This helped me get mine running again.. but for the last reason you'd think. I keep my bike outdoors with an elastic cover under some trees and a branch had fallen on it. There didn't appear to be any damage on it and i didn't use it for a couple of days. Then I tried to start it and couldn't. Gave it gas, took out and cleaned my fuel lines, checked my spark plugs, banged my head against a wall, and was ready to take apart the carb and just go through it (which I've never even done before). Then I came inside, got on the laptop and saw your video. Half way through I realized that I never really checked the kill switch, just assumed it was on run because I never use it to turn the bike off. So I had the crazy thought that maybe, just maybe, that tree branch from earlier in the week had landed perfectly to flick my kill switch through the cover. And sure enough that was it! haha just another crazy story to tell later on. Cheers.
as a professional location sound mixer for film/TV (and honda motorcycle rider) I really appreciate the fact that you went the extra mile to use a wireless mic instead of just whats built in the camera so that the audio quality in the video is superb. Thanks!
Thanks for noticing. Unfortunately, it records to just one channel and I forgot to render it in mono, thus the comment above about Tyson's lonely right ear.
Excellent video! Last week, I bought a brand new battery for my 1981 Honda cb750k and changed the oil, also replaced the front tire. I then started the bike and when out for a ride. Well, 2 days ago the 750 would not start. I tested the battery and the voltage is at 12.59 which is excellent. I guess I'll just try and figure out what's going on with it. Never had done that before. Thanks you for the encouragement and giving me more confidence to get give it a try!!
Just found this video today as my 71' CB450 broke down earlier. Great process and even greater message at the end. I've been contemplating taking it in to a shop but you've inspired me to keep working on it myself.
My nighthawk 550 won't start as of today. I just bought it about a week ago and it has been running fine up until now. I'm going to try to bring it back to life. Thanks for making this video!
I'd like to thank you for this video. Truly, it gave me the confidence to begin working on my motorcycle personally, rather than bringing it in to the mechanic. You've allowed me to bond with my bike and save money in the process! Cheers and happy fixing!
Wow your message at the end of the video really inspired me to work on cbr 600 f2. It has fuel problems and it leaks gas everywhere on my porch. I almost wanted to give up and just abandon it somewhere and let somebody else have that headache but now I see what I have to do in order to get her running right.
I just went through a divorce and when Matthew said "If you've got something that's broken, don't give up, don't just take it in and have someone else figure it out..." I totally lost it. It became so real that the 2 motorcycles I'm working on and who have no life, no spark, nothing--were just my way of fixing my marriage. That's actually a real problem since I'm sure my wife could have used my presence somewhere else.
Thank you so much for making this video. I’m in a 1984 ZN700A Ltd and though my issue was less problematic, you 100% have inspired me to take things into my own hands. And hearing her start up again is just the best thing ever. Thank you :3
This is a great tips.Thank you.It's none like those out there with wast of time,bad recording,dogs or kids running around...He started looking for would be problems with us & we fixed it together.You can't learn better at school.Quiet atmosphere,relaxed,camera on stand for every action & angle...Do some more like adding more signal or brake lights.reasons bikes chokes on full throttle or anything.I'm deleting what I gathered from others with loud musics,one hand operation...in 15 min. I can learn what most try to show us in 50 min.
Well done video. Following your logical troubleshooting progress was interesting. Equally interesting was your post op commentary. I should think Dave is very pleased. A very nice bike there mate.
I work in IT and troubleshooting is most of my job. Now that I'm starting to get into motorcycles as a "Daddy time thing or just for myself thing" All the bikes I find that are in my price range need work however, this video has inspired me to just wing it and give it a try. Thank you so much! I liked what you said at the end too! Upload another please!
Nice vid. I love the logical process of trying to find the reason why she won't run. It's not rocket science. -just about some level of understanding what happens and how the machine works. Btw the bike looks to be in very good condition for it's age. Nicely done.
