Hey guys,

So last year I had some issues with my bike.

I could get it to start but after a short amount of time, it would sputter and cut out.  Sometimes, I was able to grab a fist full of throttle and get it to come back, sometimes not.... that is.... until the last time.  It completely cut out and I needed a tow.  I was unable to get it to start at all.  It turns over, lights come on, is getting fuel, has compression, but I am not so certain it is getting spark. I tried pulling the plug and grounding it but no spark. (The plug is new with only 1500 miles on it and is intact with no rounding or anything). I pulled the coil and did a continuity test on it and I have full continuity between the points and also between both points and plug connection.  (Not sure if this means anything more than the fact that everything is internally intact and connected).

As far as modifications go, I built the Ryca kit.  I modified the carb by only putting in the white spacers.  Took it apart and gave it a full cleaning.  Other than that, the only other electrical mods I have are a load balancer on each blinkers circuit and LED blinkers in the handlebars.

So far, the bike has a strong crank, all lights come on, as I mentioned, and fuel is getting to the carb.  Pressure in both the cylinder as felt at the plug hole and on the exhaust.  Battery is brand new and main fuse was changed out.

Where do I go from here?  Anyone have thoughts or ideas where to turn to next?  This thing is my baby and I can't wait to get it back out on the road!!!!

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the quick reply Stewmills!!!

Yeah, that was the line I was chasing is trying to figure out what's missing..... Air, fuel, heat.  Basically the fire triangle which seems to relate to combustion engines as well!

I never thought about a fouled plug.  So cheap to replace too!  Has anyone stuck a screwdriver in the plug rubber and tried grounding it to see if it sparks? When I tried that, I didn't get any spark against the cylinder heads from the screwdriver.  I know that works on my V-twin.

Philmh wrote on 03/22/16 at 14:06:59:

So you haven't started it since then?
Quote:

Hard starting can be too rich, are trying it with choke?. [/quote]

couple of quick thoughts.

petcock diaphragm could be stiff and dried out not opening and allowing sufficient fuel.
vacuum line could have a leak not allowing enough opening of the diaphragm to supply sufficient fuel.

or...are you using old, crappy fuel?