1984 Honda Interceptor VF 750 F V45 (intermittent spark)

[luis.cubero]

I currently own a 1984 Honda Interceptor VF750F/V45. A few days ago, I tried to start the bike and after a few tries, it ran for a half minute. After checking for a fuel, carb or spark plug problem in which those parts seemed to be okay, I conducted a dynamic test in which the result of that test was an intermittent spark (it would spark for a few seconds then it would stop sparking). I'm on a limited budget (being in the Army doesn't pay as much as I'd like) and I'm wondering if anyone with knowlege on this matter can help identify the problem. The bike sounds like it wants to start but it either will run for a few seconds or won't start at all. Thanks for helping me ride again.
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1911

[Kickstart]

Hi

When it sparks / stops sparking does it do so on all cylinders?

If it stops on a single cylinder then that tends to point to a faulty HT lead or spark plug. It is possibly worth putting some new plugs in anyway before you do much more.

If it stops on 2 cylinders, then check if those cylinders share a coil. If so the there is a good chance the coil has gone bad, or the wiring to that coil has broken. Depending on the ignition system this could also indicate a faulty ignition pickup or CDI unit, but the coil is most likely.

If it is all 4 cylinders then the chances are it is the ignition pickup, the CDI unit or the wiring to the CDI (including wiring the the ignition switch and / or kill switch).

All the best

Keith
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