mikon6666 And if it's already broken, what there is to loose to at least try to fiddle with it before going to a professional an paying yourself silly :)
Troubleshooting is pretty easy when you know where to start at.......Here's what I'd do: 1. Make sure that the battery has enough power, some electronic parts just don't work well when the battery's below 11 volts. 2. What you did not do, was to check if the carbs had gasoline inside. There's a little screw at the bottom of each carburetor, just open it and see if fuel is coming out. 3. Check with the spark plug out if there's a spark. If a one cylinder engine doesn't fire, it can also be the cap that's faulty. Little cuts inside make the spark go to the chassis, ( the engine). I truly believe that there's something wrong with your killer switch, perhaps in a position where ignition was switched off. Some spray does help a lot at these older bikes. It's also p[ossiblre that one of the wire connectors was a bit lose and considering that you had the tank off, you must have touched them and maybe connected them again without even knowing it. 4. These Hondas also start when the battery is below 12 volts, so it wasn't the battery. If there's no gasoline getting to the carbs, it can be the gas tank valve, it get's dirty and after a while, no more gasoline comes through. The Honda CB 500 Four, for example, have two outlets, it took only ten minutes for me to figure out what some guys couldn't find in weeks. One tube goes to two carbs, one tube was dry because the valve was so dirty inside that only two cylinders had gasoline. You don't have to be a mechanic, but you should follow certain steps. A great job's done, thanks for showing!!!
That's my philosophy, I usually don't screw things up more than they already are! If I do I take the vehicle to the shop. If I fix it myself I get to learn something new and I save money!!
honda 400 -4 super sport was the first street bike with 4 into 1 exhaust , foot pegs pushed back , and nearly straight handle bars . first street racer !!!
I'm having the same problem with a CL450 ran in neutral pretty well, but after a bit in third gear it sputtered and eventually wouldn't start back up. I parked it and haven't been able to get it fired up since. I have tendered it many times with that dumb lead battery, which obviously should be a lithium but the previous owner had a group of spark plugs so I think they were trying to follow that direction. However, I think its a battery issue first and needs to be ruled out, otherwise its going down a rabbit hole. Tendering it one more time then I will see about jump starting it.
Did you ever check the points? 7 times out of 10 its them, they get dirty and need cleaning/re-placing or re-gaping.Nice bike keep it original they are worth a fortune stock!
My first inclination on a no start no crank condition would be to think back to training class and remember FINE-C. So, I would have checked for 1) fuel in tank, 2) fuel switch in correct position, 3) key in ignition in proper position, 4) engine run switch in proper position, 5) choke on or off as required. Only then would I get into diagnostics. One thing that struck me was that you were only getting 9 volts at some point downstream from the battery, and I think I read that isn't enough to turn the starter. BUT, since you couldn't get it to start with the kick starter, that would be a moot point. One thing you didn't show us was whether you got spark immediately after reinstalling the battery.
Actually Robert, you were right on with your hunch. Once I put a new battery in it, it started right up. I am thinking that there just wasn't enough electricity for the initial sparks to get the engine spinning enough to make its own electricity. The other steps you listed are great advice. Thanks for you input.
+Matthew Brenengen could it be that you should have tried to fully charged the battery, ..saw you took it off when showing 77%.. -and then might could have gotten away without buying a new one. .?
A systematic approach is needed to diagnose a no spark situation. Confirm you have a full battery and a new spark plug. Use a multimeter to see if you have 12v going to the coil and then the points. Basically you just work backwards from the spark plug to the battery to find the point of failure.
those plugs were fouled from too much fuel. the no spark situation was caused from low battery voltage. you need to put your battery on a tender when in storage and don't choke it so long. you should only choke to start when the engine is stone cold.
You should put the battery on trickle charge when not using it. go to the auto parts store and pick up a trickle charger comes with a lead that you put on your battery and when you’re not using it plug it in
Check ,points,condenser,coil .fuel bowls for dirt,or dirt in tank,or,rust in tank,make sure fuel is coming out of the petcock,check all electrical connection ,for dirty connections ,buy a shop manual.
i'm trying to start my 1996 honda hornet 250, i just cleaned the carbs coz it was leaking all over, patched up the holes with metal epoxy, leaks now ok BUT now it won't start, i tried using the old plugs and still no go, plugs seemed to be dry, battery is in good condition, been using a charger, i used a silicon gasket maker hi temp, to my surprise it is not gas friendly, could it be that my jets are all clogged up? i used threebond gas friendly doesn't melt on gas, no more leaks, but bike doesn't start :(
Wow. Not sure. Your carbs sound pretty rough. You might want to get a set on eBay. Then there is a lot of discussion on the Google about getting them balanced.
All Honda from the 70's require a strong battery to start, the rectifier must receive a bit over 12V,or there will be no spark. Boosting off a 12v battery will work, and if the alternator is healthy,you can push start the bike in second gear. 2nd is easier to push the bike with. But seriously, even a slightly weak battery will cause a myriad of performance issues.
I have 2 Honda xl125's from early seventies both have no batteries , they start easily, I race them, doesn't the spark plug get it's power from the stator?
i thought you were going to turn this into a phycology thing for helping people at the end. like having someone else fix your problems doesn't really help you grow as a person. lol but getting old things running again is kinda therapeutic. I got a CB550K3 that i been trying to get running reliably.
