As the title says, I had to get recovery out to my Gixxer last night, as she wouldn't start. Sounds like there's fuel but no spark, though i'm no expert. It was certainly turning over just fine, and the tank's full.
So, what i'm after is suggestions for where I should start diagnosing the faults.
Any ideas gents?

so the starter is turning over fine and the engine is cranking but not starting!!!!!!!!!!

first of all remove each plug at a time and check for a spark,check how good a spark there is!

also check for signs of fuel,are the plugs soaked or bone dry!!!this will help indicate if there is any fuel!

is it possible you have flooded the engine from poor starting technique?

if this is the case the plugs will show signs of being soaked.


william

I'm pretty sure I didn't flood it, though I can't confirm that since I've no idea how to get at the plugs!! I gave it a good hour last night between attempts at starting.

However, I tried it again today on the off chance, and the bloody thing started up first time!

I suspect it may have something to do with it being damp from the rain, in conjunction with being washed. Having had time to dry out, it started up first time.
If this is the case, does that help narrow things down a bit?

if it was something to do with the rain and being washed then that would indicate a electrical fault......

possibly water has got into the cdi unit and there has been no spark whilst trying to start the bike,or a weak spark.

has the bike ever ran funny whilst out in the rain?

for future reference learn how to gain access to the plugs so if it happens again,you can do the simple check of telling whether there is a good strong spark,if any at all.


william

To be honest, i've only been out in a light shower so far, so it's certainly possible.
I did check the CDI, which appeared to be dry, but I didn't check the HT leads, which is where I suspect the fault lies.
I'll pick up an allen key tomorrow and have a bit of a look under the seat etc.. Suffice to say, i'll be covering the bike while it's stood outside!

if you suspect the fault to be with the ht leads simply remove a plug and see if it is sparking,and what condition the spark is!!!!


william

Indeed, that would have been the first thing i'd checked, had I had the tools at hand.
I ran it to work this morning, and it seems to be just fine so i'll have to see how it goes.

the fact it was fine this morning would indicate a intermittent fault which is usually all the time electrical.....

if it happens again then check plugs and also make a note of if it's wet.......





william

Well, looks like this bike doesn't like me! She wouldn't start again this morning.

Looks like i'll have to get the plugs checked. What do I do if there's a good spark?

if there is a good spark,next check is fuel,is it getting to the carbs or cylinders!!!!

does the choke work?

the last time you started the bike with the choke did the revs go up quite a bit?

william