Sick Bike

Filtering through slow traffic on my way to work this morning after
I'd done about 30 miles onthe RRY the engine cut out as I set off from
some lights. Thinking I'd stalled it I hit the starter and away it
went and I rode the next 5 miles or so to work without any problem.

Tonight, coming home the engine died on the M4 after about 6 miles
from work. It would not restart. After waiting 5 mins it started and I
continued for another 3 miles before it died again. After anothe 5
minutes it started again and went perfectly until I was nearly home. I
stopped for some petrol and then the bugger wouldn't start at all.

The engine had just cut out as though I'd hit the kill switch, no
fluffiness or misfire.

I called th AA out and finally got home at 8.45 after leaving work at
5.15.

I thought maybe the power commander had gone tits up so I bypassed it
by putting it back to standard , still nothing.


This is a Honda FFS, never missed a beat in three and a half years
from new. The mileage is probably above average at 35000 but it
normally runs sweet as a nut.

I'll have a deeper look at the weekend, could be just a bad connection
but in my bones it feels like a duff ECU or similar.


Anyone any ideas? Carb icing suggestions will be ignored.

TIA

 

David Ellis says...

You don't have a Datatool alarm fitted, do you?

 

In the 3rd Millenium, on Fri, 8 Jul 2005 01:07:30 +0100, Lozzo

No alarm or immobiliser except Mr Honda's HISS system which I did
wonder about. I tried my spare key when I got home just in case but
still nothing. Could still be a faulty HISS system as I don't know
whether it only checks when you try to start the bike [1] or whether
it constantly monitors.

[1] seems more logical

 

Tell us what the plugs smell/look like.

It can be a simple and quick diagnostic tool, taught to me by a knowledgeable
bike riding friend.

 

Heh, I saw you, you were near Heston.
Sorry I didn't stop to help, I was in the outside lane though.

Shit in the tank?
(it might help)
--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My bike 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr
M'boy's bike 2003 Honda NSR125R (Going)
Spare Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Patio Ornament)
BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005), X-FOT#000, DIAABTCOD #26, BOMB#18 (slow)

 

Ignition/clutch/sidestand cutout?

 

That's what I thought having suffered from it myself recently, but as
he got to a petrol station, filled up (which probably means opening
the tank to counter any vacuus) and it still wouldn't work, it may be
summut else?

 

David Ellis came up with the following;:

I dunno if Honda do this with their motorbikes, I guess possibly not, but my
Honda generator has a low oil-level ignition cut-off switch, like a
clutch/sidestand thingy, that produces exactly those symptoms.

Alternatively I'd look to blocked tank breather, blocked fuel tap / fuel
filter / line, gummed carbs, nackered plugs / ignition / ignition switch.

 

In uk.rec.motorcycles, David Ellis amazed us all with this pearl of
wisdom:

Shit in the tank.

 

So was I when the bugger died on me the first time causing me to have
to execute a rather dodgy coasting manoveure to the hard shoulder,
after the second time I thought it safer to stick to the inside lane.

Turns out after hacking the wiring loom to bits that it was a a
corroded commoning block hidden within the loom causing the injectors
to shut off.

At least it goes now but the petrol pump is permanently on and so I
need to re-check my connections.

Thanks for all suggestions folks, much appreciated.

Anyway, I won't be stopping for Zephyrs in the future just in case
it's you. ;o)

 

Zephyr's don't break down.

That's gone and done it I'll bet. Now where's that breakdown recovery card
gone, just in case like.

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My bike 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr
M'boy's bike 2003 Honda NSR125R (Going)
Spare Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Patio Ornament)
BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005), X-FOT#000, DIAABTCOD #26, BOMB#18 (slow)