I have a hondamatic that I bought from my brother for $100 it's a 400c if I'm not mistaken I think it's been sitting up for about two maybe three years what is the easiest way to get the gas tank lock unlocked since the keys was lost but the title was found I ordered a key ignition off of eBay that would be in sometime this weekend I was planning on turning into a bobber but by looking at your bike I think I want to keep it all original and like the guy in the comments said they are worth a fortune
I don't know that they are worth a fortune, but if you can get it running, it is worth more than $400. As for your gas tank. That is is question I am afraid I don't have an answer for. I can tell you how to start it without a key, but getting into the gas tank is a different matter. I am sure the lock can be easily picked, but other than that, sorry!
That depends on the battery tender. If you're buying a cheap Walmart battery tender you're right. Buy an OptiMate 3+ and your battery may last seven or eight years. The trick is to use the Optimate 3+ every day. 365 days a year.
I have a 1987 honda xl250 thats giving me starting problems. The battery is completely dead (new one is in the mail), and takes minutes of kicking to start. I dont think the battery has anything to do with it because there is no electric start system, kick only, but could the dead battery be giving a lack of spark?
the first way you have the false thinking, if you start about e-starter and you see that the ligts are going down, its the battery... when you start smell at the exhauster for patrol than you know that you have fuel, take battery out and load, look at the sparkplugs, if they look like yours your mixture is to fat but it makes no problem at this time, clean the sparks, put it into and look if battery works... ready... all other electricity things you can proof later if the machine doesn t work... from one on the other moment after one week it could only be the energy... but... you found it, you made it... next time you will find it faster...
the rectifier needs a constant voltage of 12.3 or better to fire the coils. that's why no spark on the kick start. but when you push started it the stator (alternator) produced enough voltage to run. put a new battery in it.
Hi there, great video, wondering if you had any idea on where to start if you're in my situation. I have a Honda cb250, old 80's one, new battery bought about 3-4 months back, rode well, then the bike sat for about 2months outside under a tarp. Starter button does nothing, tried rolling down hill and releasing the clutch in first gear and it revs for about 2secs and dies. Any clues? Old fuel? Much appreciated thanks
Sounds like a similar problem to what I had. First off, make sure the battery is charged and good. These motorcycle batteries suck. Replace it (again) if it will not hold a charge. You may have two problems, fuel and spark. If the battery doesn't fix it, drain the gas and carbs, and start with some fresh gas. That is a good place to start. Also, you will have better luck push starting in 3-4 gear.
the spark plugs should not be power23rd by the battery. I think you may have fixed it inadvertently. might still want to figure out what is wrong with the start motor.
If you're still on this channel i have a quick question just bought a 1992 ninja 500 ex with a messed up trans but can run in neutral and has been sitting for roughly a month. The bike will turn but it doesn't sound like its hitting with the electric start so i'm completely new to working on bikes and have some experience with car's but would i be wrong to assume it's probably the spark plugs i can't take it apart yet since i'm sorta busy with college but does it sound like the plugs? It does turn just wont start so i assume its spark and not electrical.
+New ChannelSameName I am still here, but I am not really an expert in these things. Your description doesn't really give me any clues. Follow some of the steps I used in this video to determine whether you are getting a spark or not. If so, then it is probably fuel.
Matthew Brenengen okay thanks for the quick reply sorry since im new to bikes i don't really know how to accurately explain what i mean but the fuel is about a month old but still ill check all that thanks for the advice.
Deep cycle testing at your local auto zone or whatever will tell you if your battery is fried post addition of distilled water or vinegar if the levels are low. Then you'll really know if your battery is healthy. It's free too at auto parts stores.
I know the point of your video was to try to solve little problems by yourself, but I felt a little pity for your bike, ,,, what is the point of saving a few dollars with very dirty spark plugs and poor battery? I think if you are fortunate enough of having one of these bikes still running today, just do the maximum you can for try to emulate the type of performance it would have in her glorious past time... but that is just my point of view, I sincerely respect yours! So, I have the same bike, but spark plugs, battery, oil , all cables new, everything just getting better and better ( except the front brake...). By the way, when your bike finally started, I could hear a very pleasant engine sound, so maybe your maintenance is good after all. Cheers!
Hey bud nice video. Funny you mentioned Dave's Farm. I had the same curiosity after his videos. You should check out Mustie1 videos. You will love them.
