this. Servicing the starter is almost always the cure...

[CatTomb]

Did you try cracking the throttle slightly? It usually works, many of us have had to do this. Servicing the starter is almost always the cure...

Thanks Rich, I tried cracking the throttle (FJmonkey suggested that at the rally). I'll do some research and recon on the starter.