First time on this site I am hoping it will be helpfull. I have a 1980 fxef shovel. Beautyfull day yesterday. First time out this year. I had about 45 miles into the ride and bike stalled almost like I ran out of gas. There is plenty of gas in the tank. I pulled the line going into the carberator and I am getting gas. I changed the plugs (old ones look fine). The bike turnes over but won't start. I am thining it might be a fuse? any suggestions? I just want to thank the great people who let me park my bike in their driveway while I retrieved my trailer. zzogmann1

 

Checked the plugs, They look fine. I held a plug next to cylinder head and turned it over. It took a few times but adventually saw a small spark.

 

Maybe the jets are clogged with the varnish that often forms during storage.

 

Couple of quick thoughts...gas caps are vented, loosen them and see if it fires. Float, needle valve stuck, need to pull carb bowl and check. How long since last ride?

 

Bro of mine just went through what panz is describing..he literally called me from the side of the road..after a few questions, I said for the heck of it, to remove his gas cap, wait a minute, then try it....he called me back a few minutes later and said it worked...then a couple hours later he called me again, and said while he was riding home it started to cut out and stall, so he quickly reached over and unscrewed the cap, and it quickly cleared up and ran fine again...needless to say,. his vented cap, was no longer venting..(or allowing air in rather)

 

Is it kick or electric? Some ignitions delay the spark on kickstart bikes. If you still only got a small spark, I would say 1) make sure you got full 12v to coils, then 2) measure primary and secondary resistance on your coil(s) to see if they are still good. You should have had a nice big blue spark if everything was good.

 

you should have a nice fat spark off the plugs when you crank it over, i'm guessing you either have a problem with your electronic ignition (if it's still factory) or if it has been changed over, bad points and condenser.

 

ZZ, you out there??

Can we get an update??

inquiring minds want to know?..LOL

 

well, looks like he gave up after 2 posts. oh well

 

Definately getting gas so I started checking for Voltage on the coil. The coil started sizzleing. Like frying an egg. Change it out and started right up. I work long weekends friday sat and sunday 12 hours so Took a while to get back to everyone. I truly appreciate all the input. THANKS ZZOGMANN!