'97 Bird. Intermittent cutouts. Help!

[JonoMcB]

Well, multimeter testing on the ignition barrel can't prompt a fault. Have switch-cleanered it and lubricated the lock and connectors whilst I was at it.

I'm not sure where to target next.

It seems specifically a problem with the ignition, starter circuit, lights, etc. are unaffected.

I do have an alarm - which no doubt is what people will blame, but removing it is of such a magnitude that I want to try *everything* else first. The intermittent pattern suggests a mechanical/electrical/contact problem rather then a more terminal fried PCB etc,
The alarm armed and disarmed fine whilst the ignition was not working, I checked.


Having no trust in your bike is horrible, not knowing if or when it will cut put on you

Any other suggestions?

 

[Me!]

The cdi unit sits under the rear cowl just in front of the rear light. It's in a rubber holder that should be pushed / slid over two lugs. Yes the carb has one! They don't like to be insecure. Worth taking it out, disconnecting plug gently and make sure contacts are clean.

Have an optimate or similar fitted? Check cables from battery are not chafed on subframe.

Do you get complete ignition failure or do the lights on dash remain on ?

Also under tank here should be a waterproof cover (where side stand switch plugs to loom) worth opening those connectors up and ensuring they are clean.

I may have missed but all charging circuits ok?

 

[JonoMcB]

Well, it's not going well...

Have cleaned up what I can but can't reproduce the problem and then went and backed the Wingrack into a wall. Araldite time...

I'll let you know how I fare when I get a chance for a ride-out.

Can't risk riding tomorrow and being stuck, interviewing folks.

 

[andyBeaker]

As Me! says, check the starter solenoid - it is around left knee area under a rubber cover. A few have had issues with corrosion. Even if it looks OK, crack the joints, clean and retighten.

Keep posting...........@tu*

But give JAWS a bwell, he knows more about these things than just about anyone else (in Thetford8rfl@)

 

[mdd]

Running issue

Hello

I might be completely wrong and expect to get shot down if I am but ...

Sounds very similar to the problem that I had with my 97 Bird. Does it feel like that you might have put some dodgy fuel in it ? Misfiring then just dieing and then give it a few mins and she fires up with out any issues ?

I think that the wriggling on the sidestand and immediate fireup might have sent you down that long and winding dead end of electrickery issues.

Check the diaphrams (speeling ?) in the carbs. I found that I had a split in one of mine which caused it to overfuel and die. This was after I had had all the electrickery, igntion, CDI, sidestand, kill switch etc etc checked out.

Any over the collective want to comment ?

MDD

 

[Me!]

Carb diaghram s will only really cause grief at half to wot. His problems appear to be low speed and starting if he hasn't already sorted it.

Unless of course you mean the carb inlet rubbers which crack.

 

[JonoMcB]

This post is very much in the graveyard, but I thought it right I should share the solution...

.... the CDI unit!

I took it out and scrubbed all the contacts a couple of times and the intermittent cutouts are cured!

 

[Squag1]

Had problem with ignition switch on cbr250.
After putting in new one I dismantled old one.
In that switch there were springs and ball bearings and the contacts. As far as I recall contacts were mucky. Also possibly the balls bearings weren't seating properly in the notches.

Would it have gone back together - didn't try.
Don't know if Bird switch is same design.

 

[noobie]

Thanks for the update Jono it's always usefull to have feedback when the problem is resolved.

I must admit when i see these problems it still suprises me to see how often the problem is where the connections look okay but after a clean resolves the issues.

still your back on the road enjoying the bird and that is what it's all about.