Hey Man, I have a 77 honda CB750, And I put a brand new battery in, It will not hold a charge and every other day The bike has zero power, no lights no horn nothing. I have replaced a fuse because whatever is happening seems to be blowing fuses, and I just cant figure out what is wrong. Can you help?
You have a short somewhere. Take all the fuses out with the key off. Then put one in at a time... find a video on "parasitic" (I think that's what its called) power drain. First find the circuit that is shorting out (I suppose it is somewhere along the circuit that is blowing fuses). Figure out that that fuse does, and trace the wires to find your short. Good luck.
You know that the meter is gonna show continuity if for two leads like that right? lol. It's bridging the gap itself. You'll have to terminate one end at a time to the tester to check the swtich.
every body saying great video,if i am not mistaking u did not figure out what was wrong with it ,it just started working u were not sure what u did or didnt do a follow up would have been nice,is it still fixed or not fixed or what ever.
can u pls help me, i hve a scooter which i did a DIY hazard light installation, it worked but it's just a 90% success bcoz the turn signal won't work when i turn on the hazard so i have to rewire it again but then my biggest problem came, there's no more current flowing, the push button won't work, the lights on the dash not turned on and no more lighting. (The Battery is 12.4v, ihave installed a 2 6v flasher relay for the hazard with 2 3A rectifier diodes) I don't the diagnostics of it and i don't know how to diagnose, can someone tell me how? I would really appreciate it so much
Hmmm. Not sure what that might be. Sounds like a fuse. Check your wiring and see where you might have gone wrong. Try to undo what you did, get it working again, then proceed one step at a time.
But you never figured out what happened, definitely a good video but with my tinkering I need to find an answer that works for 100% of issues. Like the no spark issue, get a new battery totally eliminate that variable. Check for hot wires, check relays, check everything look for any old or sketchy work. Reference your workshop manual often, and use wiring diagrams to find out what the issues may have come from. USE THE TROUBLESHOOTING PORTION OF YOUR WORKSHOP MANUAL. or better, GET A MANUAL!
This helped me get mine running again.. but for the last reason you'd think. I keep my bike outdoors with an elastic cover under some trees and a branch had fallen on it. There didn't appear to be any damage on it and i didn't use it for a couple of days. Then I tried to start it and couldn't. Gave it gas, took out and cleaned my fuel lines, checked my spark plugs, banged my head against a wall, and was ready to take apart the carb and just go through it (which I've never even done before). Then I came inside, got on the laptop and saw your video. Half way through I realized that I never really checked the kill switch, just assumed it was on run because I never use it to turn the bike off. So I had the crazy thought that maybe, just maybe, that tree branch from earlier in the week had landed perfectly to flick my kill switch through the cover. And sure enough that was it! haha just another crazy story to tell later on. Cheers.
LMAO its always things you don't expect my case was i wasn't holding the clutch when starting it e_e
as a professional location sound mixer for film/TV (and honda motorcycle rider) I really appreciate the fact that you went the extra mile to use a wireless mic instead of just whats built in the camera so that the audio quality in the video is superb. Thanks!
Thanks for noticing. Unfortunately, it records to just one channel and I forgot to render it in mono, thus the comment above about Tyson's lonely right ear.
Excellent video! Last week, I bought a brand new battery for my 1981 Honda cb750k and changed the oil, also replaced the front tire. I then started the bike and when out for a ride. Well, 2 days ago the 750 would not start. I tested the battery and the voltage is at 12.59 which is excellent. I guess I'll just try and figure out what's going on with it. Never had done that before. Thanks you for the encouragement and giving me more confidence to get give it a try!!
Just found this video today as my 71' CB450 broke down earlier. Great process and even greater message at the end. I've been contemplating taking it in to a shop but you've inspired me to keep working on it myself.
My nighthawk 550 won't start as of today. I just bought it about a week ago and it has been running fine up until now. I'm going to try to bring it back to life. Thanks for making this video!
I'd like to thank you for this video. Truly, it gave me the confidence to begin working on my motorcycle personally, rather than bringing it in to the mechanic. You've allowed me to bond with my bike and save money in the process! Cheers and happy fixing!
Wow your message at the end of the video really inspired me to work on cbr 600 f2. It has fuel problems and it leaks gas everywhere on my porch. I almost wanted to give up and just abandon it somewhere and let somebody else have that headache but now I see what I have to do in order to get her running right.
I just went through a divorce and when Matthew said "If you've got something that's broken, don't give up, don't just take it in and have someone else figure it out..." I totally lost it. It became so real that the 2 motorcycles I'm working on and who have no life, no spark, nothing--were just my way of fixing my marriage. That's actually a real problem since I'm sure my wife could have used my presence somewhere else.
