Curvy won't start

I haven't used my bike for some time. Went to fire it up and it just won't start.

So far, I've checked:

- Battery is fine, starter motor works fine.
- Fuel is fine (took spark plugs out, cleaned, back in, tried starting, moist again).
- Spark - nope!

So I've been through checking a few things. Neither HT lead produces a spark (gosh it's a pain getting to the front one!).

I've checked the HT pack, and it seems OK - both primary and secondary resistances appear OK.

I do get around 13.4V on the positive to ground when the ignition is on, however, I don't have a maximum voltage checker so can't be sure if they're getting enough volts to get the spark going.

What is strange is that it was absolutely fine a few months ago, and now nothing.

As I'm not getting a spark on either HT lead, I guess it's more likely the problem's further up the ignition path. I've checked the fuse, etc, and all the obvious faults to my eyes are OK.

I am armed with the Haynes manual (and I've followed the diagnostics step to that point), but don't really know how to go further as I don't have any specialist tools.

Any recommendations on what to check?

Quick question: should any of the trip switches be faulty, am I right in assuming they'd stop the starter motor from cranking, so if it's turning over, it's not going to be a kill switch somewhere?

TIA
Xav

Right, I think it's an electrics problem.
I do have a wierd issue with the front indicators. When they're plugged in, I get the "sidelight" light on the front flashing!. Also, the front lights don't come on. Wonder if there's a short somewhere that could be interfering with the ignition electrics.

It would be worth pulling connectors apart and cleaning them up, and checking as much wiring as you can see to make sure that there are no splits etc that may be shorting.

Thanks Rich

[embee]

Classic areas for wiring harness problems on the curvey is behind both the rider seat bolts which project through and can hit the wiring hiding behind, and under the pillion seat in the cubby box on the left side of the bike towards the rear where the harness bends round a frame bracket on the way back to the ignition module in the tail.

I'm now wondering if the Datatool System 3 immobiliser could have something to do with it.

Strangely, if I disconnect the front indicators bulbs, then turning on the indies makes the sidelight flash! Disconnect them then the rears flash twice as fast (as expected) but the front sidelight doesn't anymore.

However, arming and disarming the Datatool makes the rears flash normally. If I connect the front indicators, then doing the on/off on the Datatool still keeps the rears flashing normally, but nothing on the fronts.

I've been through most connectors, but can't see anything obvious. Clutch switch is a bit dicky, but sorted that out.

Ideally, I'd need a peak voltage to measure the voltage on the ignition coils, etc. I might make one up as the commercial ones seem to cost a fortune for what is very basic stuff.

Also, can anyone with a curvy S / faired confirm how the normal headlights work. Should only one come on in dipped beam, but both on in full beam? Mine seems to behave like that (when it works!) but looking at the Haynes, all EU models have both front lights wired identically in parallel; only the German models differ. But I have a UK bike. Confused...

Hmm.
I think there are two separate issues: one being a general dodgy electrical connection / short somewhere and an ignition problem.

After a lot of fustration taking the bike to bits to get to the various connectors, the girlfriend came out and twiddled something and all the electrics started behaving themselves!

However, still no spark.

Doing some more searching, I really do suspect the alarm being the problem. I did see http://www.sonicsideshow.com/2/post/...cle-alarm.html where there's one comment about having no spark, so wonder if I have the same issue. Of course, bypassing the alarm isn't easy so will look at that tomorrow with a fresh mind (and less tired fingers!)

these alarms are a pain in the ass..

OK some progress.
The dodgy electrics were (partly?) caused by the 12 pin connector going to the instrument cluster. Waggling that about sorts the lights / indicator issues.

Alarm has now been removed. Initial dealer install was very tidy and wasn't too painful removing. I've added tags to all the cables so can put it back in if I want. But the bike's not worth that much nowadays...

However, it still doesn't start

I'm running out of ideas now. I might just have to bite the bullet and take it to a mechanic unless someone can offer any extra pointers?

Morin Pal,
Catching up on this now correct me but this is what I read.

1 - Battery Tested and all good
Have you topped this up again? You will drain them very quickly when messing with electrics.
2 - Loom checked for issues and all good
3 - Connectors all removed cleaned and gt85'd to be put back together.
4 - Alarm removed

Does that about cover it?
If so then its proberbly time to start lmiiting the areas where problems can occur. Disconnect the 2 pin connector heading to the clutch switch, strip these wires and twist them together.

Try ignition >
Works= YEY!
Doenst work = Find the connector heading down to the side stand, usually a 2 pin green connector around the back of the frame where the subframe mounts (consult the wiring diagram in your haynes to be certain). Chop and bare these wires twisting them together like you did the clutch ones.

Works= YEY!
Doenst work = report back with an update and we'll take it from there.