Honda V30 Electrical problem

Hi Folks, I have recently acquired an 84 Honda V30 which has developed a
peculiar electrical problem. I have no experience with Honda's so would like
some of your knowledgeable (or even guess's!) input. The bike fires right up
and idles beautifully. Take it out on the road and it accelerates like its
new.....for about 2-4 minutes. First thing that happens is the headlight
clicks off....then it sputters and dies. No power at the switch at that
point, turn the key to on and nothing,no lights horn etc. Leave it sit for
2-4 minutes and it fires right back up as though nothing had happened, but
again, will only last 2-4 minutes. I tried swapping the CDI, as I have heard
this is a common problem, but same results. Anyone have any ideas, or even
diagnostics recommendations??

 

Something electrical (probably electronic) is overheating. I had this
problem on an auto once where the heat sink compound in the distributer
between the electronic module and the bulk metal had dried out.

C. J. Klingman
Austin, TX

 

That did it! Opened the cover, scratch the fuse with my nail and it fell to
pieces. Replaced with one from a spare parts bike and it runs fine now. Will
now wire in a 30 amp in line fuse. Thanks Jack!!