Excellent take away! I sincerely hope things work out for you and yours! Now I too have some work to do as well!
James Figuracion did u get back with your wife?
This wise message takes place at the end of the video at 12:10. It’s a very good message.
Thank you so much for making this video. I’m in a 1984 ZN700A Ltd and though my issue was less problematic, you 100% have inspired me to take things into my own hands. And hearing her start up again is just the best thing ever. Thank you :3
Honest about not being a mechanic, he still offers good, straightforward tips. Nicely presented too!
Nice to see that Honda 400 4 Super Sport. I owned a 75 Red bike and drove it for 18 years. Loved the bike.
This is a great tips.Thank you.It's none like those out there with wast of time,bad recording,dogs or kids running around...He started looking for would be problems with us & we fixed it together.You can't learn better at school.Quiet atmosphere,relaxed,camera on stand for every action & angle...Do some more like adding more signal or brake lights.reasons bikes chokes on full throttle or anything.I'm deleting what I gathered from others with loud musics,one hand operation...in 15 min. I can learn what most try to show us in 50 min.
Well done video. Following your logical troubleshooting progress was interesting. Equally interesting was your post op commentary. I should think Dave is very pleased. A very nice bike there mate.
As soon as I saw that temperature difference I knew we were in the same state ;) Beautiful bike!
Great positive message. The 400 4 was my first bike and the sound of the exhaust and to see the dash brought back some very fond memories. Cheers.
"Give it a try, it's very unlikely you're gonna screw it up worse than it's already screwed up"
Haha, totally what I tell myself when I'm doing work
I work in IT and troubleshooting is most of my job. Now that I'm starting to get into motorcycles as a "Daddy time thing or just for myself thing" All the bikes I find that are in my price range need work however, this video has inspired me to just wing it and give it a try. Thank you so much! I liked what you said at the end too! Upload another please!
Nice vid. I love the logical process of trying to find the reason why she won't run. It's not rocket science. -just about some level of understanding what happens and how the machine works. Btw the bike looks to be in very good condition for it's age. Nicely done.
mikon6666 And if it's already broken, what there is to loose to at least try to fiddle with it before going to a professional an paying yourself silly :)
so good to see one of them again. was my first bike when i was a young fella $500 dollars Australian brand new.
Nice bike . Love the kick-starting in your trainers .I'm glad you found the fault with it .
Troubleshooting is pretty easy when you know where to start at.......Here's what I'd do:
1. Make sure that the battery has enough power, some electronic parts just don't work well when the battery's below 11 volts.
2. What you did not do, was to check if the carbs had gasoline inside. There's a little screw at the bottom of each carburetor, just open it and see if fuel is coming out.
3. Check with the spark plug out if there's a spark. If a one cylinder engine doesn't fire, it can also be the cap that's faulty. Little cuts inside make the spark go to the chassis, ( the engine). I truly believe that there's something wrong with your killer switch, perhaps in a position where ignition was switched off. Some spray does help a lot at these older bikes.
It's also p[ossiblre that one of the wire connectors was a bit lose and considering that you had the tank off, you must have touched them and maybe connected them again without even knowing it.
4. These Hondas also start when the battery is below 12 volts, so it wasn't the battery.
If there's no gasoline getting to the carbs, it can be the gas tank valve, it get's dirty and after a while, no more gasoline comes through. The Honda CB 500 Four, for example, have two outlets, it took only ten minutes for me to figure out what some guys couldn't find in weeks. One tube goes to two carbs, one tube was dry because the valve was so dirty inside that only two cylinders had gasoline.
You don't have to be a mechanic, but you should follow certain steps. A great job's done, thanks for showing!!!
Awesome video, Thankyou for inspiration,trying to diagnose my own Honda , take care, Aloha & Mahalos
I had a 550 four for a number of yrs. it was a great bike. I would love to someday own a 400 four!
Omg it worked i just cleaned my spark plugs and battery check and it worked thank you thank you ... I have a cb77 305 that im working on
Great video Matthew!...inspired me to to figure out my Honda VTX electrical issues and replace my stator...very motivational..cheers!
That's my philosophy, I usually don't screw things up more than they already are! If I do I take the vehicle to the shop. If I fix it myself I get to learn something new and I save money!!
thank you....now i miss my CB400 Super Sport....sold it 25 years ago.....
Awesome vid, great approach! Was probably flooded or sticky carb. Great stuff!!
honda 400 -4 super sport was the first street bike with 4 into 1 exhaust , foot pegs pushed back , and nearly straight handle bars . first street racer !!!
