Nearly there!

Dan Padgett

XS400 Member
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Hey all,

I know a couple of people in the forum had similar issues but so far I can’t find a resolution!

The bike will now turn over, however, no spark. So I’ve bought new plugs, still no spark. I’ve just tested the coils and the primary and secondary resistance is all okay!

Am I missing something?! For all intents and purposes it should be sparking but nothing, not even a dim spark

Any help would be great thank you Dan
 
What is your battery health? How many volts? Test it before pressing starter and while you press starter and see if it drops and by how much .

It would be helpful to other members if you followed up in your other threads to post the final verdict so they aren't just dead ends :thumbsup:
 
Thanks, I think it’s good although I’ll test and come back to you.

I actually just got done doing some bits on it. I attempted to start it again and it sounded as if it shorted out somewhere as the starter motor won’t work but it now seems like there is a spark from me kicking it over. Think that’s raised more questions than answers :umm:

And noted thank you :)

Dan
 
Lot of people think batteries are "good". Check voltage as well as making sure the connections are clean and secure (quite tight ground and pos leads).

Easy way to check for spark from youtube (I'd wear rubber gloves because i'm a nervous noob)

I'm jealous you have kick and elec. My elec start isn't hooked up, something I need to look through.
 
This is great thanks!
I’ll check the voltage later and earths and report back... Fingers crossed it’s simple.

Yeah I know right, I had just a kick start before on a 77 xs400 and i really missed e start. (That is when they work!)
 
Tested the battery and it’s fine. It’s turning the starter motor lovely but no spark.

The brief spark earlier from the kick start has disappeared. I’ve done the test from the video and not a bean. Even stuck my finger on the end of it in case I couldn’t see properly and nothing.

Checked my ground from the battery which is fine, ground from condenser is fine also

So lost
 
Make sure your points are clean and the gaps are set to spec. Make sure the static timing is correct. This is a points wiring harness bike and motor right?
 
It’s actually running a Newtronics electronic ignition... although nobody has seen the bike run with this ignition, the unit is grounded fine and I can see this lights on the box itself (if I unground the unit the lights go off so can’t see that being an issue)?
 
I don't think the ignition you have needs a condenser. The unit may also just be bad. I have seen a lot of people on here with them fail.
 
Thanks all, so we have a spark! I swapped out the battery and it seems to have worked thanks for the advice!

I think you’re right it doesn’t need the condenser! So I have a spark now, 150 psi on each cylinder and carbs SHOULD be okay so will attempt to start her over the next couple of days

I’ll report back!
 
Thanks all!
Tried turning her over this morning and not a bean. A couple of questionable back fires however so think it’s possibly timing. I’m tempted to get rid of the newtronics unit and put points back on it. At least until she is running anyway!
 
The xs are well known for being poor starters.
Mate had one in the 80's when started ran fine all day but pain in the arse 15+ kicks and electric start killed battery
Points are crap so I fitted the Newtronics ignition (well got shop to do it as I had heard of fitting horror stories)
I was right

But fitted and starts 1st kick ticks over great far far better than the old points I had on
I am lucky as I have a local guy who has owned and works on old school bikes and not computers on wheels.
My suggestion is use the newtronics - worked for me
 
The xs are well known for being poor starters.
Mate had one in the 80's when started ran fine all day but pain in the arse 15+ kicks and electric start killed battery
Points are crap so I fitted the Newtronics ignition (well got shop to do it as I had heard of fitting horror stories)
I was right

But fitted and starts 1st kick ticks over great far far better than the old points I had on
I am lucky as I have a local guy who has owned and works on old school bikes and not computers on wheels.
My suggestion is use the newtronics - worked for me

I really want to keep hold of it as I’ve heard good things but I am just struggling so much to time the thing! Have you ever attempted the timing yourself?

You’re uk right, where abouts did you take your bike to?
 
as I had heard about fitting problems decide the professional to sort it - I took it to Biketec in Leicester definitely worth them fitting and timing it.

very very responsive throttle and great starter
 
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