camoky
XS400 Member
ok so back story. bought this bike 10 yrs ago. 3 yrsago I moved from Cali to utah and gave the bike to a friend since it's basically a riding project. it ran then. last month I took it back from him, he hadnt registered it and the reg fees were piling up in my name still. so now shes home and I'm looking forward to ride her again.
what I've done so far:
1) removed the carbs, 1 was pristine. 1 was so bunked up the float would t move. when I had her running 3 yrs ago she would only run on choke, now I see why. so completely tore apart the carbs, bran new jets, needle, needle seat valves. put cleaned carbs back on the bike.
2) basic tune up. new plugs, new oil, new oil filter
3) new battery
4) new ignition switch (friend I gave her to lost the keys) used to have a universal switch, new has an OEM original with fork lock
5) new start solenoid
I wasnt getting any of the idiot lights (neutral light, oil light, turn signal indicator). so I asked all of you guys. followed the suggestions, cleaned ground wires, traced wires through the loom, cleaned the fuse holders (I've got a brand new blade style fuse holder on its way) and lo and behold....dash lights! tail light!...still no headlight, but that is minor.
But she still won't start. I broke the kick starter, just the outside portion you actually kick, the clamp broke. so I just crossed the contacts on the starter solenoid. I checked for spark at the plugs and have it......so why won't she start? I've got fuel, fire, and air. what am I missing here guys?
what I've done so far:
1) removed the carbs, 1 was pristine. 1 was so bunked up the float would t move. when I had her running 3 yrs ago she would only run on choke, now I see why. so completely tore apart the carbs, bran new jets, needle, needle seat valves. put cleaned carbs back on the bike.
2) basic tune up. new plugs, new oil, new oil filter
3) new battery
4) new ignition switch (friend I gave her to lost the keys) used to have a universal switch, new has an OEM original with fork lock
5) new start solenoid
I wasnt getting any of the idiot lights (neutral light, oil light, turn signal indicator). so I asked all of you guys. followed the suggestions, cleaned ground wires, traced wires through the loom, cleaned the fuse holders (I've got a brand new blade style fuse holder on its way) and lo and behold....dash lights! tail light!...still no headlight, but that is minor.
But she still won't start. I broke the kick starter, just the outside portion you actually kick, the clamp broke. so I just crossed the contacts on the starter solenoid. I checked for spark at the plugs and have it......so why won't she start? I've got fuel, fire, and air. what am I missing here guys?