Clark Kent ive owned 3 . 2 in los Angeles and one in pompano bch. i learned how to ride a street bike on one . i would buy another.
My left ear really loved this
man I gotta say I respect that attitude so much!
Admire your bravery and persistence. .
Interesting video, thanks for uploading it. Nice bike btw!
beautiful bike!
beautyful Honda!!! Now you have to fix the fork seals :)
movementpractice Reinoehl Did it: ruclips.net/video/oLc80JMhD0Q/видео.html
I'm having the same problem with a CL450 ran in neutral pretty well, but after a bit in third gear it sputtered and eventually wouldn't start back up. I parked it and haven't been able to get it fired up since. I have tendered it many times with that dumb lead battery, which obviously should be a lithium but the previous owner had a group of spark plugs so I think they were trying to follow that direction. However, I think its a battery issue first and needs to be ruled out, otherwise its going down a rabbit hole. Tendering it one more time then I will see about jump starting it.
Did you ever check the points? 7 times out of 10 its them, they get dirty and need cleaning/re-placing or re-gaping.Nice bike keep it original they are worth a fortune stock!
Great Job and a great message at the end. Cheers.
i always check the simple things first, put the lights on revv it if the light gets brighter brighter its not the aultanauter .
Wow! Another Minnesotan. Love the cb400f
My first inclination on a no start no crank condition would be to think back to training class and remember FINE-C. So, I would have checked for 1) fuel in tank, 2) fuel switch in correct position, 3) key in ignition in proper position, 4) engine run switch in proper position, 5) choke on or off as required. Only then would I get into diagnostics.
One thing that struck me was that you were only getting 9 volts at some point downstream from the battery, and I think I read that isn't enough to turn the starter. BUT, since you couldn't get it to start with the kick starter, that would be a moot point. One thing you didn't show us was whether you got spark immediately after reinstalling the battery.
Actually Robert, you were right on with your hunch. Once I put a new battery in it, it started right up. I am thinking that there just wasn't enough electricity for the initial sparks to get the engine spinning enough to make its own electricity. The other steps you listed are great advice. Thanks for you input.
+Matthew Brenengen could it be that you should have tried to fully charged the battery, ..saw you took it off when showing 77%..
-and then might could have gotten away without buying a new one. .?
A systematic approach is needed to diagnose a no spark situation. Confirm you have a full battery and a new spark plug. Use a multimeter to see if you have 12v going to the coil and then the points. Basically you just work backwards from the spark plug to the battery to find the point of failure.
Always isolate the fuse from the circuit to test it.
Beautiful bike. I enjoyed your video. Thanks
those plugs were fouled from too much fuel. the no spark situation was caused from low battery voltage. you need to put your battery on a tender when in storage and don't choke it so long. you should only choke to start when the engine is stone cold.
You are 100% correct.
You should put the battery on trickle charge when not using it. go to the auto parts store and pick up a trickle charger comes with a lead that you put on your battery and when you’re not using it plug it in
Just so you know, you can't test a switch for continuity while it's in circuit. Also, you really need to lift one side of a fuse to test it.
Thanks. That is helpful.
Great video excellent quality. Just poor low sound.
Sorry. Audio is left channel only.
Had on just like it in HS. Miss it.
Great video.
Check ,points,condenser,coil .fuel bowls for dirt,or dirt in tank,or,rust in tank,make sure fuel is coming out of the petcock,check all electrical connection ,for dirty connections ,buy a shop manual.
hi mate try change plugs turn petrol onto reserve charge battery by the way nice bike
i'm trying to start my 1996 honda hornet 250, i just cleaned the carbs coz it was leaking all over, patched up the holes with metal epoxy, leaks now ok BUT now it won't start, i tried using the old plugs and still no go, plugs seemed to be dry, battery is in good condition, been using a charger, i used a silicon gasket maker hi temp, to my surprise it is not gas friendly, could it be that my jets are all clogged up? i used threebond gas friendly doesn't melt on gas, no more leaks, but bike doesn't start :(
Wow. Not sure. Your carbs sound pretty rough. You might want to get a set on eBay. Then there is a lot of discussion on the Google about getting them balanced.
Great vid and awesome bike.
Good advice, I wish my kids do that
When you tested the off/on switch you were completing the circuit with your multimeter and bypassing your switch entirely.
All Honda from the 70's require a strong battery to start, the rectifier must receive a bit over 12V,or there will be no spark. Boosting off a 12v battery will work, and if the alternator is healthy,you can push start the bike in second gear. 2nd is easier to push the bike with. But seriously, even a slightly weak battery will cause a myriad of performance issues.
I have 2 Honda xl125's from early seventies both have no batteries , they start easily, I race them, doesn't the spark plug get it's power from the stator?
Cb400f need good battery voltage to run. I own sl100 and it to needs a good battery to run
i thought you were going to turn this into a phycology thing for helping people at the end. like having someone else fix your problems doesn't really help you grow as a person. lol
but getting old things running again is kinda therapeutic.
I got a CB550K3 that i been trying to get running reliably.
I have a hondamatic that I bought from my brother for $100 it's a 400c if I'm not mistaken I think it's been sitting up for about two maybe three years what is the easiest way to get the gas tank lock unlocked since the keys was lost but the title was found I ordered a key ignition off of eBay that would be in sometime this weekend I was planning on turning into a bobber but by looking at your bike I think I want to keep it all original and like the guy in the comments said they are worth a fortune
I don't know that they are worth a fortune, but if you can get it running, it is worth more than $400. As for your gas tank. That is is question I am afraid I don't have an answer for. I can tell you how to start it without a key, but getting into the gas tank is a different matter. I am sure the lock can be easily picked, but other than that, sorry!
how many ACV. will the coil need to make the spark plug to spark or have a spark???
No spark with kick stand down,flooded it ,raised the kick stsnd,pushed it and started .
Take home message, Use a battery tender and get new battery every couple year (they don't last that lone)
That depends on the battery tender. If you're buying a cheap Walmart battery tender you're right. Buy an OptiMate 3+ and your battery may last seven or eight years. The trick is to use the Optimate 3+ every day. 365 days a year.
These types of problems are called USER ERROR!
I have a 1987 honda xl250 thats giving me starting problems. The battery is completely dead (new one is in the mail), and takes minutes of kicking to start. I dont think the battery has anything to do with it because there is no electric start system, kick only, but could the dead battery be giving a lack of spark?
Enticing Earlobe It’s the battery. Let me know when you get it if it works.
If gas is leaking from the overflow tube you've got a float issue.
the first way you have the false thinking, if you start about e-starter and you see that the ligts are going down, its the battery... when you start smell at the exhauster for patrol than you know that you have fuel, take battery out and load, look at the sparkplugs, if they look like yours your mixture is to fat but it makes no problem at this time, clean the sparks, put it into and look if battery works... ready... all other electricity things you can proof later if the machine doesn t work... from one on the other moment after one week it could only be the energy... but... you found it, you made it... next time you will find it faster...
I have a '72 CB 450 K5 and it's a pig to start when cold, when hot/run it's fine. Good spark, fuel and battery no idea what it can be?
You are choking it, right? Could your carbs need adjusting?
the rectifier needs a constant voltage of 12.3 or better to fire the coils. that's why no spark on the kick start. but when you push started it the stator (alternator) produced enough voltage to run. put a new battery in it.
Yea, battery need sold charge to crank. Isn't it like 14v in a car?
Trying to star my bike but all I'm getting is a clicking noise at the starter solenoid. any ideas?
Cleans up gas that will evaporate in secs but leaves drop of water on counter
If the battery doesn't charge...go down to the parts store and order a new one and wait a few days.
you have no spark. You have fuel right? how is your compression?
Hi there, great video, wondering if you had any idea on where to start if you're in my situation.
I have a Honda cb250, old 80's one, new battery bought about 3-4 months back, rode well, then the bike sat for about 2months outside under a tarp. Starter button does nothing, tried rolling down hill and releasing the clutch in first gear and it revs for about 2secs and dies. Any clues? Old fuel? Much appreciated thanks
Sounds like a similar problem to what I had. First off, make sure the battery is charged and good. These motorcycle batteries suck. Replace it (again) if it will not hold a charge. You may have two problems, fuel and spark. If the battery doesn't fix it, drain the gas and carbs, and start with some fresh gas. That is a good place to start. Also, you will have better luck push starting in 3-4 gear.
Well done. Thanks for posting.
the spark plugs should not be power23rd by the battery. I think you may have fixed it inadvertently. might still want to figure out what is wrong with the start motor.
Good looking bike Btw👍
If you're still on this channel i have a quick question just bought a 1992 ninja 500 ex with a messed up trans but can run in neutral and has been sitting for roughly a month. The bike will turn but it doesn't sound like its hitting with the electric start so i'm completely new to working on bikes and have some experience with car's but would i be wrong to assume it's probably the spark plugs i can't take it apart yet since i'm sorta busy with college but does it sound like the plugs? It does turn just wont start so i assume its spark and not electrical.
+New ChannelSameName I am still here, but I am not really an expert in these things. Your description doesn't really give me any clues. Follow some of the steps I used in this video to determine whether you are getting a spark or not. If so, then it is probably fuel.
Matthew Brenengen okay thanks for the quick reply sorry since im new to bikes i don't really know how to accurately explain what i mean but the fuel is about a month old but still ill check all that thanks for the advice.
great video
Good man. I used to have Honda 400/4s and should collect a Honda CRX 550 FII soon. After clearing the flooded cylinders did you buy a new battery?
Yes.
nick hi l had to of the 400 4 Honda the f1 and f2 they are great little bikes. they had a great nowt to the engine.
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Deep cycle testing at your local auto zone or whatever will tell you if your battery is fried post addition of distilled water or vinegar if the levels are low. Then you'll really know if your battery is healthy. It's free too at auto parts stores.
Sweet little Honda!
you never check battery voltage before pulling battrey.
I know the point of your video was to try to solve little problems by yourself, but I felt a little pity for your bike, ,,, what is the point of saving a few dollars with very dirty spark plugs and poor battery?
I think if you are fortunate enough of having one of these bikes still running today, just do the maximum you can for try to emulate the type of performance it would have in her glorious past time... but that is just my point of view, I sincerely respect yours!
So, I have the same bike, but spark plugs, battery, oil , all cables new, everything just getting better and better ( except the front brake...).
By the way, when your bike finally started, I could hear a very pleasant engine sound, so maybe your maintenance is good after all.
Cheers!
always turn fuel off after every ride
could you explain what's the water and salt thing and for what ?
Look up a video on rejuvenating a battery. This salt thing was supposed to work but it didn't last long.
Hey bud nice video. Funny you mentioned Dave's Farm. I had the same curiosity after his videos. You should check out Mustie1 videos. You will love them.
Hey Man, I have a 77 honda CB750, And I put a brand new battery in, It will not hold a charge and every other day The bike has zero power, no lights no horn nothing. I have replaced a fuse because whatever is happening seems to be blowing fuses, and I just cant figure out what is wrong. Can you help?
You have a short somewhere. Take all the fuses out with the key off. Then put one in at a time... find a video on "parasitic" (I think that's what its called) power drain. First find the circuit that is shorting out (I suppose it is somewhere along the circuit that is blowing fuses). Figure out that that fuse does, and trace the wires to find your short. Good luck.
Kees Fralick ugh sounds like you have a bad stater.
Sounds like you just had a weak battery. Engine sounds good, too.
fuel, compression, and spark thats all it takes to run em.
Thanks for sharing
Good video
fun to watch ... thx
Great Vid.
Good vid.
You know that the meter is gonna show continuity if for two leads like that right? lol. It's bridging the gap itself. You'll have to terminate one end at a time to the tester to check the swtich.
Yeah - that makes sense. Thanks.
Matthew Brenengen
Ya I've done the same thing to myself about 1000 times this semester. lmao. Taking electrical system for automotive right now :D
wise words
every body saying great video,if i am not mistaking u did not figure out what was wrong with it ,it just started working u were not sure what u did or didnt do a follow up would have been nice,is it still fixed or not fixed or what ever.
I did figure it out. It was the battery.
@@mbrenengen i must have misunderstood what u said in the video,my bad
MY RIGHT EAR IS FUCKIN LONELY
can u pls help me, i hve a scooter which i did a DIY hazard light installation, it worked but it's just a 90% success bcoz the turn signal won't work when i turn on the hazard so i have to rewire it again but then my biggest problem came, there's no more current flowing, the push button won't work, the lights on the dash not turned on and no more lighting. (The Battery is 12.4v, ihave installed a 2 6v flasher relay for the hazard with 2 3A rectifier diodes) I don't the diagnostics of it and i don't know how to diagnose, can someone tell me how? I would really appreciate it so much
Hmmm. Not sure what that might be. Sounds like a fuse. Check your wiring and see where you might have gone wrong. Try to undo what you did, get it working again, then proceed one step at a time.
ok tnx sir matthew! i appreciate the response
But you never figured out what happened, definitely a good video but with my tinkering I need to find an answer that works for 100% of issues. Like the no spark issue, get a new battery totally eliminate that variable. Check for hot wires, check relays, check everything look for any old or sketchy work. Reference your workshop manual often, and use wiring diagrams to find out what the issues may have come from. USE THE TROUBLESHOOTING PORTION OF YOUR WORKSHOP MANUAL. or better, GET A MANUAL!
The batteries only last about 2.5 years
New battery would help